Honestly a spectacular day.
Took my buddy Petey on his longest run ever! Early on I had a sneaking suspicion this run would be longer than 46 miles, and I clocked us at 49, so use that info wisely (and don’t tell your friend you drug along with you!). Lots of water right now from all the recent rains, so no problems filling up. I chose the clockwise direction, which I highly recommend for a lot of reasons (safety being most of them - ending in the front country on well-maintained trail, most of which has signal). The back half was in good shape, but did encounter a few significant washouts (likely recent) that we routed around. The first climb (and the whole run, honestly) is NO JOKE, but what a spectacular loop. Between the hot springs, fantastic water features, creepy abandoned mines, and badass dam, plus getting to see quite literally every major trail system in the Ynez area - cannot recommend this route enough. Get out there!
*supported, because our buddies Jake and Challis surprised us completely by showing up at Cottam Camp and ran with us up to the start of 9 Trails, but didn’t take any aid from them, and l led the run so as to not be influenced by their pacing. (I still try to be a purist!!!) What a sweet surprise seeing them back there, though!