The Northern Loop Trail is an approximately 40-mile route in Mt. Rainier National Park. As Ron and I drove past Buck Creek – where we ran the White River 50 Mile Race two weeks ago – under cloudy skies, we wondered what kind of weather we’d have. Pulling into the Sunrise parking lot, the skies were clear and the temps cold. The run starts at 6,700 ft and descends to the edge of the Winthrop Glacier, then climbs to Mystic Lake. The lake was full of tadpoles and Ron told me of a bird that walks underwater to feed. The route then drops into Moraine Park, and borders the Carbon Glacier, into Seattle Park to the suspension bridge. This section was packed with hikers (think Tiger Tradition Trail times 10!). We stopped and chatted with a few hikers who were hiking the Wonderland. It was interesting asking what day they were on and how far they were going that day. They were equally impressed when we told them what we were up to. One group of hikers even applauded us as we ran by. The route then descends into the clouds and becomes forest. We then started the first of two 3,000+ ft. climbs, emerging out of the clouds and into the meadows. Yellowstone Cliffs and Windy Gap were full of flowers and there were tons of butterflies and the marmots were scurrying around and whistling frequently. We made a side trip to the natural bridge, which looked like it belonged in Utah. The next descent was down a gnarly trail to the White River. Then the second 3,000+ ft. climb emerges into Grand and Berkeley Parks, again full of flowers and finishes back at Sunrise. Ron guessed that elevation gain to be 10,000 ft. When we finished his Suunto altimeter displayed 9,990. I am fortunate to have shared this run with Ron. On the drive up, he told me that he had accepted a job in Anchorage, and leaves the day after CCC 100. He probably won’t be back in Seattle until the Fat Ass 50 in January. I’m losing another of a long list of running buddies who have recently moved. : ( Photos with (RN) were taken by Ron.