Bighorn 2007 by Lynn Ballard

Joe P is here, now we can start! Stuart S in green, Ricky P in doorway, Amanda P with back to camera

2009-02-11T09:49:16Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Joe P is here, now we can start! Stuart S in green, Ricky P in doorway, Amanda P with back to camera

Stuart S meets Ricky and Amanda at race check-in

2009-02-11T09:49:37Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Stuart S meets Ricky and Amanda at race check-in

Robert H (wearing cap), with Joe P overlooking drop bag check in procedures

2009-02-11T09:52:56Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Robert H (wearing cap), with Joe P overlooking drop bag check in procedures

Joe P blows the field away with his waterproof drop bags

2009-02-11T09:49:15Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Joe P blows the field away with his waterproof drop bags

Diana H has everything in order

2009-06-25T23:07:11Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Diana H has everything in order

Ricky and Amanda waiting for the start

2009-02-11T09:49:27Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Ricky and Amanda waiting for the start

Lynn and Ed patiently waiting...

2009-06-25T23:05:10Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Lynn and Ed patiently waiting...

Lynn and Ed not-so-patiently waiting...

2009-02-11T09:52:27Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Lynn and Ed not-so-patiently waiting...

As usual, Matt C has everyone's attention

2009-02-11T09:51:51Z

North Texas Trail Runners
As usual, Matt C has everyone's attention

National Anthem...nice!

2009-06-25T23:05:58Z

North Texas Trail Runners
National Anthem...nice!

David Horton offers blessings on Bighorners - also nice!

2009-02-11T09:53:41Z

North Texas Trail Runners
David Horton offers blessings on Bighorners - also nice!

Slammin' Sammy V (in blue w/straw hat) cooly awaits the GO!

2009-02-11T09:53:11Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Slammin' Sammy V (in blue w/straw hat) cooly awaits the GO!

Wait for it...

2009-02-11T09:50:04Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Wait for it...

OK, go already!

2009-02-11T09:49:40Z

North Texas Trail Runners
OK, go already!

Matt C showing good early form...Bighorn beauty unfolds before we even hit the trailhead!

2009-02-11T09:54:02Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Matt C showing good early form...Bighorn beauty unfolds before we even hit the trailhead!

More of Matt C's backside...

2009-02-11T09:49:27Z

North Texas Trail Runners
More of Matt C's backside...

Amanda, Ricky and others begin to spread out along the Tongue River Canyon Road before the single track trek up the canyon

2009-06-25T23:03:56Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Amanda, Ricky and others begin to spread out along the Tongue River Canyon Road before the single track trek up the canyon

Hoodoos watch over those who enter the canyon...

2009-02-11T09:51:05Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Hoodoos watch over those who enter the canyon...

Amanda taking in the trail as the river sounds fill our ears...

2009-02-11T09:49:55Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Amanda taking in the trail as the river sounds fill our ears...

OK, the always popular self-portrait...

2009-06-25T23:06:27Z

North Texas Trail Runners
OK, the always popular self-portrait...

Matt C and I will trade places all day...

2009-02-11T09:50:59Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Matt C and I will trade places all day...

Still in the Tongue River Canyon, we can't believe our eyes...Amanda still taking it all in...

2009-02-11T09:51:39Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Still in the Tongue River Canyon, we can't believe our eyes...Amanda still taking it all in...

Matt C hamming for the camera...

2009-02-11T09:52:43Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Matt C hamming for the camera...

Amanda and Ricky moving well early as we move from the Tongue Creek drainage up toward Horse Creek Ridge.

2009-02-11T09:49:55Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Amanda and Ricky moving well early as we move from the Tongue Creek drainage up toward Horse Creek Ridge.

We move above the creeks and rivers to the ridges...still lots of climbing before the first aid station

2009-02-11T09:53:43Z

North Texas Trail Runners
We move above the creeks and rivers to the ridges...still lots of climbing before the first aid station

We enjoy good cloud cover and fairly cool temps as we move into the hotter part of the day on Friday...Ricky and Amanda continue to blaze a path for me

2009-02-11T09:51:54Z

North Texas Trail Runners
We enjoy good cloud cover and fairly cool temps as we move into the hotter part of the day on Friday...Ricky and Amanda continue to blaze a path for me

As we move out of drainage into the high meadow, we begin to understand the enormity of the task ahead.

2009-06-25T23:19:08Z

North Texas Trail Runners
As we move out of drainage into the high meadow, we begin to understand the enormity of the task ahead.

Backs of runners become small dots on the trail above us...the field spreads out nicely

2009-02-11T09:50:51Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Backs of runners become small dots on the trail above us...the field spreads out nicely

The horizon appears to be swallowing my fellow runners ahead.

2009-02-11T09:50:26Z

North Texas Trail Runners
The horizon appears to be swallowing my fellow runners ahead.

Runners on the trail ahead...how many can you pick out? It gives a lot of perspective as to the bigness of the Bighorns

2009-02-11T09:53:18Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Runners on the trail ahead...how many can you pick out? It gives a lot of perspective as to the bigness of the Bighorns

Looking back down into the Tongue River canyon from a point approaching the top of Horse Creek Ridge

2009-06-25T23:03:30Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Looking back down into the Tongue River canyon from a point approaching the top of Horse Creek Ridge

...well, maybe not THAT near the top of Horse Creek Ridge.

2009-06-25T22:59:38Z

North Texas Trail Runners
...well, maybe not THAT near the top of Horse Creek Ridge.

Does anyone know if Matt C has ever met a stranger?

2009-06-25T23:08:17Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Does anyone know if Matt C has ever met a stranger?

Matt C exits the canyon for higher ground...all smiles!

2009-06-25T23:05:37Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Matt C exits the canyon for higher ground...all smiles!

Still climbing...Fence Spring not much further ahead...

2009-02-11T09:49:41Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Still climbing...Fence Spring not much further ahead...

Another self portrait as we move above Fence Spring...

2009-06-25T23:15:05Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Another self portrait as we move above Fence Spring...

Bighorn's signature...wildflowers!

2009-02-11T09:49:37Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Bighorn's signature...wildflowers!

This is big country!

2009-06-25T23:03:02Z

North Texas Trail Runners
This is big country!

One last look back down at Tongue River Canyon...or at least for today. I dare not think about when I'll be back here on the return from Porcupine...wouldn't that jinx it?

2009-02-11T09:49:33Z

North Texas Trail Runners
One last look back down at Tongue River Canyon...or at least for today. I dare not think about when I'll be back here on the return from Porcupine...wouldn't that jinx it?

Finally, atop Horse Creek Ridge and almost in the clouds.

2009-02-11T09:51:32Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Finally, atop Horse Creek Ridge and almost in the clouds.

Down "The Haul" dropping into the Upper Sheep Creek crossing...almost 8 miles into the run.

2009-02-11T09:50:27Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Down "The Haul" dropping into the Upper Sheep Creek crossing...almost 8 miles into the run.

Matt C leads me down the single track

2009-02-11T09:49:31Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Matt C leads me down the single track

...Matt C at Upper Sheep Creek crossing...nice footwork on the footbridge.

2009-02-11T09:53:20Z

North Texas Trail Runners
...Matt C at Upper Sheep Creek crossing...nice footwork on the footbridge.

Beautiful single track along Upper Sheep Creek

2009-02-11T09:51:33Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Beautiful single track along Upper Sheep Creek

Over my shoulder, over Matt C's shoulder...the Haul...again, not ready to think about coming back through here tomorrow!

2009-02-11T09:52:00Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Over my shoulder, over Matt C's shoulder...the Haul...again, not ready to think about coming back through here tomorrow!

One last look back at "The Haul" prior to dropping in to the Upper Sheep Creek aid station at mile 8.

2009-02-11T09:50:39Z

North Texas Trail Runners
One last look back at "The Haul" prior to dropping in to the Upper Sheep Creek aid station at mile 8.

Amanda and Ricky lingered at the Upper Sheep Creek aid station...mmmmm, very large delicious SHRIMP at this stop! ...a good place to linger!

2009-06-25T23:05:00Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Amanda and Ricky lingered at the Upper Sheep Creek aid station...mmmmm, very large delicious SHRIMP at this stop! ...a good place to linger!

More wildflowers and rolling single track as we push on toward Camp Creek Ridge

2009-06-25T23:11:55Z

North Texas Trail Runners
More wildflowers and rolling single track as we push on toward Camp Creek Ridge

Looking ahead at the "runner ribbon", snaking it's way through the Bighorns

2009-02-11T09:51:42Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Looking ahead at the "runner ribbon", snaking it's way through the Bighorns

Atop Camp Creek Ridge, just over 12 miles and 7,800 feet, we begin to anticipate our drop bags and the friendly faces at Dry Fork Ridge.

2009-06-25T23:10:22Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Atop Camp Creek Ridge, just over 12 miles and 7,800 feet, we begin to anticipate our drop bags and the friendly faces at Dry Fork Ridge.

Same picture as the last one, only with me in it!

2009-06-25T23:08:04Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Same picture as the last one, only with me in it!

We hit Freeze Out Road to drop into Dry Fork Ridge aid station

2009-02-11T09:52:09Z

North Texas Trail Runners
We hit Freeze Out Road to drop into Dry Fork Ridge aid station

Henry H looking on as Stuart S slathers up his toes for the stretch to Footbridge...

2009-06-25T23:07:00Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Henry H looking on as Stuart S slathers up his toes for the stretch to Footbridge...

Wait, I thought four wheel road was supposed to be better footing than single track! Henry H pushing to make up lost time from doubling back for his jacket.

2009-02-11T09:52:05Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Wait, I thought four wheel road was supposed to be better footing than single track! Henry H pushing to make up lost time from doubling back for his jacket.

Looking back up to the Dry Fork Ridge aid station...this will NOT be fun tomorrow on the return!

2009-02-11T09:51:29Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Looking back up to the Dry Fork Ridge aid station...this will NOT be fun tomorrow on the return!

A big storm pumped high winds and dumped snow on this area the weekend before the race...winds reported at 70+ MPH left thousands of trees in the wake...

2009-02-11T09:51:35Z

North Texas Trail Runners
A big storm pumped high winds and dumped snow on this area the weekend before the race...winds reported at 70+ MPH left thousands of trees in the wake...

We approach Kern's Cow Camp aid station, mile 19.5 and 6,600 feet

2009-02-11T09:49:40Z

North Texas Trail Runners
We approach Kern's Cow Camp aid station, mile 19.5 and 6,600 feet

Just a few of the many wildflowers along the trail

2009-02-11T09:51:38Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Just a few of the many wildflowers along the trail

More flowers...

2009-02-11T09:50:31Z

North Texas Trail Runners
More flowers...

Some of the rolling single track between Cow Camp and Bear Camp...

2009-06-25T23:13:33Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Some of the rolling single track between Cow Camp and Bear Camp...

The clouds played tag with us all day on Friday...some below us!

2009-02-11T09:50:49Z

North Texas Trail Runners
The clouds played tag with us all day on Friday...some below us!

This trail offers a little bit of everything.

2009-06-25T23:10:13Z

North Texas Trail Runners
This trail offers a little bit of everything.

We skirt the east face of the Dry Fork Canyon on this 7 mile section of fantastic single track between Cow Camp and Bear Camp

2009-02-11T09:49:59Z

North Texas Trail Runners
We skirt the east face of the Dry Fork Canyon on this 7 mile section of fantastic single track between Cow Camp and Bear Camp

One of the more remote aid stations, Bear Camp aid station boasts a warm reception regardless of it's lack of creature comforts.

2009-02-11T09:50:47Z

North Texas Trail Runners
One of the more remote aid stations, Bear Camp aid station boasts a warm reception regardless of it's lack of creature comforts.

When the Little Bighorn Canyon finally shows herself, she really gets our attention! Immediately out of Bear Hunting Camp aid station, we begin a screaming descent (2,000 feet in 3 miles) i ...

2009-02-11T09:46:18Z

North Texas Trail Runners
When the Little Bighorn Canyon finally shows herself, she really gets our attention! Immediately out of Bear Hunting Camp aid station, we begin a screaming descent (2,000 feet in 3 miles) i ...

Looking West, across Little Bighorn Canyon.

2009-06-25T23:14:12Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Looking West, across Little Bighorn Canyon.

I recapture Matt C's backside as we move lower into the canyon

2009-02-11T09:49:26Z

North Texas Trail Runners
I recapture Matt C's backside as we move lower into the canyon

Still descending to Footbridge, I cannot believe the beauty of this part of the world

2009-06-25T23:08:01Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Still descending to Footbridge, I cannot believe the beauty of this part of the world

Out of Footbridge aid station, we have another canyon we must negotiate...only this one will take us way into the night...No more pictures until Saturday...

2009-02-11T09:49:35Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Out of Footbridge aid station, we have another canyon we must negotiate...only this one will take us way into the night...No more pictures until Saturday...

...joy comes in the morning! This is on the return trip from Porcupine, near Spring Marsh, looking down into the Little Bighorn Canyon

2009-02-11T09:51:11Z

North Texas Trail Runners
...joy comes in the morning! This is on the return trip from Porcupine, near Spring Marsh, looking down into the Little Bighorn Canyon

Joy comes in the morning! Part II...looking at the sun coming up over a bank of cloud hovering above the Little Bighorn River...

2009-06-25T23:10:34Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Joy comes in the morning! Part II...looking at the sun coming up over a bank of cloud hovering above the Little Bighorn River...

Joe P and Lynn B at awards breakfast, I owe my race to Joe!

2009-02-11T09:50:59Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Joe P and Lynn B at awards breakfast, I owe my race to Joe!

Here's Stuart S on Sunday morning...posing for this picture when he should have been checking in for his flight back to Houston!

2009-02-11T09:52:55Z

North Texas Trail Runners
Here's Stuart S on Sunday morning...posing for this picture when he should have been checking in for his flight back to Houston!

And here's your's truly, one happy camper!

2009-02-11T09:53:47Z

North Texas Trail Runners
And here's your's truly, one happy camper!

North Texas Trail Runners' photo

2009-06-25T23:05:44Z

North Texas Trail Runners

North Texas Trail Runners' photo

2009-06-25T23:13:23Z

North Texas Trail Runners

North Texas Trail Runners' photo

2009-02-11T09:52:46Z

North Texas Trail Runners