I love running along the river in Ogden and this weekend did not disappoint. But before I went running a did what I’d call a mounted patrol up the Ogden to see what I could see. After all, the canyon was closed earlier this week due to a portion of the road being washed away. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to go up so I just went to confirm that it was still closed. But it was open so I went on up to see.

The first thing I noticed was the waterfall. The picture doesn’t do justice to the strength with which it’s running because it looks a little misty and isn’t very wide but the rumbling and cold mist blowing on your face lets you know that there’s plenty of water coming down.

The road has been patched but the patched area, while only a few feet long, has caused the whole lane to be closed for about a hundred yards. My guess is that it’ll be that way until a proper permanent fix can be installed when the water subsides. Good job putting in a safe remedy Team Ogden City.

The question I kept asking as I drove up was, “Is this going to happen again at another point in the road?” Only the professionals can answer that but as my pictures show there is still plenty of water coming down and in spots it’s getting awfully close to the road and to adjacent houses.

Of course, I had to go look at the reservoir as well. I wasn’t sure what I was going to see but I really wasn’t expecting the mud hole of a lake that was there. Sorry, I didn’t take any pictures but let it be said that this is the lowest I think I’ve ever seen this place. I lived here for four and a half years now and I’ve seen it low at the end of summer the last two years but this weekend was even more bleak than those last years. I hope the pros really know what they’re doing and we don’t end up with an empty reservoir all summer long.

Next stop: running along the Ogden River Path

I started my run from the north side of 12th street and took the tunnel under the road to start my run westward. It goes without saying that this was the highest I’d ever seen the river and was immediately met with some standing water, sandbags, and a flooded picnic table. It’s going to be a bit longer until all the tables along the river are operational folks.

But spring is beautiful in these parts. The Utah State Botanical Gardens was in great form and running along its borders smelled great. I was happy to see plenty of folks visiting that site and a handful of walkers, runners, and families sharing the trail with me.

I had a great run and was reminded of all the good rewards of a jaunt under the sun: my head clears, physical strengthening, mental inspiration (I had several great ideas come to me about work and family life), strengthened resolve, and a relaxed soul. Why do you run?

My route on Strave is here.

-tro