What gift do I want for my birthday? To be healthy and active enough to run in one of the most scenic places on earth. I ask so little!  Today my wish came true.

Very unusual weather this October.  We've had 2 snowstorms already this month.  Another large one is today -- light snow starting around noon continuing thru noon tomorrow. So at 1pm I head off for my standard maintenance run.  4 miles round trip to the old bridge, using the bike trail inside the park to make a loop. It's been snowing steadily as I head out.

The bike path into the park.  Maybe 2 sets of footprints in the snow, but I see no one the entire run.  The park is mine today, all mine alone!! Did I mention I forgot to bring my bear spray with me?

Downstream from the new-new bridge.  (That is intentional and is not fake news!)

Upstream from the bridge.  In the summer this is the whitewater rafting takeout spot for Glacier Raft Co.

27 degrees is shorts weather. I always say if ya got the legs then flaunt 'em.

I'm not sure why I stopped, but I did at this point and looked back up the trail. The texture of the snow covered leaves pattern, the red leaves, the whole trail is brilliant. No better birthday present exists .... though some well aged scotches are competitive.

Looking back at the new-new bridge.

Looking forward to the old bridge.  Magnificent.

Kinda hard to read the park service sign about the bridge history today.

Downstream.

Upstream.  Yes it's okay to say WOW!

An incredible birthday present ... but then again I am blessed to be able to run this 4 or 5 times a week. No two days are ever the same.