You never know what kind of adventures will befall a pirate once she sets out on the open seas roads. I was going to run home from work today. It's 5 miles home- taking the most direct route. The sun was out, it was 55 degrees (we got out 2 hours early, so I had a sunshine/warmer advantage that I usually don't), and the road was calling to me. I was already feeling great because we'd gotten out 2 hours early and it's the start of our 10 days of spring break. I wasn't sure the day could improve. As I started running home, I realized one aspect of my perfect running trifecta was amiss....the wind...it was very, very windy. Which is a good thing for setting sail on a trip to spring break land, but wasn't very exciting as I tried to run into it. I thought of RAD and her blustery run on Saturday that she pushed though for 30+ miles, and realized I really couldn't complain. At mile 3 I decided it was just too nice outside to head home, so I took a detour that took me along the cypress lake with the beaver dam, the burned down house, and the cattle ranch. It added another 5 miles onto my total route, so I ran a total of 5. From mile 5 to 8.5, it was straight into the blustery wind. When I finally turned at mile 8.5, and the wind was behind me, I felt like I was on top of the world. Then, around mile 9, I saw a 7 turkey vultures in the field to my left. I was contemplating what kind of dead critter they were after when I had to stop in my tracks at one of the most beautiful sights. The mother of all pirate booty-loot lay there shining with the sunlight gleaming off the metal. Of course it was coming home with me! 
Yes buccaneers, it was adjustable cane. In fine shape, if I say so myself. I shoved the bottom of it down the back of my shorts (so the liner would keep it from sliding out) (and I did have capri running pants on under my shorts as well) and started for home. I soon realized I needed to secure the top of the cane as well, so I took off my reflective jacket and used it to hold the cane against my back. I was on my way home and didn't mind the handle banging against my head, because hey, we all have to sacrifice for the better good. It did occur to me after a few good knocks to the head that the cane was adjustable and so I fiddled with it a little and made it shorter, thus eliminating the head beating I was taking. When I was almost home, it occurred to me that perhaps, the owner of the cane was the dead critter those vultures were eating, and it made me a little sad. But they won't be needing the cane either way ;-) I'm sure this is just an omen about what an awesome spectacular spring break I'm going to have. A wonderful run, a delightful treasure, and 10 miles worth of sunshine of my shoulders. No pains from those niggles either. It's a beautiful day in the life of a pirate. And lest I forget, here's the race photo for the day today. It's me on the bridge over the Anacostia river into Southeast Washington DC. Not a place I'd normally head on foot by myself anytime of day, but fun when you're with Terri and Ann (and Miss America too). If I remember correctly, we'd just passed by the stadium on South Capitol Street where the Washington Nationals play baseball. Anacostia Naval Annex/Bolling AFB is in the background.
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