This is the Pee Tree. It is approximately 3.5 miles into the North/South Palouse River Road Loop. Usually, I pee before I start out for a run. Several times. Despite this, I usually have to pee again about 3 seconds into my run. I am well aware that the likelihood of actually producing more than a teaspoon of urine at this point is quite low, but my bladder unfailingly feels like an overfull water balloon on a pogo stick by mile 1. I'm not sure how the minuscule amount of urine that could possibly be left in my body after such intense bathroom planning can translate into such an urgent need, but I'm telling you, it does. Hence, the Pee Tree.
Even if I don't have to pee, by the time I get close to the Pee Tree, its like some primordial Pavlovian response kicks in, and just picturing its majestic branches suddenly finds me wishing I had worn adult protection. I often hope that there are no occupants in that birdhouse. If a bird suddenly flew out of that puppy while I was utilizing the Pee Tree, goodness knows what a mess that would be.
Thank you Pee Tree, for all you do. I hope your needles remain evergreen, after the abuse you have suffered during my training.
