Training Log Archive: BashIn the 31 days ending Dec 31, 2020:
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Thursday Dec 31, 2020 #
11 AM
XC Skiing - Skate (Groomed Trail) 1:00:14 10.85 km (10.8 kph) +203m
For a change of pace, 'Bent and I went to Scenic Caves for a skate ski.
It seems that cross-country ski clubs are permitted to approach Covid Lockdown in different ways. Highlands Nordic has a detailed, online Covid screening questionnaire and registration for contact tracing that everyone needs to complete before they're allowed into the parking lot. People are only allowed into the building to use washrooms. There is takeout food available outdoors. Day passes are available. Snowshoe rentals are offered but not ski rentals so most people on the trails are skiers at some level.
Scenic Caves normally relies more on tourists since they're beside Blue Mountain. They decided to halt sales of day passes and season passes. The only people allowed on the trails are the ones who had already bought season passes. This reduces the number of out-of-towners and novice skiers. Their buildings are closed but there are porta-potties. I feel bad for the money they're losing but the skiing was very pleasant compared to normal Christmas holidays, when the trails are usually busy. I only encountered a few other people.
We have a rule that when we go to Scenic Caves, we have to skate ski for 30 minutes before we're allowed to switch to classic. Today we planned our first skate ski of the season to last an hour. I usually count my first 30-minute skate ski of the season as level 5 intensity because I'm not good at it. My small triumph today was that I wasn't exhausted by starting the season with a full hour, and it was a mix of Levels 3 and 4. I think The Rule has finally made me feel more comfortable with skating. That said, I *did* crash on flat terrain within the first 60 seconds. All that glide wax and no grip, lol!
Nice day! As one of my friends said about tonight: "Let's all stay up until midnight on the 31st to make sure 2020 moves the hell out." :)
It seems that cross-country ski clubs are permitted to approach Covid Lockdown in different ways. Highlands Nordic has a detailed, online Covid screening questionnaire and registration for contact tracing that everyone needs to complete before they're allowed into the parking lot. People are only allowed into the building to use washrooms. There is takeout food available outdoors. Day passes are available. Snowshoe rentals are offered but not ski rentals so most people on the trails are skiers at some level.
Scenic Caves normally relies more on tourists since they're beside Blue Mountain. They decided to halt sales of day passes and season passes. The only people allowed on the trails are the ones who had already bought season passes. This reduces the number of out-of-towners and novice skiers. Their buildings are closed but there are porta-potties. I feel bad for the money they're losing but the skiing was very pleasant compared to normal Christmas holidays, when the trails are usually busy. I only encountered a few other people.
We have a rule that when we go to Scenic Caves, we have to skate ski for 30 minutes before we're allowed to switch to classic. Today we planned our first skate ski of the season to last an hour. I usually count my first 30-minute skate ski of the season as level 5 intensity because I'm not good at it. My small triumph today was that I wasn't exhausted by starting the season with a full hour, and it was a mix of Levels 3 and 4. I think The Rule has finally made me feel more comfortable with skating. That said, I *did* crash on flat terrain within the first 60 seconds. All that glide wax and no grip, lol!
Nice day! As one of my friends said about tonight: "Let's all stay up until midnight on the 31st to make sure 2020 moves the hell out." :)
8 PM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 1:24:23 [1] 3.95 km (21:22 / km) +74m 19:32 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Unlike most aspects of our lives lately, New Year's Eve was pretty much normal for 'Bent and me. First the Doughtys dropped by and we shared dinner and conversation around a campfire.
Then 'Bent, AdventureDog and I went snowshoeing out back with our new neighbours. Two of them were novice snowshoers so it was more about chatting and enjoying the snowy forest than going places. We walked them home and they popped open some champagne to drink in the driveway. Welcome to 2021!
Then 'Bent, AdventureDog and I went snowshoeing out back with our new neighbours. Two of them were novice snowshoers so it was more about chatting and enjoying the snowy forest than going places. We walked them home and they popped open some champagne to drink in the driveway. Welcome to 2021!
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020 #
12 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:20:00 [2] 5.35 km (4.0 kph) +110m
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
'Bent, BazingaDog, AdventureDog and I went for a ski to give the electrician his space. We can't take the dogs on the Kolapore ski trails so we skied across fields and forests, on the Bruce Trail and on part of the new snowshoe trail near the Kolapore Church parking lot. We headed off a large group of hikers with dogs who were crossing over to walk on the ski trail. We had a nice blizzard for half the morning so the trails had been freshened up nicely.
This is what happens when you take off your skis.
As you can see, skijoring is more exercise for 'Bent than for the dogs.
[Adjusted time/distance because I turned watch off and didn't turn it back on right away.]
This is what happens when you take off your skis.
As you can see, skijoring is more exercise for 'Bent than for the dogs.
[Adjusted time/distance because I turned watch off and didn't turn it back on right away.]
4 PM
Trekking 1:04:30 [1] 4.39 km (14:41 / km) +58m 13:46 / km
I had great plans for the CMTR Xmas City Scavenger Hunt challenge where we get points for finding different types of Christmas decorations - snowflakes, wreaths, reindeer, etc. Coach LD, Goose and 'Bent were going to accompany me on a cold night with snow crunching beneath our feet and stars sparkling above. The Festival of Lights competition in Clarksburg would be top notch because it's a village of art galleries and a theatre, so of *course* its residents would put on a good show.
Well, it was nothing like that. The weather kept getting in the way of us meeting the Doughtys so I just went on my own shortly before sunset today. It was drizzling when I started walking around town. Some of the roads were icy. Almost no one was out. There were no Griswold-style houses with over-the-top decorations to earn me lots of points. In fact, lots of houses were undecorated or just had a wreath and a string of white lights. The festival goes to Jan. 2 but I think people have decided it's over. Even the house with the "Best Inflatables" award had *zero* inflatables. I think I could have scored more points by standing still in Timato's front yard and just looking around.
Even so, I managed to get the maximum points, mostly by diligent counting of wreaths and snowflakes. I did have some good finds like Santa in his sleigh with 8 tiny reindeer. The minimum time of 1 hour seemed to crawl by. On a happier note, I bought buttertarts on my way to town. :)
Winner of the "Most Creative" award.
Well, it was nothing like that. The weather kept getting in the way of us meeting the Doughtys so I just went on my own shortly before sunset today. It was drizzling when I started walking around town. Some of the roads were icy. Almost no one was out. There were no Griswold-style houses with over-the-top decorations to earn me lots of points. In fact, lots of houses were undecorated or just had a wreath and a string of white lights. The festival goes to Jan. 2 but I think people have decided it's over. Even the house with the "Best Inflatables" award had *zero* inflatables. I think I could have scored more points by standing still in Timato's front yard and just looking around.
Even so, I managed to get the maximum points, mostly by diligent counting of wreaths and snowflakes. I did have some good finds like Santa in his sleigh with 8 tiny reindeer. The minimum time of 1 hour seemed to crawl by. On a happier note, I bought buttertarts on my way to town. :)
Winner of the "Most Creative" award.
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Groomed Trail) 1:17:38 [3] 11.83 km (9.1 kph) +223m
Another snowy night!
'Bent and I went to Highlands Nordic to pick up the season passes we bought before the pandemic, which feels like a few years ago.
I ran into Coach LD as I was getting ready to head out and we skied the first 4 km together before she needed to meet someone. It was great to catch up! The tracks were a little slick in places but for the most part, conditions were very good. The Back Red trail was amazing. We enjoy our backcountry skiing in Kolapore but it was also nice to move quickly and try to remember my technique, such as it is.
P.S. Attackpoint thought this session was skate skiing, which made my day, lol! (What it really means is that our Kolapore skiing has skewed AP's idea of how slow my classic skiing is.)
'Bent and I went to Highlands Nordic to pick up the season passes we bought before the pandemic, which feels like a few years ago.
I ran into Coach LD as I was getting ready to head out and we skied the first 4 km together before she needed to meet someone. It was great to catch up! The tracks were a little slick in places but for the most part, conditions were very good. The Back Red trail was amazing. We enjoy our backcountry skiing in Kolapore but it was also nice to move quickly and try to remember my technique, such as it is.
P.S. Attackpoint thought this session was skate skiing, which made my day, lol! (What it really means is that our Kolapore skiing has skewed AP's idea of how slow my classic skiing is.)
1 PM
Snowshoeing (Groomed and Ungroomed) 1:31:48 [1] 4.05 km (22:40 / km) +150m 19:08 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Andrea, Steve, Kingsley and Greyson Good came over for some snowshoeing and tobogganing with 'Bent, BazingaDog, AdventureDog and me.
We tramped through deep snow until we reached the Bruce Trail. We were pleased to see that our neighbours had used the snowshoe trail we'd broken for them! We hiked along the Bruce Trail, which had been well used. We ran into our neighbours - the only other people we met. The kids were really good about the distance and they loved all the snow!
When we got back, they groomed our toboggan hill and took turns setting records for sledding distance. I didn't realize we had a toboggan hill until Denise's young twins showed me I was wrong.
We tramped through deep snow until we reached the Bruce Trail. We were pleased to see that our neighbours had used the snowshoe trail we'd broken for them! We hiked along the Bruce Trail, which had been well used. We ran into our neighbours - the only other people we met. The kids were really good about the distance and they loved all the snow!
When we got back, they groomed our toboggan hill and took turns setting records for sledding distance. I didn't realize we had a toboggan hill until Denise's young twins showed me I was wrong.
Monday Dec 28, 2020 #
1 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 3:05:22 [3] 16.17 km (5.2 kph) +426m
'Bent and I had planned to make our first trip of the season to Highlands Nordic but we had a busy morning, then the weather got snowy so we just headed out our back door again. The Kolapore trails were a little slick or damp in places after some rain fell during the night but for the most part, conditions were good. There is still a ton of snow.
We did the Middle Loop, as 'Bent used to call it when he stayed at the University of Toronto Outing Club cabin in Kolapore years ago. This meant skiing via Kolapore Church Trail and John's Portage to Mount Dhaulagiri, which we climbed. We knew it would be wet if we continued west to Trail to the Summit but it felt more fun to close the loop so we dodged some slushy wetland bits in the southwest section. Then we skied back home and arrived around sunset, which seems to be our thing.
Some snowshoers and hikers had ignored the signs and caused damage to some of the ski trails, which was annoying and made those hills more risky. We ran into two men snowshoeing and asked helpfully if they were lost since they weren't on the right trail. Our place is at the end of Kolapore that has two major parking lots used by Bruce Trail hikers, many of whom appear to be illiterate, sadly. Still a great day!
We did the Middle Loop, as 'Bent used to call it when he stayed at the University of Toronto Outing Club cabin in Kolapore years ago. This meant skiing via Kolapore Church Trail and John's Portage to Mount Dhaulagiri, which we climbed. We knew it would be wet if we continued west to Trail to the Summit but it felt more fun to close the loop so we dodged some slushy wetland bits in the southwest section. Then we skied back home and arrived around sunset, which seems to be our thing.
Some snowshoers and hikers had ignored the signs and caused damage to some of the ski trails, which was annoying and made those hills more risky. We ran into two men snowshoeing and asked helpfully if they were lost since they weren't on the right trail. Our place is at the end of Kolapore that has two major parking lots used by Bruce Trail hikers, many of whom appear to be illiterate, sadly. Still a great day!
Sunday Dec 27, 2020 #
12 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:40:05 [3] 9.52 km (5.7 kph) +160m
In the past two days, 'Bent and I have spent more than 8 hours out on the trails in deep snow. Given my limited training this year, that's more than my body was expecting. For breakfast this morning, I had a big bowl of oatmeal with fruit. Also, I had a banana. Also, I had a big slice of turkey with cranberry sauce. Also, I had a small piece of homemade chocolate cheesecake. I think my body has caught up on calories now.
I convinced 'Bent to drive around to the southeast corner of Kolapore so we could ski the novice trails in County Forest that we didn't reach yesterday. It was like a different world. The terrain was rolling but not hilly. There aren't many rocks on the trails so less snow is needed for skiing. We met about 25 other skiers and tracks had been set on all trails but one. Since we take our volunteer trail breaking responsibilities very seriously, of course we had to set those tracks in the deep, fluffy snow. We turned back when we started hitting wet patches on Southern Crossing. I had to stop twice to clear ice off my skis.
Nice day! I didn't take any photos because it would have looked the same as yesterday. Same snowy forest, same skiers, same big smiles.
I convinced 'Bent to drive around to the southeast corner of Kolapore so we could ski the novice trails in County Forest that we didn't reach yesterday. It was like a different world. The terrain was rolling but not hilly. There aren't many rocks on the trails so less snow is needed for skiing. We met about 25 other skiers and tracks had been set on all trails but one. Since we take our volunteer trail breaking responsibilities very seriously, of course we had to set those tracks in the deep, fluffy snow. We turned back when we started hitting wet patches on Southern Crossing. I had to stop twice to clear ice off my skis.
Nice day! I didn't take any photos because it would have looked the same as yesterday. Same snowy forest, same skiers, same big smiles.
4 PM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 1:12:00 [1] 2.6 km (27:42 / km) +79m 24:02 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Our neighbours, Marla and Barry, snowshoed over with their daughter Darcie, her son Sam, their dog Teddy and their granddog Lulu. We had offered to break a trail from their house to our trail so they could follow it to the Bruce Trail, and we'd also offered to lead a tour to show them the way. It was lovely to converse with other humans after a few quiet days.
Saturday Dec 26, 2020 #
11 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 4:30:00 20.16 km (4.5 kph) +556m
More snow squalls! We were supposed to run a Boxing Day 10-mile Strava segment on gravel roads in our neighbourhood but our driveway hadn't been plowed so there was no way to get to the start. Anyway, it would just be wrong if we didn't ski out our back door in Kolapore on a spectacular day like this so we resolved to go at least 16.1 km in honour of the event. That turned out to be easier said than done in heavy snow with lots of trailbreaking.
Here was the scene around the chalet as we started.
I foolishly tried to step over our back fence without removing my skis.
We broke trail a lot in the first part of our ski, then we started finding sections that had already been skied. We met three other groups with a total of six skiers - a busy day by Kolapore standards.
We'll be working on the trails here so when we found a couple of large fallen branches across the trail, 'Bent got out his hand saw and I cleared debris that I could move by hand.
This was also Day 3 of the CMTR Christmas Run Streak challenge - not a run but that's OK.
Here was the scene around the chalet as we started.
I foolishly tried to step over our back fence without removing my skis.
We broke trail a lot in the first part of our ski, then we started finding sections that had already been skied. We met three other groups with a total of six skiers - a busy day by Kolapore standards.
We'll be working on the trails here so when we found a couple of large fallen branches across the trail, 'Bent got out his hand saw and I cleared debris that I could move by hand.
This was also Day 3 of the CMTR Christmas Run Streak challenge - not a run but that's OK.
Friday Dec 25, 2020 #
1 PM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 3:40:18 12.65 km (17:25 / km) +358m 15:16 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Merry Christmas!
After a relaxing start to the day, 'Bent and I took the dogs on an epic snowshoe adventure from our back yard into Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park. As snow fell, we did a big loop on the Bruce Trail and a side trail starting near Metcalfe Rock.
In most places, the snow was unbroken or barely broken. It was fun, beautiful and hard work to scramble over boulders and up steep hills. The dogs were thrilled. I managed to turn my right ankle in a moment of inattention but otherwise it was fantastic.
For the entire day - not just this outing - we didn't see another person or even a moving car. Apparently, social distancing comes naturally to us. We Zoomed with my brother and his partner this evening, which gave us some much-needed human interaction. Hope you had a great day!
There was so much snow that in places, we wandered off the Bruce Trail.
BazingaDog: "WTF, humans?"
After a relaxing start to the day, 'Bent and I took the dogs on an epic snowshoe adventure from our back yard into Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park. As snow fell, we did a big loop on the Bruce Trail and a side trail starting near Metcalfe Rock.
In most places, the snow was unbroken or barely broken. It was fun, beautiful and hard work to scramble over boulders and up steep hills. The dogs were thrilled. I managed to turn my right ankle in a moment of inattention but otherwise it was fantastic.
For the entire day - not just this outing - we didn't see another person or even a moving car. Apparently, social distancing comes naturally to us. We Zoomed with my brother and his partner this evening, which gave us some much-needed human interaction. Hope you had a great day!
There was so much snow that in places, we wandered off the Bruce Trail.
BazingaDog: "WTF, humans?"
Thursday Dec 24, 2020 #
3 PM
Trekking (Ungroomed) 35:53 [2] 1.9 km (18:50 / km) +22m 17:47 / km
It has turned out to be a surprising amount of work to prepare for a 2-person Christmas. After some discussion about the lockdown, we decided to go to the Kolapore chalet, partly because we're in the middle of renovations and we want to see how things are going. Also, we figured that would give us the best odds for cross-country skiing over the holidays.
Given the current situation, we wanted to reduce our interactions up north so I raced around in Peel Region (aka Plague Central) buying dog food, groceries, hardware and Christmas gifts. Then I packed, did laundry and stayed up late baking croissants and chocolate cheesecake before we got up early and went to Gourmandissimo to pick up our meals for Christmas Eve and Day. At the chalet, there was drywall dust and mouse poop to clean up before we could settle in.
And then the most important task of all: going for a hike with 'Bent and the dogs to select a Christmas tree from our property. We've had a tree at home since late November but I wanted one here too. I inherited Mom's decorations so it's no problem to trim two trees.
The CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt requires a 30+ minute run/hike on each of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and this fit in nicely.
AdventureDog didn't know what to think. He hates change and it is certainly a significant change to remove a tree from the forest.
'Bent doesn't have a lot of Christmas experience so he dropped the tree on me!
Bonus photo of 'Bent communing with BazingaDog by our new, still-to-be-finished fireplace. At least we have flames now, which is a huge improvement.
Given the current situation, we wanted to reduce our interactions up north so I raced around in Peel Region (aka Plague Central) buying dog food, groceries, hardware and Christmas gifts. Then I packed, did laundry and stayed up late baking croissants and chocolate cheesecake before we got up early and went to Gourmandissimo to pick up our meals for Christmas Eve and Day. At the chalet, there was drywall dust and mouse poop to clean up before we could settle in.
And then the most important task of all: going for a hike with 'Bent and the dogs to select a Christmas tree from our property. We've had a tree at home since late November but I wanted one here too. I inherited Mom's decorations so it's no problem to trim two trees.
The CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt requires a 30+ minute run/hike on each of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and this fit in nicely.
AdventureDog didn't know what to think. He hates change and it is certainly a significant change to remove a tree from the forest.
'Bent doesn't have a lot of Christmas experience so he dropped the tree on me!
Bonus photo of 'Bent communing with BazingaDog by our new, still-to-be-finished fireplace. At least we have flames now, which is a huge improvement.
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020 #
5 PM
Trekking (Trail) 46:01 [1] 4.23 km (10:53 / km) +72m 10:01 / km
shoes: Snowcross 3 - 2nd pair (home)
It was a long day of running errands and I got home at sunset but the CMTR "Decorate Yourself" challenge really needed to happen before Christmas, and there is a different 3-day challenge that can only be done on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day. So I decorated myself for Christmas and set out backwards on 'Bent's commute route. I don't normally go into the woods alone at night but I figured if there was a Christmas axe murderer on the loose, this would improve the chances of my body being found. ;)
So now we know what happens when 'Bent meets a strange woman in tights in the forest at night. He says a perfunctory "Hi" and just keeps on riding his bike! I had to call after him to get him to come back and take a photo of me.(He didn't recognize me with my headlamp in his eyes.)
I tweaked something in my heel last Thursday during a fairly short run. Too bad - my foot had finally seemed to be improving after months of pain. I walked tonight to give it a break. It felt good enough to tempt me to try running again soon.
So now we know what happens when 'Bent meets a strange woman in tights in the forest at night. He says a perfunctory "Hi" and just keeps on riding his bike! I had to call after him to get him to come back and take a photo of me.(He didn't recognize me with my headlamp in his eyes.)
I tweaked something in my heel last Thursday during a fairly short run. Too bad - my foot had finally seemed to be improving after months of pain. I walked tonight to give it a break. It felt good enough to tempt me to try running again soon.
Tuesday Dec 22, 2020 #
Note
The "Pay It Forward" CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt challenge stumped me. The idea was to donate time to a person or organization, e.g. volunteer at a food bank or shovel your neighbour's driveway. There have been some nice stories in the Facebook group. The run/hike part of the challenge was optional since you might not have time for that.
It would be easy to donate money - not so easy to find a way to donate time. Few organizations in our area are looking for volunteers at the moment, and we live in the country so it would be creepy if I snuck up a long driveway to shovel someone's front porch.
A couple of people in the FB group talked about organized programs where they wrote letters to random seniors who are alone. I realized that I actually *know* some seniors who are alone this holiday season - two 90-something women who were close friends of my late mother, and her cousin, who recently moved to a retirement home that is about to be locked down. So I spent 2 hours on the phone this afternoon, wishing them "Merry Christmas" and listening to their tales of broken elevators, plexiglass separating them from their dining partners, Zoom church services and out-of-order telephones. And I knew Mom would have been smiling. :)
It would be easy to donate money - not so easy to find a way to donate time. Few organizations in our area are looking for volunteers at the moment, and we live in the country so it would be creepy if I snuck up a long driveway to shovel someone's front porch.
A couple of people in the FB group talked about organized programs where they wrote letters to random seniors who are alone. I realized that I actually *know* some seniors who are alone this holiday season - two 90-something women who were close friends of my late mother, and her cousin, who recently moved to a retirement home that is about to be locked down. So I spent 2 hours on the phone this afternoon, wishing them "Merry Christmas" and listening to their tales of broken elevators, plexiglass separating them from their dining partners, Zoom church services and out-of-order telephones. And I knew Mom would have been smiling. :)
Monday Dec 21, 2020 #
Note
If any of you in the CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt have not done your Relay badge, a bunch of us are planning an international all-Attackpointer (or orienteer) relay streak on Tuesday, Jan. 5. We're signing up on the regular WSH Google sheet. Two people can run in the same 1-hour time slot but we are aiming to fill in some blanks. We've decided that our "baton" in the photos will be a rolled up O map with the map on the outside. The Google Sheet is in the Pacific time zone so I've signed up for 12 noon, which is 3 pm here.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D9wvWLECVP...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D9wvWLECVP...
Note
A different Covid response framework.
Sunday Dec 20, 2020 #
3 PM
Running (Trail) 16:38 [3] 1.65 km (10:04 / km)
shoes: Salomon Sonic 3 Confidence
Timato, Mrs. Tiny, Heidi and I met to do the most dreaded challenge in the Coast Mountain Trail Running Winter Scavenger Hunt today: the Nog Jog. Aubrey, Hanna and 'Bent were our amused spectators.
Based on the beer mile, we ran 4 laps on a (slushy) track. Before each lap, we chugged a large glass of non-alcoholic egg nog or equivalent drink. The recommended total quantity was 1.4 Litres, as per the beer mile standard, but I felt that 1 Litre (880 calories!!!!) would be more than enough. I finished and kept it down but this will never, EVER happen again.
Based on the beer mile, we ran 4 laps on a (slushy) track. Before each lap, we chugged a large glass of non-alcoholic egg nog or equivalent drink. The recommended total quantity was 1.4 Litres, as per the beer mile standard, but I felt that 1 Litre (880 calories!!!!) would be more than enough. I finished and kept it down but this will never, EVER happen again.
Saturday Dec 19, 2020 #
5 PM
Trekking (Trail) 1:09:06 [1] 5.53 km (12:29 / km) +113m 11:20 / km
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
I just finished my holiday newsletter this morning so it was the first day I could consider doing the CMTR Holiday Card challenge, which is supposed to involve a physical card. There are several challenges that need to happen before Christmas so I'll have to plan this week carefully.
I left it until late afternoon, assuming it would be a 30-minute run/hike but it turned out to be a 60-minute minimum. Oops! Luckily, 'Bent and the pooches agreed to join me for a night hike in Palgrave Forest while the snow gently fell. I played a few "winter wonderland" songs on my phone. It was the first time that AdventureDog and I had tried our new Noxgear lighted vests and they are great! I didn't need to wear it tonight; it's more useful for roads. It is nice to be able to see A-Dog in the dark even though he is 100% trustworthy - unlike an unnamed dog who also lives in our home.
My gimpy right foot has been doing much better lately but I must have tweaked something in my heel during my run on Thursday, which hobbled me half an hour later. It responded well to icing but it was sore just hiking tonight. Hmm.
I left it until late afternoon, assuming it would be a 30-minute run/hike but it turned out to be a 60-minute minimum. Oops! Luckily, 'Bent and the pooches agreed to join me for a night hike in Palgrave Forest while the snow gently fell. I played a few "winter wonderland" songs on my phone. It was the first time that AdventureDog and I had tried our new Noxgear lighted vests and they are great! I didn't need to wear it tonight; it's more useful for roads. It is nice to be able to see A-Dog in the dark even though he is 100% trustworthy - unlike an unnamed dog who also lives in our home.
My gimpy right foot has been doing much better lately but I must have tweaked something in my heel during my run on Thursday, which hobbled me half an hour later. It responded well to icing but it was sore just hiking tonight. Hmm.
Friday Dec 18, 2020 #
Note
What a wild week. A week ago on Wednesday, 'Bent went for his flu vaccine, something he always does as a health care provider. The pharmacy was out of the flu shot but said he was just young enough for the nasal flu vaccine where they spray live attenuated (weakened) flu virus up your nose and challenge your immune system. (I'm a few months too old for that one.)
Not surprisingly, a common side effect of getting live flu virus sprayed up your nose is that you get flu symptoms. Last Friday, two days after the vaccine, 'Bent got a runny nose. By Saturday, he also felt fatigued and had a dry cough. Oh crap. Luckily, 'Bent didn't plan to run or ski with anyone over the weekend.
By Sunday, he felt energetic again but still had the cough and runny nose. We hoped he'd wake up feeling perfect on Monday morning before returning to work on Tuesday. Unfortunately, although he felt good, he still had a slightly gravelly voice and occasional cough. So it was time for a Covid test, knowing the impact it would have on his busy work week. The first appointment he could get was Monday at 8 pm. (If this happens again, we'll go for the test sooner, rather than waiting for symptoms to subside.) Btw the protocol for household members (me) in this case is to continue going to work/school and monitor for symptoms. I stayed symptom-free.
By Tuesday, he felt fine and likely would have passed the Covid questionnaire to get into the office - but of course, he had to self-isolate while waiting for test results. They didn't arrive until the wee hours of Friday, by which time all dental appointments for the week had been cancelled, including some patients who needed emergency care before the holidays. His staff found ways to accommodate everyone and referred some people out but it was a stressful week for 'Bent to be sitting at home just a few kms away, unable to help patients and unable to even leave our property. He spent time thinking up tasks for staff so they wouldn't lose work hours before the holidays, and he took a dental course online. There was no other choice but it showed us how much impact a small event in our lives could have on a large number of people in these crazy times.
Not surprisingly, a common side effect of getting live flu virus sprayed up your nose is that you get flu symptoms. Last Friday, two days after the vaccine, 'Bent got a runny nose. By Saturday, he also felt fatigued and had a dry cough. Oh crap. Luckily, 'Bent didn't plan to run or ski with anyone over the weekend.
By Sunday, he felt energetic again but still had the cough and runny nose. We hoped he'd wake up feeling perfect on Monday morning before returning to work on Tuesday. Unfortunately, although he felt good, he still had a slightly gravelly voice and occasional cough. So it was time for a Covid test, knowing the impact it would have on his busy work week. The first appointment he could get was Monday at 8 pm. (If this happens again, we'll go for the test sooner, rather than waiting for symptoms to subside.) Btw the protocol for household members (me) in this case is to continue going to work/school and monitor for symptoms. I stayed symptom-free.
By Tuesday, he felt fine and likely would have passed the Covid questionnaire to get into the office - but of course, he had to self-isolate while waiting for test results. They didn't arrive until the wee hours of Friday, by which time all dental appointments for the week had been cancelled, including some patients who needed emergency care before the holidays. His staff found ways to accommodate everyone and referred some people out but it was a stressful week for 'Bent to be sitting at home just a few kms away, unable to help patients and unable to even leave our property. He spent time thinking up tasks for staff so they wouldn't lose work hours before the holidays, and he took a dental course online. There was no other choice but it showed us how much impact a small event in our lives could have on a large number of people in these crazy times.
Thursday Dec 17, 2020 #
2 PM
Running (Trail) 40:00 [2] 5.0 km (8:00 / km) +42m 7:41 / km
shoes: Salomon Speedcross Pro - Red
Jill and I met up for the CMTR "Dreaming of Summer" challenge. It involves a minimum 35-minute run and whatever else you want to do. We decided to hang out on the newly expanded C3 quarry beach, do a little yoga and go for a paddle.
There's a grass running route above the quarry beside Hwy 10 - not the best for conversation but we got our time in.
Then we headed down to the water's edge.
We spent a while sunbathing and pretend-drinking adult beverages.
Then we headed down to the water for some SUP yoga. Caron was filming and she walked us through a 2-minute "class".
Then we went for a nice paddle. Well, we *would* have, if we'd been able to break the ice.
At the end, we ripped off our masks because we were Dreaming of Summer 2021. Of course, we had to stand *extra* far apart for this one.
Caron made a short film of our Summer Dream.
There's a grass running route above the quarry beside Hwy 10 - not the best for conversation but we got our time in.
Then we headed down to the water's edge.
We spent a while sunbathing and pretend-drinking adult beverages.
Then we headed down to the water for some SUP yoga. Caron was filming and she walked us through a 2-minute "class".
Then we went for a nice paddle. Well, we *would* have, if we'd been able to break the ice.
At the end, we ripped off our masks because we were Dreaming of Summer 2021. Of course, we had to stand *extra* far apart for this one.
Caron made a short film of our Summer Dream.
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020 #
1 PM
Running (Trail) 1:28:09 [1] 9.03 km (9:46 / km) +176m 8:54 / km
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
AdventureDog and I ran to Palgrave East to meet Jill. The trails were fairly icy and she didn't have her spikes so we hiked instead of running. Then A-Dog and I ran home. We had a great chat in nice, crisp weather. We were doing the CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt Re-Run challenge where you go out for at least 60 minutes and choose 3 items from your house to donate.
Jill's items were really good - winter coat, hat, mittens and boots. Mine followed last week's theme of "Let It Go", and each item had its own theme to help me reduce stuff more in future.
My first item was a short skirt that doesn't suit me. I need to get better at admitting that certain clothes will never get worn even though there's nothing wrong with them.
Second item was a very old copy of "Great Expectations" that I still hadn't read yet. If I ever get the urge, I'm sure I can find another copy. I have tons of books and there are some that I'll probably never find time to read - or re-read - no matter how good they are.
Third, I gave away a long-ago gift from a friend - bone-shaped cookie cutters for homemade dog biscuits. I've never used them. I can't imagine taking time to make dog biscuits although I know some people do. Previously, I'd felt bad about giving them away because they came from a friend but if the situation were reversed, I know I wouldn't care at all. It doesn't reflect on the friendship.
Before Covid hit, I had great plans for clearing out stuff but pandemics are surprisingly busy.
Jill's items were really good - winter coat, hat, mittens and boots. Mine followed last week's theme of "Let It Go", and each item had its own theme to help me reduce stuff more in future.
My first item was a short skirt that doesn't suit me. I need to get better at admitting that certain clothes will never get worn even though there's nothing wrong with them.
Second item was a very old copy of "Great Expectations" that I still hadn't read yet. If I ever get the urge, I'm sure I can find another copy. I have tons of books and there are some that I'll probably never find time to read - or re-read - no matter how good they are.
Third, I gave away a long-ago gift from a friend - bone-shaped cookie cutters for homemade dog biscuits. I've never used them. I can't imagine taking time to make dog biscuits although I know some people do. Previously, I'd felt bad about giving them away because they came from a friend but if the situation were reversed, I know I wouldn't care at all. It doesn't reflect on the friendship.
Before Covid hit, I had great plans for clearing out stuff but pandemics are surprisingly busy.
Sunday Dec 13, 2020 #
11 AM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 52:26 [2] 2.85 km (18:24 / km) +58m 16:42 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Snowshoe in crusty Kolapore conditions with 'Bent and the pooches. Lots of trail breaking.
1 PM
Running (Trail & Country Road) 1:45:35 [3] 9.32 km (11:20 / km) +366m 9:28 / km
shoes: Snowcross 3 - 1st pair (chalet
Dee, Amber, Shannon M. and I parked at the bottom of 12th Sideroad just west of Grey Rd 21. It's the extension of 6th St. in Collingwood, and locals call it by that name instead, which forces me to pause and translate as if they're speaking a foreign language. Read the map, people! ;)
The road is only cleared partway up, then it's snow-covered and very popular with winter hikers. We chatted and hiked uphill at a good pace. Since I'm from a lockdown region, I tried extra hard to stay behind them or farther away. When we hit the snow/ice, the others put on Microspikes. I carried mine with me but my Snowcross were just barely good enough.
We turned south onto the trail into Castle Glen, went down near the lake, then took the beautiful trail along the creek.
Then we climbed back up to 12th Sideroad on the Bruce Trail before running back down. Near the bottom, we met new Cwood resident Scott Ford heading up along with Mr. & Mrs. Gally and Nosnhoj and Nicole. This is one of the things I love about being in this area.
Amber and I decided to earn our Scavenger Hunt Snowman badge at the end of the run. Unfortunately, conditions were much less wintry at the base of the hill. We had to slosh through a big puddle to get to a rock-hard patch of snow by the road. We built two small snow-people two meters apart and had a few very funny looks from passing motorists. 5 challenges out of 20 down - right on schedule!
The road is only cleared partway up, then it's snow-covered and very popular with winter hikers. We chatted and hiked uphill at a good pace. Since I'm from a lockdown region, I tried extra hard to stay behind them or farther away. When we hit the snow/ice, the others put on Microspikes. I carried mine with me but my Snowcross were just barely good enough.
We turned south onto the trail into Castle Glen, went down near the lake, then took the beautiful trail along the creek.
Then we climbed back up to 12th Sideroad on the Bruce Trail before running back down. Near the bottom, we met new Cwood resident Scott Ford heading up along with Mr. & Mrs. Gally and Nosnhoj and Nicole. This is one of the things I love about being in this area.
Amber and I decided to earn our Scavenger Hunt Snowman badge at the end of the run. Unfortunately, conditions were much less wintry at the base of the hill. We had to slosh through a big puddle to get to a rock-hard patch of snow by the road. We built two small snow-people two meters apart and had a few very funny looks from passing motorists. 5 challenges out of 20 down - right on schedule!
Saturday Dec 12, 2020 #
11 AM
Strength & Mobility 40:00 [1]
Lumberjacking - cleaning up pieces of trees felled by FB over the past week and hauling them through calf-deep snow to a firewood pile. Logged @50%.
10 PM
Note
Alberta's new campaign and mascot
Friday Dec 11, 2020 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:02:27 [1] 4.19 km (4.0 kph) +78m
'Bent and I did an easy ski with the dogs behind the chalet as a way to stay out of the contractors' way for a little while. Poor BazingaDog tore a nail and left bloodstains in the snow. :(
We had to meet the electrician at 9 a.m. but after that, we tried to find things to keep us out of the house for most of the day. Our Covid risk is higher than the contractors' risk. Also, I'm sure it isn't helpful to have the homeowners roaming around while you're trying to work. Mr. Gally, Logie and FB are doing a great job and we're excited about the changes underway. You're all invited to see them in about a year upon presentation of your vaccination certificate. :)
We had to meet the electrician at 9 a.m. but after that, we tried to find things to keep us out of the house for most of the day. Our Covid risk is higher than the contractors' risk. Also, I'm sure it isn't helpful to have the homeowners roaming around while you're trying to work. Mr. Gally, Logie and FB are doing a great job and we're excited about the changes underway. You're all invited to see them in about a year upon presentation of your vaccination certificate. :)
Wednesday Dec 9, 2020 #
Note
15 minutes of fame: I'm literally the poster child for the "Average Runner" for the Québec Megatrail race. I did the 50-miler there in 2019. Lol!
Tuesday Dec 8, 2020 #
1 PM
Running (Trail & Country Road) 35:00 [3] 4.77 km (7:20 / km) +38m 7:03 / km
shoes: Salomon SpikeCross - 2nd pair
My local friend Jill - twin sister of Caron, our longtime yoga/core instructor - signed up for the CMTR Winter Scavenger Hunt after I mentioned it on Facebook. I suggested that we do the Frozen challenge together today. There were no instructions other than the title and a minimum 30-minute session. She proposed that we do a Disney-style version. I was cast as Elsa. She was Anna.
We met at her place where her husband took Official Pre-Run Photos.
Then we went out for an easy run through her subdivision, through the hamlet of Palgrave, along the rail trail and up Duffy's Lane and back to her house. I blasted "Let It Go" from my phone several times.
Jill is accustomed to dressing up but not as a princess. She is a recently retired aerospace engineer and Commander of a large helicopter squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
We chose this route on purpose thinking that we'd encounter lots of people but it was fairly quiet. We waved at cars and people and discovered that for most folks, two mature princesses in running shoes just aren't that surprising in a weird year like 2020. There were a few huge double takes though, which was fun.
It was a nice break in a busy day. Jill and I will have to team up for a few more challenges. Btw there is a plan to set up an international Attackpoint/orienteer Relay day, probably in early January. Sorry Timato, I should have told you sooner.
We met at her place where her husband took Official Pre-Run Photos.
Then we went out for an easy run through her subdivision, through the hamlet of Palgrave, along the rail trail and up Duffy's Lane and back to her house. I blasted "Let It Go" from my phone several times.
Jill is accustomed to dressing up but not as a princess. She is a recently retired aerospace engineer and Commander of a large helicopter squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
We chose this route on purpose thinking that we'd encounter lots of people but it was fairly quiet. We waved at cars and people and discovered that for most folks, two mature princesses in running shoes just aren't that surprising in a weird year like 2020. There were a few huge double takes though, which was fun.
It was a nice break in a busy day. Jill and I will have to team up for a few more challenges. Btw there is a plan to set up an international Attackpoint/orienteer Relay day, probably in early January. Sorry Timato, I should have told you sooner.
Sunday Dec 6, 2020 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:27:00 [3] 7.42 km (5.1 kph) +165m
Another ski in Kolapore, this time starting from 10th Line near the Jackrabbit Trail, which had a number of wet spots near the start. But it got better - much better! (I should probably give a trigger warning to cross country skiing friends who are still waiting for snow.)
The trails were all broken today - sometimes a bit soft and slow but absolutely beautiful. We turned north on John's Portage and came south on The Kingsway, named after our old friend Bruce King, who is the founder of the Kolapore Wilderness Trails. When we reached the junction to turn back north, there was Bruce with his wife Val! They were the first skiers I'd seen in four days on the trails.
We'd chosen our starting point to fit with our special assignment for the day. Our CSA farm sells trout from the Kolapore Springs hatchery and we'd offered to deliver some to them. We got a tour of the facility from Bruce Greene and André. They have trout of all ages from eggs to 5+ years. In order of tastiness, they say it's: (1) Brown, (2) Speckled, (3) Rainbow.
Once we had all the trout in our coolers, 'Bent needed to deliver them to Mount Wolfe Farm by 5 pm. They had a chef waiting to filet them, then the fish would be frozen.
Dee had texted me on the trail to tell me that her boys had so much fun playing in the snow at our place yesterday that they wanted to come back with their sleds, their older brother and a friend. There was a hot chocolate party on our driveway when we got back.
Then I slowly got through some work around the house in preparation for two weeks of renovations that start tomorrow. The procrastination gave me time for a few sunset photos.
The trails were all broken today - sometimes a bit soft and slow but absolutely beautiful. We turned north on John's Portage and came south on The Kingsway, named after our old friend Bruce King, who is the founder of the Kolapore Wilderness Trails. When we reached the junction to turn back north, there was Bruce with his wife Val! They were the first skiers I'd seen in four days on the trails.
We'd chosen our starting point to fit with our special assignment for the day. Our CSA farm sells trout from the Kolapore Springs hatchery and we'd offered to deliver some to them. We got a tour of the facility from Bruce Greene and André. They have trout of all ages from eggs to 5+ years. In order of tastiness, they say it's: (1) Brown, (2) Speckled, (3) Rainbow.
Once we had all the trout in our coolers, 'Bent needed to deliver them to Mount Wolfe Farm by 5 pm. They had a chef waiting to filet them, then the fish would be frozen.
Dee had texted me on the trail to tell me that her boys had so much fun playing in the snow at our place yesterday that they wanted to come back with their sleds, their older brother and a friend. There was a hot chocolate party on our driveway when we got back.
Then I slowly got through some work around the house in preparation for two weeks of renovations that start tomorrow. The procrastination gave me time for a few sunset photos.
Saturday Dec 5, 2020 #
10 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:30:25 [3] 6.52 km (4.3 kph) +132m
'Bent and I went for another back yard ski in Kolapore. I wore skinny skis instead of my backcountry gear and ended up floundering more than yesterday in soft snow. There were some places where I got up to a regular ski pace in 'Bent's tracks, which rarely happens with my big bushwhacking skis. In 3.5 hours of skiing over two days in perfect conditions, we've seen no other skiers. Today we chatted briefly with a family hiking on the Bruce Trail. We're loving this early blast of winter while it lasts!
12 PM
Strength & Mobility 1:00:00 [3]
We had guests! I've hired the Gallys' teenaged daughter Emma to shovel our deck. Who knew the service would also include her Mom, Dee and Dee's kids? It took 2.5 hours and the Gallys worked non-stop. The rest of us did a bunch of shovelling, then took a break for some tobogganing. The deck looks pretty darned good now. :) My shoulder isn't as sore as it was a couple of days ago so I guess it was only a little mad at me.
5 PM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 24:45 [2] 1.1 km (22:28 / km) +17m 20:49 / km
'Bent and I took the dogs for another deep snow snowshoe hike in our forest. BazingaDog went on strike a few times, stopping to roll around on his back in the snow.
Friday Dec 4, 2020 #
9 AM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 1:23:41 [2] 4.78 km (17:31 / km) +121m 15:33 / km
shoes: Salomon XA Pro GTX - Black
Dee, Mrs. Gally and I met at Scenic Caves on the morning of their opening day. One of the last normal things I did in the Old World in March was buy our season pass for this year.
We had a great catch-up chat. Mrs. Gally thinks her teenaged daughter would love to shovel off our deck regularly since she needs strength workouts for competitive volleyball - and money, of course. I'm sure there will still be plenty of opportunities for us to get some shovelling exercise but I'm happy to share the joy.
P.S. Here's some of the snow that still needs to be shovelled from our deck.
We had a great catch-up chat. Mrs. Gally thinks her teenaged daughter would love to shovel off our deck regularly since she needs strength workouts for competitive volleyball - and money, of course. I'm sure there will still be plenty of opportunities for us to get some shovelling exercise but I'm happy to share the joy.
P.S. Here's some of the snow that still needs to be shovelled from our deck.
1 PM
Snowshoeing (Ungroomed) 57:19 [2] 2.03 km (28:17 / km) +28m 26:29 / km
shoes: Salomon Speedcross Pro - Blue
'Bent and BazingaDog arrived at the chalet - yay! We celebrated with a deep snow, off-trail snowshoe around our property. (OK, there may have been a little trespassing on our neighbours' properties.)
Near the road, the previous owners took part in a tree planting program so there are rows and rows of Christmas trees. In summer, there are thick weeds between the trees so we hadn't been in there much. Today it was relatively easy going, other than the deep snow.
Even AdventureDog was embarrassed that BazingaDog kept stalling by taking extended snow baths.
Then we went through the woods to our back fence to check out the deciduous forest.
At the 45-minute mark - the minimum time for the Winter Scavenger Hunt Chocolate badge - I pulled a Lindt bar out of my pocket. Mmm. Some challenges are too easy.
When we got back, we successfully snowshoed up and down the front steps. Still no idea if the steps are still there but this could be useful for hill repeats.
Near the road, the previous owners took part in a tree planting program so there are rows and rows of Christmas trees. In summer, there are thick weeds between the trees so we hadn't been in there much. Today it was relatively easy going, other than the deep snow.
Even AdventureDog was embarrassed that BazingaDog kept stalling by taking extended snow baths.
Then we went through the woods to our back fence to check out the deciduous forest.
At the 45-minute mark - the minimum time for the Winter Scavenger Hunt Chocolate badge - I pulled a Lindt bar out of my pocket. Mmm. Some challenges are too easy.
When we got back, we successfully snowshoed up and down the front steps. Still no idea if the steps are still there but this could be useful for hill repeats.
3 PM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 2:01:59 [3] 9.75 km (4.8 kph) +184m
This was my first ski with 'Bent from the chalet. After skiing the trail we built on Crown Land, we skied the little bushwhack connector from the Bruce Trail to the Kolapore Wilderness Trails. At first we were breaking trail in deep snow while clearing away branches and releasing trees that were bent over and frozen to the ground. We finally found ski tracks near the parking lot. Conditions were perfect after that. Kolapore is a rocky area so it's unusual to have a good ski there on Dec. 4, let alone mid-winter conditions.
As is my habit, when we reached a decision point between "Safe return before sunset" and "Commitment to a loop that will bring us home after dark without headlamps", I chose the latter. We finished in very dim light but we had just enough time. Fantastic. What a wonderful winter day. :)
As is my habit, when we reached a decision point between "Safe return before sunset" and "Commitment to a loop that will bring us home after dark without headlamps", I chose the latter. We finished in very dim light but we had just enough time. Fantastic. What a wonderful winter day. :)
Thursday Dec 3, 2020 #
11 AM
XC Skiing - Classic (Ungroomed) 1:24:55 [3] 3.94 km (2.8 kph) +63m
First ski from our new chalet! I felt a little guilty going without 'Bent. I'm up north letting contractors in while he's fixing teeth back home. But how could I miss a chance like this?
The base was at least 40 cm of heavy snow with areas of drifting. It was more like snowshoeing than skiing but that was totally OK today.
I broke trail to the back of our property where I learned that we won't be crawling through the hole in the fence in winter. We can just step right over!
Then I kicked in the trail that 'Bent and I made to join the Bruce Trail. There were some issues - like trees bent over and frozen to the ground, twigs in my face because we hadn't pruned that high and fallen branches that I had to haul off to one side. It was a strength workout.
That was the first 1.2 km, then I figured that I'd have a real ski on the Bruce Trail since hikers would have packed it down. I was wrong.
AdventureDog had a great time although I started to worry that it was wearing him out. After a short ski on the Bruce Trail, I turned around to get back to my contractors. A-Dog seemed relieved.
So beautiful and so fun to have different trails in our back yard!
The only down side was some right shoulder pain from yesterday's snow shovelling. I guess I'm not ready to be ambidextrous.
But I did claim my Cross-Training Badge. That's my specialty! It's running that I'm not good at.
The base was at least 40 cm of heavy snow with areas of drifting. It was more like snowshoeing than skiing but that was totally OK today.
I broke trail to the back of our property where I learned that we won't be crawling through the hole in the fence in winter. We can just step right over!
Then I kicked in the trail that 'Bent and I made to join the Bruce Trail. There were some issues - like trees bent over and frozen to the ground, twigs in my face because we hadn't pruned that high and fallen branches that I had to haul off to one side. It was a strength workout.
That was the first 1.2 km, then I figured that I'd have a real ski on the Bruce Trail since hikers would have packed it down. I was wrong.
AdventureDog had a great time although I started to worry that it was wearing him out. After a short ski on the Bruce Trail, I turned around to get back to my contractors. A-Dog seemed relieved.
So beautiful and so fun to have different trails in our back yard!
The only down side was some right shoulder pain from yesterday's snow shovelling. I guess I'm not ready to be ambidextrous.
But I did claim my Cross-Training Badge. That's my specialty! It's running that I'm not good at.
5 PM
Strength & Mobility 20:00 [3]
More snow shovelling and I've barely made a dent! In summer, it will be really nice to have decks that almost totally surround the house. In winter, our deck is a bunch of avalanche zones beneath a steel roof. In one place, it's up to my waist. We'll figure this out.
My stupid right shoulder got all creaky today. I felt it a bit while skiing but didn't put two and two together. As soon as I tried to shovel snow on my non-preferred side, I realized the problem. It feels like the swimmer's shoulder I got when I swam (remember that day?) and when I carried too much luggage enroute to UTMB 2014. Both those times, the inflammation became disabling for a couple of days. So I only shovelled on my stronger side and not for very long.
One of today's highlights - other than skiing - was my first electrical work. I took down an exterior light fixture and removed the wire back to a junction box, which involved crawling a fair distance under the deck and in a basement crawlspace. This needed to be done so we could install a propane tank - not that the installers actually came. Electrical work can only be done by a licensed electrician or the home owner, and we couldn't get an electrician in time so yay, Google and Youtube. Also, the contractors cheerfully coached me from a distance.
My stupid right shoulder got all creaky today. I felt it a bit while skiing but didn't put two and two together. As soon as I tried to shovel snow on my non-preferred side, I realized the problem. It feels like the swimmer's shoulder I got when I swam (remember that day?) and when I carried too much luggage enroute to UTMB 2014. Both those times, the inflammation became disabling for a couple of days. So I only shovelled on my stronger side and not for very long.
One of today's highlights - other than skiing - was my first electrical work. I took down an exterior light fixture and removed the wire back to a junction box, which involved crawling a fair distance under the deck and in a basement crawlspace. This needed to be done so we could install a propane tank - not that the installers actually came. Electrical work can only be done by a licensed electrician or the home owner, and we couldn't get an electrician in time so yay, Google and Youtube. Also, the contractors cheerfully coached me from a distance.
Wednesday Dec 2, 2020 #
1 PM
Strength & Mobility 1:00:00 [4]
Snow shovelling after a major winter storm at Tree Hugger ABC. Contractors arrived mid-afternoon and needed access to the areas I'd cleared. I have plenty of work left. I don't think I've ever shovelled such heavy snow for so long. I learned it's important to become ambidextrous. Elapsed time was around 90 minutes.
Our conversation area for outdoor drinks with friends looks *really* appealing. Who wants a beer?
Our conversation area for outdoor drinks with friends looks *really* appealing. Who wants a beer?
5 PM
Note
Shortly after sunset, AdventureDog and I had a nice visit from the Millers, whom I'd promised a Christmas tree from our property. The snow was thigh-deep on me so we had to remind 3-year-old Hank to follow the tracks of an adult so we wouldn't lose him! :) They chose an excellent tree. I hope it will make them smile in their first holiday season in their new home. Hank very kindly gave me some homemade cookies in return.
Tuesday Dec 1, 2020 #
4 PM
Snowshoeing (Bushwhacking) 56:42 3.01 km (18:49 / km) +96m 16:14 / km
shoes: Salomon XR Crossmax CS pink/gr
Winter is here - yayyy! And so is the Coast Mountain Trail Running Winter Scavenger Hunt with 20 new challenges to complete between now and the end of January.
It was just another typical day in Canada: bushwhacking on snowshoes through the forest behind our place during a winter storm, singing out loud with Michael Bublé (that was the challenge), having some organic maple syrup instead of energy gels, and exercising my pet reindeer.
(One of these things may not be entirely true. )
It was just another typical day in Canada: bushwhacking on snowshoes through the forest behind our place during a winter storm, singing out loud with Michael Bublé (that was the challenge), having some organic maple syrup instead of energy gels, and exercising my pet reindeer.
(One of these things may not be entirely true. )