Training Log Archive: Bash

'Bent and I went on a gorgeous paddle, heading across to Nottawasaga Island (the one with the lighthouse) on calm water. The Ontario SUP Series was holding a 14 km race from Collingwood Harbour to the island and back as part of the Sidelaunch Days festival. We decided to follow their route, paddling on a parallel course to the racers near the back of the pack. We cheered them on and stayed out of their way as we all headed to Collingwood Harbour.





We came ashore at the canoe club and portaged over to the Soco wood fired oven pizza truck.







After lunch, we paddled across the harbour and came off the water near the Sidelaunch tent, which was serving beer and wine.





We paddled past a kite festival on our way out of the harbour. What an amazing, fun way to spend half a day!

As we arrived in the Pretty River Valley, I learned that Mom was at the hospital so I dropped 'Bent off to run with Tarno while I drove off to get better cell signal. Mom and I agreed to get in touch in a few hours since it sounded like she might be back home soon, which she was (hip pain). I only had time for a short run before 'Bent and Tarno planned to finish and luckily I met Jacquie Tarno, who turned around and came with me to the Bruce Trail high point. She is recovering from foot surgery and doing really well!

Easy ride with 'Bent to the Collingwood Promenade to see some of the action at Sidelaunch Days. We got there as the SUP racers were getting out of the water and the pro wakeboarders were starting their competition. We headed home at exactly the right time with thunder rumbling in the last 5 minutes of our ride.

The Fat Dog ultra has been cancelled due to forest fires in southern B.C. Disappointing but it's beyond anyone's control. I feel really sorry for the organizers who worked so hard and will lose money. We're going to stay local.
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Bugout Day! We relaxed and took advantage of our final hours on Spider Lake.



There were more stories by the water.



We got the sunshine that we'd wanted on our rest day!



We swam.







Then we paddled back to Three Legged Lake access point, stopping for lunch at the same place we stopped on the way in. (Time deducted.)



The Secret Passage on Spider Lake



This was a fun trip through a pretty area with a terrific group. We enjoyed seeing a backcountry canoe trip through the eyes of small children. We also enjoyed sharing sunset drinks with their tired parents. ;) My only complaint: I ate too well!

There was supposed to be a storm today but it never came in spite of the grey skies. We'd done a great job of setting up tarps, planning wet weather meals and keeping our rain gear handy. In the end, it sprinkled for awhile but it was so warm that it felt pleasant.

We had a great day around camp and eventually ventured out for some paddling in nearby bays.



We asked our Resident Ecologist, Mrs. Tiny, to identify unfamiliar plants and animals (although we forgot to ask about this one!)



We swam.









There were Very Serious Discussions.



Stories were read. Although I offered, I wasn't allowed to read "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" to the kids because it contained difficult character names like "Augustus Gloop". Aubrey felt that only an experienced parent would be able to handle it. :)



Adults read their own books.







Or they read e-books.



An impressive fishing expedition set off in our least stable canoe and nothing went wrong. Nor were any fish caught.



We posed.





We played in the hammock.



We napped.



It was a great day with great friends and a nice final evening of our trip!