Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Home for the Holidays
I've made the drive north to Owen Sound for the holidays. On the way here I passed by a hitchiker on Highway 6 and I nearly stopped to pick him up. He looked so cold, and based on the red splotches on his face, he looked like he'd been waiting for while. As I drove past I slowed and contemplated the situation. Looks "normal" enough. Doesn't look *too* scary... But the "sane" portion of my conscience convinced me to drive on past. After considering the idea some more, I eventually pulled into a laneway and turned around. I had it all planned out - the questions I would ask, which friend I would call to let know what I was doing - but as I drove past I was disappointed to watch a pick-up truck pull over and the hitchiker run and jump in.
Side-note: It's amazing what living in NZ will do to you!...
Anywho... since arriving home, I have been involved in mom and dad's latest excitement: buying a new car. Yes, that's right. Mom and dad are finally replacing their mini-van. And bonus... they are upgrading! They are finally saying goodbye to Ford and saying hello to Toyota - a RAV4! Not only are they breaking away from their commitment to crappy North American cars (I have WAY too many memories of being stranded on the side of the road in each one of the Ford vehicles we owned during my childhood), but they are also trying out a brand new car for the very first time. Well, not fully brand new (it was a demo model with 6000km on it) but certainly close enough! For all that I am against buying brand new, I think that there is a time and a place for it, and I think mom and dad have definitely earned this one. I went with mom today when she took the certified cheque to seal the deal, but I'm gonna have to wait for the test-drive since the car was being loaded onto a truck and sent to Toronto to have heated seats installed.
Also in the news (literally) - dad! Dad made page 6 of the Owen Sound Sun Times last week in a feature story on the solar panels that their church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian, had installed. Pretty cool!
I've made the drive north to Owen Sound for the holidays. On the way here I passed by a hitchiker on Highway 6 and I nearly stopped to pick him up. He looked so cold, and based on the red splotches on his face, he looked like he'd been waiting for while. As I drove past I slowed and contemplated the situation. Looks "normal" enough. Doesn't look *too* scary... But the "sane" portion of my conscience convinced me to drive on past. After considering the idea some more, I eventually pulled into a laneway and turned around. I had it all planned out - the questions I would ask, which friend I would call to let know what I was doing - but as I drove past I was disappointed to watch a pick-up truck pull over and the hitchiker run and jump in.
Side-note: It's amazing what living in NZ will do to you!...
Anywho... since arriving home, I have been involved in mom and dad's latest excitement: buying a new car. Yes, that's right. Mom and dad are finally replacing their mini-van. And bonus... they are upgrading! They are finally saying goodbye to Ford and saying hello to Toyota - a RAV4! Not only are they breaking away from their commitment to crappy North American cars (I have WAY too many memories of being stranded on the side of the road in each one of the Ford vehicles we owned during my childhood), but they are also trying out a brand new car for the very first time. Well, not fully brand new (it was a demo model with 6000km on it) but certainly close enough! For all that I am against buying brand new, I think that there is a time and a place for it, and I think mom and dad have definitely earned this one. I went with mom today when she took the certified cheque to seal the deal, but I'm gonna have to wait for the test-drive since the car was being loaded onto a truck and sent to Toronto to have heated seats installed.
Also in the news (literally) - dad! Dad made page 6 of the Owen Sound Sun Times last week in a feature story on the solar panels that their church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian, had installed. Pretty cool!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Training for the Coast to Coast Indoors
Yesterday my friend Jack did one of the craziest combined training/fundraising events that I have ever heard of! I can't remember if I blogged about this one yet, but Jack has qualified to compete at the world multisport championships next year which happens to be the famous Speight's Cost to Coast race in NZ that I almost helped with last year.
For those that don't know anything about this race, here is a wee summary:
The Speight's Coast to Coast traverses the South Island of New Zealand from Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to Sumner Beach on the Pacific Ocean. Over either two days (individuals or two person teams) or the one-day event (individuals only), competitors cycle 140 kms (three stages of 55km, 15 km and 70 km), run 36 km (including a 33 km mountain stage that crosses the Southern Alps) and kayak 67kms of the grade two Waimakariri River through the Grand Canyon of New Zealand, the Waimakariri Gorge.
Top competitors take ten and three quarter hours to cover the 243kms while the slowest time every recorded was twenty-four and a half hours.
The average age in the event is 36 years and the oldest ever was 75 while the youngest 15. The minimum age to enter is 18 and there is no upper age limit. The school teams section has a minimum age of 16.
The event is divided into three races - the One-Day or Longest Day event is for individuals only while the Two-Day event is for individuals and two person teams. In the Teams section the runner and the kayaker both do cycling stages. The only requirements for the race are that you meet the minimum age and provide a grade two kayaking certificate if you're an individual or a team kayaker. Oh yes, you should also be fit!
Since it is a very expensive race for him to take on, Jack has decided to do a little fundraising to off-set some of the costs. I'm not sure who came up with this brilliant idea, but the outcome was a full-day training event at the Owen Sound Heritage Place mall. That's right - Jack took on the "Longest Day" challenge all with the aid of indoor training equipment - treadmill, spin bike, and ergometer (indoor rowing machine).
3 km run
55 km cycle
33 km run
15 km cycle
67 km rowing (kayaking in New Zealand)
70 km cycle
===========
243 kilometres / 150 miles.
That’s about the distance from Owen Sound to St. Catherine’s!
After one very long day indeed, he managed to complete it all in just over 9 hours (just in time for the mall to close down on a Saturday evening). I honestly don't know how he did it. From my limited experience doing some of my half-marathon training runs indoors on a treadmill (a horribly daunting experience), I can only imagine how mentally painful it must have been to do. However, according to the following collection of videos, it appears that he managed to maintain good spirits throughout.
Way to go Jack! Congrats on finishing! I think that was probably some great preparation for you. Although I'm certain you will find the hills a bit steeper, the waves a bit wilder, and the scenery a tad bit more "scenic", I think you now have a better idea of what's in store. I look forward to hearing about how it all goes on race day in February!
Yesterday my friend Jack did one of the craziest combined training/fundraising events that I have ever heard of! I can't remember if I blogged about this one yet, but Jack has qualified to compete at the world multisport championships next year which happens to be the famous Speight's Cost to Coast race in NZ that I almost helped with last year.
For those that don't know anything about this race, here is a wee summary:
The Speight's Coast to Coast traverses the South Island of New Zealand from Kumara Beach on the Tasman Sea to Sumner Beach on the Pacific Ocean. Over either two days (individuals or two person teams) or the one-day event (individuals only), competitors cycle 140 kms (three stages of 55km, 15 km and 70 km), run 36 km (including a 33 km mountain stage that crosses the Southern Alps) and kayak 67kms of the grade two Waimakariri River through the Grand Canyon of New Zealand, the Waimakariri Gorge.
Top competitors take ten and three quarter hours to cover the 243kms while the slowest time every recorded was twenty-four and a half hours.
The average age in the event is 36 years and the oldest ever was 75 while the youngest 15. The minimum age to enter is 18 and there is no upper age limit. The school teams section has a minimum age of 16.
The event is divided into three races - the One-Day or Longest Day event is for individuals only while the Two-Day event is for individuals and two person teams. In the Teams section the runner and the kayaker both do cycling stages. The only requirements for the race are that you meet the minimum age and provide a grade two kayaking certificate if you're an individual or a team kayaker. Oh yes, you should also be fit!
Since it is a very expensive race for him to take on, Jack has decided to do a little fundraising to off-set some of the costs. I'm not sure who came up with this brilliant idea, but the outcome was a full-day training event at the Owen Sound Heritage Place mall. That's right - Jack took on the "Longest Day" challenge all with the aid of indoor training equipment - treadmill, spin bike, and ergometer (indoor rowing machine).
3 km run
55 km cycle
33 km run
15 km cycle
67 km rowing (kayaking in New Zealand)
70 km cycle
===========
243 kilometres / 150 miles.
That’s about the distance from Owen Sound to St. Catherine’s!
After one very long day indeed, he managed to complete it all in just over 9 hours (just in time for the mall to close down on a Saturday evening). I honestly don't know how he did it. From my limited experience doing some of my half-marathon training runs indoors on a treadmill (a horribly daunting experience), I can only imagine how mentally painful it must have been to do. However, according to the following collection of videos, it appears that he managed to maintain good spirits throughout.
Way to go Jack! Congrats on finishing! I think that was probably some great preparation for you. Although I'm certain you will find the hills a bit steeper, the waves a bit wilder, and the scenery a tad bit more "scenic", I think you now have a better idea of what's in store. I look forward to hearing about how it all goes on race day in February!
Tobogganing
Over the past week we've had several more snowfalls and there have been some bus and school cancellations in some of the surrounding areas (Owen Sound had two "snow days" in a row on Thursday and Friday). It is definitely snowy here and I have a good feeling that it's gonna be a white Christmas this year unless the freezing rain we are scheduled to get today really comes hard and melts away all that we've got.
Yesterday I took full advantage of the white stuff and went toboganning down at McLellan Park (an old dump) which has a pretty massive hill that is commonly referred to as "Mount Trashmore". What a great afternoon - first time out in close to two years. Great fun indeed! Although I typically use my "flying saucer" style toboggan, I tried out an inflatable innertube for the very first time and it was well worth it! Thanks for the great suggestion, Mike! I think I may have been converted. To describe the experience would be to compare it to riding in a sporty convertible with cushiony shocks and smooth performance tires (minus the seatbelt of course!).
Over the past week we've had several more snowfalls and there have been some bus and school cancellations in some of the surrounding areas (Owen Sound had two "snow days" in a row on Thursday and Friday). It is definitely snowy here and I have a good feeling that it's gonna be a white Christmas this year unless the freezing rain we are scheduled to get today really comes hard and melts away all that we've got.
Yesterday I took full advantage of the white stuff and went toboganning down at McLellan Park (an old dump) which has a pretty massive hill that is commonly referred to as "Mount Trashmore". What a great afternoon - first time out in close to two years. Great fun indeed! Although I typically use my "flying saucer" style toboggan, I tried out an inflatable innertube for the very first time and it was well worth it! Thanks for the great suggestion, Mike! I think I may have been converted. To describe the experience would be to compare it to riding in a sporty convertible with cushiony shocks and smooth performance tires (minus the seatbelt of course!).
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Snow Tires On!
I would probably never ever make such a big deal about this event, but in keeping with the tradition of marking the differences between my life last year in NZ and my life this year back in Canada, I thought I'd make a wee posting to commemorate this day.
Today I put my snow tires on. Well... ok... I should clarify: Today, my brother, Rob, put my snow tires on for me. I've been putting this one off for a while since the more you drive on snow tires in warm weather and without snow, the faster the treads wear down, and the sooner you have to pay to replace them ($400+). However, now that we are officially into December and we've had the occasional reminder that snow is soon here to stay, I decided it was time to get the job done.
I like my snow tires for many reasons: they make me feel safe, I can drive MUCH better in the snow with them, and it feels like they are extra insurance in the winter.
The downside: my car now officially looks gangster with the ugly black rims that my snow tires reside on. If I had lots of extra money I'd consider buying some fancier/prettier looking rims, but for now, these will just have to do.
On a different note... today also marks the day that my camera officially bit the biscuit. That's right - RIP to my Canon Powershot S410. I guess the battery is kaput or something. I dunno... it just won't even turn on anymore. I went to take a picture of the snow tire changing process and had to resort to taking a picture on the 2 mega pixel camera on my phone instead (now... if only I could figure out how to get the picture OFF my phone!). Sandra arrived home shortly after the process was complete, so I was able to capture a shot of the finished product on her camera instead.
I wonder how long I can last before I finally cave and get the Shockproof/Waterproof Panasonic Lumix that I've been eyeing up for a while now...
I would probably never ever make such a big deal about this event, but in keeping with the tradition of marking the differences between my life last year in NZ and my life this year back in Canada, I thought I'd make a wee posting to commemorate this day.
Today I put my snow tires on. Well... ok... I should clarify: Today, my brother, Rob, put my snow tires on for me. I've been putting this one off for a while since the more you drive on snow tires in warm weather and without snow, the faster the treads wear down, and the sooner you have to pay to replace them ($400+). However, now that we are officially into December and we've had the occasional reminder that snow is soon here to stay, I decided it was time to get the job done.
I like my snow tires for many reasons: they make me feel safe, I can drive MUCH better in the snow with them, and it feels like they are extra insurance in the winter.
The downside: my car now officially looks gangster with the ugly black rims that my snow tires reside on. If I had lots of extra money I'd consider buying some fancier/prettier looking rims, but for now, these will just have to do.
On a different note... today also marks the day that my camera officially bit the biscuit. That's right - RIP to my Canon Powershot S410. I guess the battery is kaput or something. I dunno... it just won't even turn on anymore. I went to take a picture of the snow tire changing process and had to resort to taking a picture on the 2 mega pixel camera on my phone instead (now... if only I could figure out how to get the picture OFF my phone!). Sandra arrived home shortly after the process was complete, so I was able to capture a shot of the finished product on her camera instead.
I wonder how long I can last before I finally cave and get the Shockproof/Waterproof Panasonic Lumix that I've been eyeing up for a while now...
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Snow!
I awoke this morning to discover that we had a fairly decent snowfall covering the ground. This is the 2nd official snowfall of the season, but the first to have any sort of lasting power. Although it's all gone now as I type this, it did manage to last until 10 or 11 this morning.
Exciting times! In some, weird, way, I'm eagerly awaiting the massive snowfalls that are inevitably ahead of us!
I awoke this morning to discover that we had a fairly decent snowfall covering the ground. This is the 2nd official snowfall of the season, but the first to have any sort of lasting power. Although it's all gone now as I type this, it did manage to last until 10 or 11 this morning.
Exciting times! In some, weird, way, I'm eagerly awaiting the massive snowfalls that are inevitably ahead of us!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Cookie Baking with the Girls
This past weekend I got together with Trina, Andrea, Sam, and Lindsay to continue our annual tradition of Christmas Cookie Baking. Although it was a wee bit earlier this year than normal, it was the best weekend we could find amongst our very busy schedules. So despite it still being November (29th to be exact), and despite there being a distinct lack of snow on the ground, we still rocked out the Christmas tunes care of EZRock 97.3, and shared a delightfully festive afternoon, baking up a storm in Lindsay's kitchen.
I always love hanging out with these girls (the story of how we met and are all connected is a long and interesting one that I'll have to save for another day) and I look forward to sharing many more of these annual traditions together. Next year will be very exciting as Lindsay will be the first to have a little one added to the mix.
Starting off with some home-made potatoe soup...
Mixing up the ingredients...
Lindsay discovers just how much her belly is starting to get in the way...
Trina demonstrating her impeccable decorating skills (putting me and Andrea to shame!)
Sam and Andrea unable to resist the temptation...
Showing off our collection...
Too many cookies for me to eat!...
This past weekend I got together with Trina, Andrea, Sam, and Lindsay to continue our annual tradition of Christmas Cookie Baking. Although it was a wee bit earlier this year than normal, it was the best weekend we could find amongst our very busy schedules. So despite it still being November (29th to be exact), and despite there being a distinct lack of snow on the ground, we still rocked out the Christmas tunes care of EZRock 97.3, and shared a delightfully festive afternoon, baking up a storm in Lindsay's kitchen.
I always love hanging out with these girls (the story of how we met and are all connected is a long and interesting one that I'll have to save for another day) and I look forward to sharing many more of these annual traditions together. Next year will be very exciting as Lindsay will be the first to have a little one added to the mix.
Starting off with some home-made potatoe soup...
Mixing up the ingredients...
Lindsay discovers just how much her belly is starting to get in the way...
Trina demonstrating her impeccable decorating skills (putting me and Andrea to shame!)
Sam and Andrea unable to resist the temptation...
Showing off our collection...
Too many cookies for me to eat!...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cheap Wine
I got to catch up with mom and dad last night as they passed through Waterloo on their way home from their trip to Florida. Since I was babysitting for Laura and Mike, they joined me and Matthew for dinner before facing the final 2 hours of their drive.
Since mom and dad feel this compulsive need to buy us (their children) stuff every time they go somewhere, they brought us all back some alcohol that they managed to find for dirt cheap while visiting Cozumel on their cruise (yes... mom and dad continue to feed this travel bug that has entered their system and they experimented with a 4-day cruise that set off from the coast of Florida while they were down that way).
What mom and dad managed to find for me was a bottle of Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc - one of my favourite wines from NZ! Not only is this brand centred around my FAVOURITE running place of all time (it's got a picture of it on the label), but it also happens to taste really great too.
The craziest part was the price. For what usually cost $18-$20 NZD at Countdown (the local supermarket), mom and dad were able to pick up for $8.99 USD.
Anyways... I look forward to drinking this bottle of wine. Although I'm saving it for the time-being, I look forward to the night that I decide is worthy enough to crack the bottle open!
If you are interested in reading more about NZ wine, you might want to read this blog posting that I back-blogged about recently.
I got to catch up with mom and dad last night as they passed through Waterloo on their way home from their trip to Florida. Since I was babysitting for Laura and Mike, they joined me and Matthew for dinner before facing the final 2 hours of their drive.
Since mom and dad feel this compulsive need to buy us (their children) stuff every time they go somewhere, they brought us all back some alcohol that they managed to find for dirt cheap while visiting Cozumel on their cruise (yes... mom and dad continue to feed this travel bug that has entered their system and they experimented with a 4-day cruise that set off from the coast of Florida while they were down that way).
What mom and dad managed to find for me was a bottle of Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc - one of my favourite wines from NZ! Not only is this brand centred around my FAVOURITE running place of all time (it's got a picture of it on the label), but it also happens to taste really great too.
The craziest part was the price. For what usually cost $18-$20 NZD at Countdown (the local supermarket), mom and dad were able to pick up for $8.99 USD.
Anyways... I look forward to drinking this bottle of wine. Although I'm saving it for the time-being, I look forward to the night that I decide is worthy enough to crack the bottle open!
If you are interested in reading more about NZ wine, you might want to read this blog posting that I back-blogged about recently.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Miracle on I75
It is always shocking when you get news like the news I received in an email from dad earlier this evening:
Hi Heather
We are sitting in a motel room in Findlay, Ohio. A slight mishap! We are OK but the rear wheel on our van is missing! It came off and bounced down the I75. Fortunately it did not hit anyone, but it is gone. I think that a wheel bearing seized up and the rear axle stopped quickly but the wheel did not. I just had the car serviced before we left, so go figure. The car simply glided to a stop in a stream of sparks. We were SO LUCKY (if you can call this situation lucky). We had just come through a really narrow stretch with those high cement barriers on both sides and when it happened we were in a wide area with good wide shoulders, so it was easy to get off the freeway. It is to be repaired tomorrow, because it is Thanksgiving day here and everything is closed. We should be in Windsor tomorrow. You can let people know that we are fine.
Love,
Dad
Words can't express how grateful I am to hear that mom and dad are ok. I think it is reasonable to say that there are lots of "what if" scenarios that could be played out. God was certainly watching and protecting my parents today! I spoke with mom and dad tonight on the phone and they seem to be handling this all quite well. A big hero award goes out to dad and his superb driving skills as he was able to control the van as this all unfolded.
I love you mom and dad. Looking forward to seeing you on your return.
It is always shocking when you get news like the news I received in an email from dad earlier this evening:
Hi Heather
We are sitting in a motel room in Findlay, Ohio. A slight mishap! We are OK but the rear wheel on our van is missing! It came off and bounced down the I75. Fortunately it did not hit anyone, but it is gone. I think that a wheel bearing seized up and the rear axle stopped quickly but the wheel did not. I just had the car serviced before we left, so go figure. The car simply glided to a stop in a stream of sparks. We were SO LUCKY (if you can call this situation lucky). We had just come through a really narrow stretch with those high cement barriers on both sides and when it happened we were in a wide area with good wide shoulders, so it was easy to get off the freeway. It is to be repaired tomorrow, because it is Thanksgiving day here and everything is closed. We should be in Windsor tomorrow. You can let people know that we are fine.
Love,
Dad
Words can't express how grateful I am to hear that mom and dad are ok. I think it is reasonable to say that there are lots of "what if" scenarios that could be played out. God was certainly watching and protecting my parents today! I spoke with mom and dad tonight on the phone and they seem to be handling this all quite well. A big hero award goes out to dad and his superb driving skills as he was able to control the van as this all unfolded.
I love you mom and dad. Looking forward to seeing you on your return.
Rehabilitation Through Dance
For the past few months I have been helping out the Bluevale cross-country running team as an assistant coach. It has been good experience and I feel fortunate to have been able to work with the legendary Ian Atkinson who is one of the most unique runners I have met to-date. This guy lives and breathes running and has probably done so since before exiting the womb! He is 70+ years old and a retired teacher, but loves running so much that he continues to donate a lot of his time coaching students and helping them to love running (not to mention, get good at it!) This man is one-of-a-kind - very unique. Crazy white hair that is long and wild, with a matching white beard that looks just as disheveled. I was given a team shirt at the end of the season to thank me for helping out and it says "Atky's Army" on the back with two charactature drawings of Mr. Atkinson's face, tied together with the two long beards tied together in a knot. It's pretty special and I will feel proud wearing it!
Now that the cross country running season is over I am now able to help out with "clubs day" at my school. I have decided to take on the challenge of running a dance club. Although I have 15 years of dance training, I'm a bit nervous about this one since I plan to teach something a little more appealing to the crowds (ballet and highland dancing may be cool, but maybe not so much for the boys!). As a result, I'm scouring the internet for some tips on dance moves and routines that I can use as repertoire.
In my searches, I came across some really cool routines that were performed by - get this - inmates at a penitentiary in the Phillipines. Here is just one example of said routines:
This video left me awestruck and wanting to learn more. What a fantastic idea! Getting prisoners to unite as one through dance. Looking back on my own days of dancing, I am quickly reminded of the crazy sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that one feels when you participate in a collective choreographed number. I can easily see how this could turn into a VERY effective program if done well. Take a group of people who essentially have no purpose in life and give them a skill that they can be proud of -- experience joy that they may never have felt before.
Through my searches I came across this story.... and this video that explains a bit more...
What a truly amazing idea! I wonder if Canada would ever consider implementing something like this one day???...
For the past few months I have been helping out the Bluevale cross-country running team as an assistant coach. It has been good experience and I feel fortunate to have been able to work with the legendary Ian Atkinson who is one of the most unique runners I have met to-date. This guy lives and breathes running and has probably done so since before exiting the womb! He is 70+ years old and a retired teacher, but loves running so much that he continues to donate a lot of his time coaching students and helping them to love running (not to mention, get good at it!) This man is one-of-a-kind - very unique. Crazy white hair that is long and wild, with a matching white beard that looks just as disheveled. I was given a team shirt at the end of the season to thank me for helping out and it says "Atky's Army" on the back with two charactature drawings of Mr. Atkinson's face, tied together with the two long beards tied together in a knot. It's pretty special and I will feel proud wearing it!
Now that the cross country running season is over I am now able to help out with "clubs day" at my school. I have decided to take on the challenge of running a dance club. Although I have 15 years of dance training, I'm a bit nervous about this one since I plan to teach something a little more appealing to the crowds (ballet and highland dancing may be cool, but maybe not so much for the boys!). As a result, I'm scouring the internet for some tips on dance moves and routines that I can use as repertoire.
In my searches, I came across some really cool routines that were performed by - get this - inmates at a penitentiary in the Phillipines. Here is just one example of said routines:
This video left me awestruck and wanting to learn more. What a fantastic idea! Getting prisoners to unite as one through dance. Looking back on my own days of dancing, I am quickly reminded of the crazy sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that one feels when you participate in a collective choreographed number. I can easily see how this could turn into a VERY effective program if done well. Take a group of people who essentially have no purpose in life and give them a skill that they can be proud of -- experience joy that they may never have felt before.
Through my searches I came across this story.... and this video that explains a bit more...
What a truly amazing idea! I wonder if Canada would ever consider implementing something like this one day???...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Outdoor Climbing
Last weekend I got to experience outdoor climbing for the very first time. It was a totally awesome day! Although I have had some (limited) experience doing some climbing at indoor climbing gyms, it is a totally different experience doing it outside, on the real thing (actual rock!) with the natural contours of the cliff face in front of you to navigate. The best, and most rewarding part, was when you reached the top and looked out at the horizon. The landscape reached for miles and miles. I swear I could almost see Toronto!
Although it was a bit chilly, I couldn't complain given that it was half-way into November. What great fun! I feel very fortunate to have some new friends that have own much of the needed climbing gear to make this all possible. This just may be a sport that I invest more time into...
First climb - nice and easy - straight up the crack.
Next climb - a bit more technical - I managed to make it half way up!
Happy to be climbing!
Last weekend I got to experience outdoor climbing for the very first time. It was a totally awesome day! Although I have had some (limited) experience doing some climbing at indoor climbing gyms, it is a totally different experience doing it outside, on the real thing (actual rock!) with the natural contours of the cliff face in front of you to navigate. The best, and most rewarding part, was when you reached the top and looked out at the horizon. The landscape reached for miles and miles. I swear I could almost see Toronto!
Although it was a bit chilly, I couldn't complain given that it was half-way into November. What great fun! I feel very fortunate to have some new friends that have own much of the needed climbing gear to make this all possible. This just may be a sport that I invest more time into...
First climb - nice and easy - straight up the crack.
Next climb - a bit more technical - I managed to make it half way up!
Happy to be climbing!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Donald's Mentoring Project
Something else that came out of Mr. Miller's presentation was the fact that he has started a mentoring project for young, fatherless, boys. Here are some staggering statistics that he used to highlight just exactly why he felt compelled to get involved:
- 85% of all young boys in prison grew up without a father
- 80% of all rapists come from fatherless homes
- 75% of the boys in substance abuse centres are from fatherless homes
- 71% of boys who drop out of high school had no father figure
- 63% of all teen suicides are from fatherless homes
You can learn more about Donald's mentoring project here:
All of this "stuff" has left me thinking lots. Left me thinking about my "story" and where it's taking me next. Although I'm still feeling at a bit of a stand-still in terms of my career and what's happening with it, I'm now doing what I can to overcome that frustration / anxiety and make the most of my situation. I really do feel like my calling is to work with youth. There is no question that teaching is my passion and working with youth - particularly the disadvantaged ones - is such an important and rewarding role. There is so much for me to discover yet, but I'm excited to think about what sorts of things lie ahead for me in terms of what I may end up getting involved with...
Something else that came out of Mr. Miller's presentation was the fact that he has started a mentoring project for young, fatherless, boys. Here are some staggering statistics that he used to highlight just exactly why he felt compelled to get involved:
- 85% of all young boys in prison grew up without a father
- 80% of all rapists come from fatherless homes
- 75% of the boys in substance abuse centres are from fatherless homes
- 71% of boys who drop out of high school had no father figure
- 63% of all teen suicides are from fatherless homes
You can learn more about Donald's mentoring project here:
All of this "stuff" has left me thinking lots. Left me thinking about my "story" and where it's taking me next. Although I'm still feeling at a bit of a stand-still in terms of my career and what's happening with it, I'm now doing what I can to overcome that frustration / anxiety and make the most of my situation. I really do feel like my calling is to work with youth. There is no question that teaching is my passion and working with youth - particularly the disadvantaged ones - is such an important and rewarding role. There is so much for me to discover yet, but I'm excited to think about what sorts of things lie ahead for me in terms of what I may end up getting involved with...
Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Last weekend I went to see a man named Donald Miller speak at UW. Since I had really enjoyed his his thoughts in "Blue Like Jazz", I knew he would be someone worth checking out.
Turns out he is on tour promoting his latest book "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years". Waterloo is only one of two Canadian cities that his tour is hitting, so needless to say, it was pretty neat to get to see him speak on what felt like home turf - the university campus that I had spent a good 5 years of my life at (and the city that I'm currently living in). Another interesting component is that his presentation was given at the Humanities Theatre - the same building that my campus church was held at when Trina re-introduced me to church during university.
The Donald Miller evening was totally awesome. His show was actually opened by a lady named Susan Isaacs who authored a book called "Angry Conversations with God". Although I haven't read her book, I'm assuming her monologue was a collection of snippets from her writing. She was VERY funny and not at all what I was expecting. It was essentially a stand-up comedy act. A great start to the show.
Donald was even better. He basically stood on the stage and told stories. Lots of stories. Lots of really great, funny, inspiring, moving, hilarious stories. Turns out, after reading his book, that most of these stories also came from his latest book.
Now... since I've literally been sick in bed for the past 3 days, I've had a bit of time to catch up on some reading. As a testament to how easy his reading is, I managed to start and finish his book in just a few days.
This story was really unique in that it was a story about "writing stories". While reading it you can't help but evaluate your life and reflect on what sort of story YOU are writing. We are the characters in our own story and it is up to us to determine what gets written. And stories don't happen when sitting on the couch.
Miller mentioned so many good stories in this book that I would, once again, have to type out half of the book for me to highlight all of my favourite parts (especially the one about the Goff family jumping off their dock into the water while waving goodbye to their guests as they paddled away into the darkness after leaving their cottage late one night).
So rather than doing that - retyping half the book - I'll close by quoting the last paragraph that Miller wrote:
We live in a world where bad stories are told, stories that teach us life doesn't mean anything and that humanity has no great purpose. It's a good calling, then, to speak a better story. How brightly a better story shines. How easily the world looks to it in wonder. How grateful we are to hear those stories, and how happy it makes us to repeat them.
It is so easy to get trapped in the unhappiness of the current state of our lives that we forget, or rather, are too lazy, to go out and make better stories. Here's to making that reality change!
Last weekend I went to see a man named Donald Miller speak at UW. Since I had really enjoyed his his thoughts in "Blue Like Jazz", I knew he would be someone worth checking out.
Turns out he is on tour promoting his latest book "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years". Waterloo is only one of two Canadian cities that his tour is hitting, so needless to say, it was pretty neat to get to see him speak on what felt like home turf - the university campus that I had spent a good 5 years of my life at (and the city that I'm currently living in). Another interesting component is that his presentation was given at the Humanities Theatre - the same building that my campus church was held at when Trina re-introduced me to church during university.
The Donald Miller evening was totally awesome. His show was actually opened by a lady named Susan Isaacs who authored a book called "Angry Conversations with God". Although I haven't read her book, I'm assuming her monologue was a collection of snippets from her writing. She was VERY funny and not at all what I was expecting. It was essentially a stand-up comedy act. A great start to the show.
Donald was even better. He basically stood on the stage and told stories. Lots of stories. Lots of really great, funny, inspiring, moving, hilarious stories. Turns out, after reading his book, that most of these stories also came from his latest book.
Now... since I've literally been sick in bed for the past 3 days, I've had a bit of time to catch up on some reading. As a testament to how easy his reading is, I managed to start and finish his book in just a few days.
This story was really unique in that it was a story about "writing stories". While reading it you can't help but evaluate your life and reflect on what sort of story YOU are writing. We are the characters in our own story and it is up to us to determine what gets written. And stories don't happen when sitting on the couch.
Miller mentioned so many good stories in this book that I would, once again, have to type out half of the book for me to highlight all of my favourite parts (especially the one about the Goff family jumping off their dock into the water while waving goodbye to their guests as they paddled away into the darkness after leaving their cottage late one night).
So rather than doing that - retyping half the book - I'll close by quoting the last paragraph that Miller wrote:
We live in a world where bad stories are told, stories that teach us life doesn't mean anything and that humanity has no great purpose. It's a good calling, then, to speak a better story. How brightly a better story shines. How easily the world looks to it in wonder. How grateful we are to hear those stories, and how happy it makes us to repeat them.
It is so easy to get trapped in the unhappiness of the current state of our lives that we forget, or rather, are too lazy, to go out and make better stories. Here's to making that reality change!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sick - H1N1?
Ok... so it's hit me. What "it" is exactly is to be determined, but I've definitely been hit by something. Funny how just yesterday I was just commenting on the fact that my school is filled with sick people and that I was doing everything I could to stay healthy.
After school I stopped off at the mall to search for a pair of dress pants that I desperately need to add to my seriously lacking collection of work clothes, and within a few minutes of shopping, I started to feel "off". The weirdest part was that it was my joints that were showing signs the strongest. My whole body started to ache and the seemingly simple task of trying on clothes became almost too much for my tired body to handle. Luckily for me, I managed to stick it through long enough to find a pair of pants (and use the RW&Co gift certificate that Grandma T had given me for Christmas last year). The rest of the evening was spent wrapped up in a blanket in front of the TV and after a nice warm bath (complete with the awesome jets that Sandra has in her bath tub!) I was in bed for the night. After sleeping on-and-off for the next 12 hours, I awoke to conclude that I was in fact sick.
Today has been a very lazy day of laying in bed, reading, a bit of lesson planning, and catching up on some really old blog posts that I had started but never finished. After a conversation with mom on the phone earlier this morning, I decided not to go to work. Probably a good idea. (side note: I find it fascinating to see how the hype of H1N1 has even my mother showing signs of worry as she urged me to take care of myself).
Currently I posess...
- a massive headache
- a really sore body
- a cough that isn't super persistent, but is definitely noticeable
- zero signs of a runny nose
- no sign of a sore throat
- and my left knee which has been causing me problems of the past few weeks but I thought was getting better, is aching like crazy (weird!)
I just got an email from someone about the signs of H1N1 (included below). We shall see what transpires for me over the next few days. Here's to hoping I wake up tomorrow and feel 100% better!
Symptom, Cold, H1N1 Flu
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days..
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.
Ok... so it's hit me. What "it" is exactly is to be determined, but I've definitely been hit by something. Funny how just yesterday I was just commenting on the fact that my school is filled with sick people and that I was doing everything I could to stay healthy.
After school I stopped off at the mall to search for a pair of dress pants that I desperately need to add to my seriously lacking collection of work clothes, and within a few minutes of shopping, I started to feel "off". The weirdest part was that it was my joints that were showing signs the strongest. My whole body started to ache and the seemingly simple task of trying on clothes became almost too much for my tired body to handle. Luckily for me, I managed to stick it through long enough to find a pair of pants (and use the RW&Co gift certificate that Grandma T had given me for Christmas last year). The rest of the evening was spent wrapped up in a blanket in front of the TV and after a nice warm bath (complete with the awesome jets that Sandra has in her bath tub!) I was in bed for the night. After sleeping on-and-off for the next 12 hours, I awoke to conclude that I was in fact sick.
Today has been a very lazy day of laying in bed, reading, a bit of lesson planning, and catching up on some really old blog posts that I had started but never finished. After a conversation with mom on the phone earlier this morning, I decided not to go to work. Probably a good idea. (side note: I find it fascinating to see how the hype of H1N1 has even my mother showing signs of worry as she urged me to take care of myself).
Currently I posess...
- a massive headache
- a really sore body
- a cough that isn't super persistent, but is definitely noticeable
- zero signs of a runny nose
- no sign of a sore throat
- and my left knee which has been causing me problems of the past few weeks but I thought was getting better, is aching like crazy (weird!)
I just got an email from someone about the signs of H1N1 (included below). We shall see what transpires for me over the next few days. Here's to hoping I wake up tomorrow and feel 100% better!
Symptom, Cold, H1N1 Flu
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days..
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
In The News
Teen Dies of Swine-Flu-Like Symptoms. This kid was 13 years old and supposedly healthy. There was another death on Saturday in Ottawa - a pre-teen girl. What shocks me is how fast it's hitting. The symptoms seem to start off normal and then quickly intensify before becoming fatal. And what an odd demographic to be affected. My non-science background is having trouble understanding how healthy teenagers are more susceptible than the elderly?
Cell Phone Ban Begins for Ontario Drivers - That's right. It's finally here. And I still don't have my hands-free solution yet. Despite it being a bit of a nuisance, I'm still very pleased that our province has decided to crack down on this.
Exchange Rate - According to my iGoogle page, the NZD currency seems to be making grounds despite the CDN rate doing well too. Today it's reading that 1.00 NZ = 0.79044 CDN which is the highest it has been in over a year (I think). Since I've still got money stored in my NZ savings account I continue to transfer it back over bit by bit and am happy to be getting more than the 63 cents per dollar that I remember transferring it at sometime earlier this year.
Teen Dies of Swine-Flu-Like Symptoms. This kid was 13 years old and supposedly healthy. There was another death on Saturday in Ottawa - a pre-teen girl. What shocks me is how fast it's hitting. The symptoms seem to start off normal and then quickly intensify before becoming fatal. And what an odd demographic to be affected. My non-science background is having trouble understanding how healthy teenagers are more susceptible than the elderly?
Cell Phone Ban Begins for Ontario Drivers - That's right. It's finally here. And I still don't have my hands-free solution yet. Despite it being a bit of a nuisance, I'm still very pleased that our province has decided to crack down on this.
Exchange Rate - According to my iGoogle page, the NZD currency seems to be making grounds despite the CDN rate doing well too. Today it's reading that 1.00 NZ = 0.79044 CDN which is the highest it has been in over a year (I think). Since I've still got money stored in my NZ savings account I continue to transfer it back over bit by bit and am happy to be getting more than the 63 cents per dollar that I remember transferring it at sometime earlier this year.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Ride for Refugees
Yesterday I took part in a bicycle ride that was deisgned to raise money and awareness for refugees. I liked the fact that this event was raising money for a cause that isn't your traditional benefactor (it seems every event these days is raising money for cancer or other medical ailments - not that I don't support those, but it's nice to have a change). I liked the fact that the money was going to a local charity and that it raised awareness of the strife that refugees have to suffer as a result of their situation.
The ride was great. In true Heather style, I went out and did a 75km ride with no training. Zero. Since I've gotten home from NZ I've been on my bike maybe a handful of times, and none of them were any longer than 5kms. Thinking that I started my bike trip across Canada with little-to-no training, I figured this would be just like it. But man was I wrong. I think my ride yesterday proved to me just how useful the spin classes were that I took leading up to my epic journey from Whitehorse to Thunderbay (which, btw, started Day 1 with 120km). I was so sore at the end of the ride yesterday, I was having some serious troubles walking.
Alas... the ride was great. Although the weather forecast was totally dodgey, we managed to do most of the ride in cool but comfortable temps. It was only in the last 11km (just after stopping at the last aid station for a break) did we get hit with rain. And when it rained, it poured! Although the ride quickly turned from comfortable to not in the span of just a few mins, I think it was rather poetic how it ended. The last leg turned into some pretty gruelling conditions that really made us suffer (read: pouring rain, freezing cold rain, strong winds, sideways winds, and thunder overhead). All the while I couldn't help but reflect on the suffering that refugees must endure while relocating after being displaced from their own homes. No aid stations along the way. No hot chilli waiting for them at the end of their journey. No hot-tub to soak their aching muscles when they arrive.
This was a great event - really well organized, and really great fun to participate in. I'm very pleased that I chose to participate.
It is not too late to sponsor me. Although I have already reached my goal of $250, I know that Welcome Home (the refugee centre in Kitchener that benefits from this event) would greatly appreciate any additional financial assistance. Click here if you would like to donate.
And here's a few snapshots from the event...
Only a small portion of the bicycles and riders that clutter the parking lot before the 9am departure...
Some of our "team" before the ride...
Anita and I after finishing our 75km ride...
Soaking our sore muscles in Becky's parents hot-tub...
Yesterday I took part in a bicycle ride that was deisgned to raise money and awareness for refugees. I liked the fact that this event was raising money for a cause that isn't your traditional benefactor (it seems every event these days is raising money for cancer or other medical ailments - not that I don't support those, but it's nice to have a change). I liked the fact that the money was going to a local charity and that it raised awareness of the strife that refugees have to suffer as a result of their situation.
The ride was great. In true Heather style, I went out and did a 75km ride with no training. Zero. Since I've gotten home from NZ I've been on my bike maybe a handful of times, and none of them were any longer than 5kms. Thinking that I started my bike trip across Canada with little-to-no training, I figured this would be just like it. But man was I wrong. I think my ride yesterday proved to me just how useful the spin classes were that I took leading up to my epic journey from Whitehorse to Thunderbay (which, btw, started Day 1 with 120km). I was so sore at the end of the ride yesterday, I was having some serious troubles walking.
Alas... the ride was great. Although the weather forecast was totally dodgey, we managed to do most of the ride in cool but comfortable temps. It was only in the last 11km (just after stopping at the last aid station for a break) did we get hit with rain. And when it rained, it poured! Although the ride quickly turned from comfortable to not in the span of just a few mins, I think it was rather poetic how it ended. The last leg turned into some pretty gruelling conditions that really made us suffer (read: pouring rain, freezing cold rain, strong winds, sideways winds, and thunder overhead). All the while I couldn't help but reflect on the suffering that refugees must endure while relocating after being displaced from their own homes. No aid stations along the way. No hot chilli waiting for them at the end of their journey. No hot-tub to soak their aching muscles when they arrive.
This was a great event - really well organized, and really great fun to participate in. I'm very pleased that I chose to participate.
It is not too late to sponsor me. Although I have already reached my goal of $250, I know that Welcome Home (the refugee centre in Kitchener that benefits from this event) would greatly appreciate any additional financial assistance. Click here if you would like to donate.
And here's a few snapshots from the event...
Only a small portion of the bicycles and riders that clutter the parking lot before the 9am departure...
Some of our "team" before the ride...
Anita and I after finishing our 75km ride...
Soaking our sore muscles in Becky's parents hot-tub...
Friday, October 02, 2009
My Nephew's Hockey Game
Mom and dad came to town this weekend to help Laura and Mike install the new windows in their basement. As such, we had a wee family gathering on Friday night to watch Andrew's hockey game.
What an adorable site it was!
Starting off with some lengths of the rink...
Matthew watching attentively (and charming the ladies in the stands)...
Moving onto some drills...
Finishing with a game of scrimmage...
And the proud player himself!
Mom and dad came to town this weekend to help Laura and Mike install the new windows in their basement. As such, we had a wee family gathering on Friday night to watch Andrew's hockey game.
What an adorable site it was!
Starting off with some lengths of the rink...
Matthew watching attentively (and charming the ladies in the stands)...
Moving onto some drills...
Finishing with a game of scrimmage...
And the proud player himself!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Catching Up
Last night I met up with my friend, Sarah Creen (Benn), whom I have not seen in several years. I think the last time we hung out was at Laura P's wedding back in 2006.
It was really great to catch up!
I'm home for the weekend in OS since mom and dad are doing a presentation at the church on their trip to Nicaragua. Sarah is home visiting her parents since it is her father's 60th birthday. I dropped by their house for a visit, and what a great visit it was.
Why did I enjoy it so much?
- It really is great to catch up with old friends
- Although Sarah and I have gone totally separate ways, it's neat to see how we are still connected and can relate on some common ground
- I got to spend more time with Sarah's husband, Michael, and learned that he is a very cool guy (the first and only time I had met him previously was at their wedding in 2003)
- I got to chat more with Sarah's dad (my childhood minister) and her mom, and together, the five of us, shared some pretty interesting discussion on life and religion and more
Last night I met up with my friend, Sarah Creen (Benn), whom I have not seen in several years. I think the last time we hung out was at Laura P's wedding back in 2006.
It was really great to catch up!
I'm home for the weekend in OS since mom and dad are doing a presentation at the church on their trip to Nicaragua. Sarah is home visiting her parents since it is her father's 60th birthday. I dropped by their house for a visit, and what a great visit it was.
Why did I enjoy it so much?
- It really is great to catch up with old friends
- Although Sarah and I have gone totally separate ways, it's neat to see how we are still connected and can relate on some common ground
- I got to spend more time with Sarah's husband, Michael, and learned that he is a very cool guy (the first and only time I had met him previously was at their wedding in 2003)
- I got to chat more with Sarah's dad (my childhood minister) and her mom, and together, the five of us, shared some pretty interesting discussion on life and religion and more
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Canoe Trip in Killarney
I finally got the collection of pictures taken on our 6-day canoe trip in Killarney. I think they turned out pretty fab. There were soooo many great pictures that it's hard to choose which ones to post here. I will see if I can consolidate below...
After dropping mom and dad off at the church at 5:15am where they would ride the yellow school bus to Pearson airport where they would begin their trip to Nicaragua, I was on the road and headed towards Barrie.
Since it was such an early morning, I got the pleasure of witnessing glowingly beautiful early morning sunrise.
After meeting up with Amanda, Brandon, Andrew, and Tasha who had come from Toronto, we carpooled up to Killarney Provincial Park just in time for the rain to pour down while we unloaded and set off.
Despite the fog that surrounded us, I was very quickly mesmerized by my surroundings - a new part of Ontario that I had not yet seen.
Spotting the first loon of the trip - the first of many
Arriving at our site after navigating our way through an unmarked portage onto Sandy Lake
Hanging the food
After an awesome dinner of steak, garlic bread, green beans, and mashed potatoes, Brandon surprised us with some creme brule, complete with melted sugar thanks to his handy butane torch.
Waking up the next morning to a beautiful sunset burning away the fog hanging over the lake, I sat and enjoyed the moment before starting the fire.
Oleg also enjoyed the serene setting
A few shots from around the campsite...
A beautiful morning for a paddle...
Gliding through the trail of lilly pads...
Taking a break and enjoying the afternoon sun...
Andrew shows us the secret to his power on the portages
Yet another loon (one of my favourite parts about Northern Ontario!)
A "small" beaver dam that we had to maneuver around
Arriving at our second campsite on Little Bell Lake
After a leisurely morning around camp (and some yummy yummy pancakes to start our day) we set off for an easy day of paddling
We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on a sweet campsite where we enjoyed cheddar smokies and baked beans over the fire, and an afternoon of sun on the rocks
After stashing our canoes in the bush, we hiked up to the top of Silver Peak where we (illegally) planned to spend the night since there were no available campsites on that lake at the time of booking our trip
The hike up was a refreshing change to paddling as it was a pretty good incline and really got the legs working. I was oh so pleasantly surprised to discover that the hike also offered some pretty spectacular views - something I was definitely missing after getting spoiled by all of the alpine hiking that I had spent the past year and a half of my life taking for granted...
Following the cairns along the way
To the very top where we quickly found ourselves in the middle of an oncoming storm with thick fog blowing up and over the mountain-top and completely blocking out our view
I think that this picture from the next morning completely summarizes how gloomy things were (ah well, so much for a better view - will have to come back next year and check it out!)
After hiking back down to the bottom, the sun came out and we hopped in our canoes and stopped off at this wonderful campsite to enjoy a morning swim and a delicious oatmeal breakfast
Later that day we stumbled upon some pretty fantastic cliffs
The daredevils in the group opted to check them out a bit more than the ladies did
I took the opportunity to soak up the experience in a slightly more relaxing manner
After the next portage, we found ourselves having to drag the canoes for a while
And after catching site of a snapping turtle in the mirky waters, we opted to change up our strategic approach
I was LOVING it!
After some really yum KD for dinner...
We enjoyed a very chillin' evening around the campfire
I was thrilled to get up early the next morning to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the lake
I also discovered that it is only certain times of the day when you get to witness beautiful reflective moments like this one on the water
Paddling back down the shallow stream
And returning to the magnificent cliffs once again
This time Tasha decided to give it a "go" too
After finishing up at the cliffs we portaged onto another lake to be mesmerized by some even more magnificent cliffs
Another short portage took us onto this spectacular blue lake
And yet another portage brought us onto this narrow stream that was not a stranger to beaver dams
This section of the paddle turned ominous as we paddled by this ginormous boulders amongst the several mini portages that were interspersed throughout
It was a slow paddle and we found ourselves finally back onto the open water as the day was coming to an end
After paddling the length of Three Narrows Lake, we found ourselves back at the very first campsite that we saw since it was the only one unoccupied
We had just enough time to set up camp and start dinner before having to finish eating it in the dark. I think this picture of my feet summarizes how tough the day had been.
Our last morning was definitely a wet one and we set off in some gloomy skies
After a few more wet portages...
We found ourselves back where we started and sad to say goodbye to Killarney
What a fantastic trip. It`s hard to describe the total disconnect from the real world that you get to experience on a multi-day canoe trip like this. We really lucked out with good weather for the most part, and I am grateful for that. Already looking forward to our proposed 2-week adventure in the interior next year!
I finally got the collection of pictures taken on our 6-day canoe trip in Killarney. I think they turned out pretty fab. There were soooo many great pictures that it's hard to choose which ones to post here. I will see if I can consolidate below...
After dropping mom and dad off at the church at 5:15am where they would ride the yellow school bus to Pearson airport where they would begin their trip to Nicaragua, I was on the road and headed towards Barrie.
Since it was such an early morning, I got the pleasure of witnessing glowingly beautiful early morning sunrise.
After meeting up with Amanda, Brandon, Andrew, and Tasha who had come from Toronto, we carpooled up to Killarney Provincial Park just in time for the rain to pour down while we unloaded and set off.
Despite the fog that surrounded us, I was very quickly mesmerized by my surroundings - a new part of Ontario that I had not yet seen.
Spotting the first loon of the trip - the first of many
Arriving at our site after navigating our way through an unmarked portage onto Sandy Lake
Hanging the food
After an awesome dinner of steak, garlic bread, green beans, and mashed potatoes, Brandon surprised us with some creme brule, complete with melted sugar thanks to his handy butane torch.
Waking up the next morning to a beautiful sunset burning away the fog hanging over the lake, I sat and enjoyed the moment before starting the fire.
Oleg also enjoyed the serene setting
A few shots from around the campsite...
A beautiful morning for a paddle...
Gliding through the trail of lilly pads...
Taking a break and enjoying the afternoon sun...
Andrew shows us the secret to his power on the portages
Yet another loon (one of my favourite parts about Northern Ontario!)
A "small" beaver dam that we had to maneuver around
Arriving at our second campsite on Little Bell Lake
After a leisurely morning around camp (and some yummy yummy pancakes to start our day) we set off for an easy day of paddling
We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on a sweet campsite where we enjoyed cheddar smokies and baked beans over the fire, and an afternoon of sun on the rocks
After stashing our canoes in the bush, we hiked up to the top of Silver Peak where we (illegally) planned to spend the night since there were no available campsites on that lake at the time of booking our trip
The hike up was a refreshing change to paddling as it was a pretty good incline and really got the legs working. I was oh so pleasantly surprised to discover that the hike also offered some pretty spectacular views - something I was definitely missing after getting spoiled by all of the alpine hiking that I had spent the past year and a half of my life taking for granted...
Following the cairns along the way
To the very top where we quickly found ourselves in the middle of an oncoming storm with thick fog blowing up and over the mountain-top and completely blocking out our view
I think that this picture from the next morning completely summarizes how gloomy things were (ah well, so much for a better view - will have to come back next year and check it out!)
After hiking back down to the bottom, the sun came out and we hopped in our canoes and stopped off at this wonderful campsite to enjoy a morning swim and a delicious oatmeal breakfast
Later that day we stumbled upon some pretty fantastic cliffs
The daredevils in the group opted to check them out a bit more than the ladies did
I took the opportunity to soak up the experience in a slightly more relaxing manner
After the next portage, we found ourselves having to drag the canoes for a while
And after catching site of a snapping turtle in the mirky waters, we opted to change up our strategic approach
I was LOVING it!
After some really yum KD for dinner...
We enjoyed a very chillin' evening around the campfire
I was thrilled to get up early the next morning to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the lake
I also discovered that it is only certain times of the day when you get to witness beautiful reflective moments like this one on the water
Paddling back down the shallow stream
And returning to the magnificent cliffs once again
This time Tasha decided to give it a "go" too
After finishing up at the cliffs we portaged onto another lake to be mesmerized by some even more magnificent cliffs
Another short portage took us onto this spectacular blue lake
And yet another portage brought us onto this narrow stream that was not a stranger to beaver dams
This section of the paddle turned ominous as we paddled by this ginormous boulders amongst the several mini portages that were interspersed throughout
It was a slow paddle and we found ourselves finally back onto the open water as the day was coming to an end
After paddling the length of Three Narrows Lake, we found ourselves back at the very first campsite that we saw since it was the only one unoccupied
We had just enough time to set up camp and start dinner before having to finish eating it in the dark. I think this picture of my feet summarizes how tough the day had been.
Our last morning was definitely a wet one and we set off in some gloomy skies
After a few more wet portages...
We found ourselves back where we started and sad to say goodbye to Killarney
What a fantastic trip. It`s hard to describe the total disconnect from the real world that you get to experience on a multi-day canoe trip like this. We really lucked out with good weather for the most part, and I am grateful for that. Already looking forward to our proposed 2-week adventure in the interior next year!
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