Further Adventures on the Coast Trail

Odin raring to go...

Really getting into this One Hike/Weekend thing, backing it up with 60+ miles on the weekday commute. I think Odin is starting to look forward to it as well. I wanted to do the Ridge Trail at Gowlland Tod but as they were running Ryder Hesjedal's Tour De Victoria 2015 this past weekend I did not want to get in the way so headed back out to East Sooke again,

Early Morning Start - nice and cool

Making huge strides in recovering from my injury and preparing to get back into “getting out there”. This East Sooke Regional park is fantastic for any type of outdoor activity from the strenuous (Coast, Interior, Intense) to the casual, with trails that interconnect so you hike can go from a couple of hours to an entire day if you wish. 

Hills and Rocks - lots of them, but the scenery is incredible 

It’s still that time of year where you are bound to meet fellow like-minded “explorers” throughout the trails, although it is typically a low number (last weekend was a total of 13 – most of them met at the last part of the hike nearest the Open areas). Later in the year it is pretty rare to meet anyone out here, the quiet and the rains really change the park - almost like hiking in two different parks.

Early Morning Fishing - Rock Fishers  

It blows my mind seeing some of the people trail running on the Coast Trail – at this point a walking pace is satisfactory for me, but hat’s off to them for doing their sport. Hard Core!

Odin and I made it through to the Trapper Cabin at Cabin Point - great place for a rest and bite to eat. Sort of my historical stopping point that I used to do years back with my dog Andre (Below).

Just bought a Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack for Odin from Amazon.ca.  As he is going to continue accompanying me on my hikes (both on my pre-trip training ones and I’d like to plan to take him on my multi-day expeditions too – I think he would like that.) I feel that it would be good for him to carry some of his own stuff, might be kind of cool for us both to be hiking with backpacks.  He has never worn one before so that should be interesting, hopefully not as interesting as the time he had to wear a cone and nearly destroyed the house. 

Where Next?

Eastern Approach

Another Weekend - another great hike, with the best hiking companion you can have.

Odin lookin East towards Bedford Islands and Metchosin

Out again at East Sooke Regional Park, this time entering from Aylard Farm (the largest parking and entrance to the park) and heading West via the Coast Trail. Brought Odin along, it's been a while for him to do such a hike rather than just walking through the forest and open fields. Wasn't sure how much he could do, didn't want to push him too much and cause an injury or worse. He's a trooper though and was more than up for a very strenuous hike. This part of the Coast trail running up to Cabin point has some serious climbing up and over rock faces. A couple of times I needed to give him a boost up, but he returned the favour too. Some of the downward "trails" (using the term very loosely) I made sure I was in front of him and braced him in case he slipped. It was challenging and a lot of fun. About half way up the coast we needed to stop for a watering break, found some shade.

He's having a great time

As with these hikes, I learn something each time, this weeks lesson? Water - need to double up what I carry when Odin is with me. He pretty much cleaned me out by the time I got back to the Parking lot. I was carrying 2 Litres, made sure he was looked after first, due to him not being able to regulate internal temperatures like me. I had a flask of tea which carried me through. Going to have to figure out how to carry that extra water - maybe in a bladder that I can refill the Naglene Bottles from. I brought some food for him but that was unnecessary on a day hike, we just shared my food. My food, my water, hmm feeling a little like the pack animal here. 

Spectacular Viewpoints all along the route

Our next stopoff after a very hard climb was Beechy Head. This is the official marker of the border between Canada and the USA. It is also another fantastic view, you can almost see Port Angeles in the distance from here. Just a stone throw's away.

Beechy Head Marker

Keep you eyes and ears open, the place is teaming with all kinds of wildlife, various birds, small mammals, insects, ect.  Found this guy on the centre of the trail so moved him off, Good size, not sure what type of caterpillar he is but he was the size of my largest finger.

Just past Cabin Point, then over to the Interior Trail around Babbington Hill, following the Interior trail back to Aylard Farm. Total time just over 3 hours. Odin was thrilled to see a little reward at the end of the hike. He absolutely loves running through tall grasses. Couldn't believe he had the energy left to do this, he reached deep and made me do the same. 

Wildlife on the plains of the Serengeti

Looking forward to next weekends hike, not sure of the destination but I am sure that Odin and I will have another fantastic day exploring our local areas.

“Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.” 

                                           --Robert Frost

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

Holmes Peak

Another weekend another local hike. Headed over to Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, taking the Ridge Trail between Holmes Peak and Jocelyn Peak. Clouds were moving in fast - they were calling for rain but it held off till later in the day. Incredible views throughout the hike, from Misery Bay (no idea why it's called that it's a beautiful spot.) right through to the rest of the Finlayson Arm and the Saanich Inlet. Round trip from Caleb Pike was 5.88 Miles at a reasonable 27.38 minutes/mile taking 2 hours 49 minutes (or so). 

Even though it is so close it is really quite remote. Every changing elevation and challenging grade, trails that go from well developed 

to loose rock or even climbing up rock faces, keeping your focus even though you are trying to take the scenery in, but not wishing to stumble either. 

 Finlayson Arm Facing South - Misery Bay off in the distance on the right.

Finlayson Arm Facing North toward Squally Reach - Salt Spring Island way way off in the distance.

Just a cool looking tree - great place to have a quick bite and re-hydrate

and proof that you are not alone out here, ever.

Cougar Scat 

Thankfully the only evidence of the cat.

Another great weekend hike - tomorrow's not as exciting just doing the perimeter of the Royal Roads University grounds with my Dog Odin. 

Return to East Sooke Regional Park

Ragnar awaits!

I decided it was time to get back out on the trails, what a brilliant weekend to do it. A long weekend here, BC Day so thought that Sunday might be a bit busy in all the parks. Glad to see it was not the case. Only a few Cars in the Pike Road Parking lot at the Westernmost entrance to the park. The last time I had been here was with my Lab - Andre. Great memories of a fantastic dog. I wore his bear bell on my pack and it reminded me of him crashing through the bush, getting almost out of visual range, then coming to a complete stop looking back and waiting for me.

This hike was more than just for pleasure though, was also a bit of a proving ground. I was not carrying the full-on pack but a slightly heavier version of a day pack running about 15 pounds, with my Gerber LMF 2 strapped to my leg, emergency pouch on my belt, 2 litres of water and a flask of Sweet tea. I wanted to see also how my body handled and recovered from the various elevation changes, uneven surfaces and pulling myself up rock faces. I also wanted to see how long it would take me to complete, and what I would feel like near the end. It is great for finding out what needs tweaking with the gear - for instance, better to have access to 1 bottle of water rather than them both on the pack. Had to stop every time I wanted a drink. Little things but worthwhile ones. Bring glass case - pain wearing them.

Here's the route I took - total time just about 4.5 hours

It's so near by yet throughout the entire hike I only met 7 other trail users including a woman who was running the Coast Trail. If you had ever hiked this trail with its massive elevation changes, rocky paths that are on the edge of cliffs dropping 50 - 75 feet onto the rocks of the ocean, you'd know what an intense thing it is to run. Impressed.

Facing West towards Pike Point

So here it is two days after the hike - my upper thighs feel bruised, so must have been a great workout. Shows how far I have to go to get back into shape, I will! I also have to ensure that I do this much more frequently, there are just so many options around here to take advantage of getting out there. Weather or time of year should not be the limitation instead it should be what encourages me to continue to improve, learn and experience.

Looking for the next trail to explore.

EOF -- LC 

Meet the real Me.

First day (Partial) back to work this week - after nearly 5 weeks off with workplace injury. Glad to be getting out of the house, and glad of course to be getting back to earning income, while I work with a "mostly" good bunch of folks I have really enjoyed the limited human interaction (interaction completely under my control) that I have had to participate in while off work. I recently said that to someone I trust and I think I was viewed as being more than a little odd for even thinking it. I'm not anti-social I just prefer to be not very social, too much experience with people, there are great folks out there doing great things but there just seems to be so many more that are all about themselves stepping over whomever they can to get MORE. It's tainted me for a long time, I think I've got this talent/curse where I can see people for what they are, I am also totally unforgiving once a trust is breached no matter if they are in my inner circle, family or acquaintances - I am sure it is sort of a character flaw (? or strength?) of mine, an ability to write anyone or any relationship off, then never look back or feel regret about doing so. I've done it with my entire family, sick of one-way relationships where either myself or my Wife have to put in all the effort - just not worth it for me, so out comes the inner me that goes well F*** You, you're not worth it and I no longer want you in my life. Poof done! Don't let the door hit you in the @ss on the way out. That's me... no apologies - no regrets. 

Planning a multi-day backpacking trek later this year, not really sure of destination (Mt Albert Edward, Forbidden Plateau, Garabaldi  or?) just to get back into what I used to really enjoy - -  the soothing solitude of the wilderness and nature. I believe it's what's really missing from my life, something that kept me on an even keel and unstressed. It will add to my health regime that I began over two years ago now. So I have started to pre-train, coming off a leg injury (Tear in the calf muscle) mentioned above, I have been into the physio world for the past few weeks, and have begun a return to my normal weights, crunches and planks. Now time to strap on that pack and begin using the treadmill to strengthen the legs, back and shoulders. Working back slowly, but making great progress (42 Pound pack, 2.25 miles @ 3 mph increasing/decreasing inclines (max %12) for 46 minutes. 3 days on 1 day off). Once I feel ready I will introduce some running and cycling to increase the cardio, also the pack's final weight will be about 50-55 Pounds. Research online says the average distance travelled in a single day of hiking is about 6-8 Miles, so extending my training to support that and adding the gear to both the pack and myself (hiking boots, EDC's, emergency kit and so forth) until I am comfortable with my performance.

Speaking of research the other thing I am doing is to develop a meal plan for the trail, being Vegan this is a first for me, ensuring I have proper nutrition and caloric intake to support burning 2500-3500 calories per day. Pleasantly surprised that the Internet (All Hail Google!) has so many resources available for Vegan backpacking, and some wicked tips to help keep the costs down. Things like bringing dry beans put them in a empty peanut butter container with water, by the end of the day's hike they are no longer dried and can be cooked with your meal. Going to have to remember lentils too -  they're huge protein plus - easy to transport dry and cook from dry. TVP is another one, just tried some of this at home. Easy!

Some Vegan Backpacking Sites:

Gossamer Gear

Outlandian

Alone - kind of Les Stroud 2.0

"I went to the woods because

I wished to live deliberately...

and see if I could not learn

what it had to teach."

-- Henry David Thoreau

History channel just started broadcasting this new show called Alone , a survival show - 10 guys placed on various remote location on the North West Corner of Vancouver Island, just as the rains are approaching and temperatures are dropping in amoungst the cougars, bears and wolves. Each are allowed to bring up to ten items from a list provided by the producers, and have to film themselves using an array of camera's, and yes they are alone. This is something that really appeals to me, I think I would do great at it, but without the cameras. Each has an emergency Satellite phone if they want to "Tap-out", Don't want to give too much away, but it's interesting to see who taps out and for what, as well as seeing how each of them handle both the environment, getting the daily needs taken care of and the emotional separation (lonesomeness).Last man standing gets $500.000 US. and while the cash would be good, I think the bigger prize coming out of it is what you would learn about yourself. I'd love to try it, but again without the requirement to film myself.

Worth checking the show out if like the Les Stroud type of shows.

EOF -- LC

and we're back!

Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, back to avenge the wrongs, so is my Blog, well without the drama of a Bird rising from the ashes on a mission but otherwise identical.

Decided to come back put some thoughts down, perhaps only for myself or for reflection at a much later date - ah who knows. Maybe it's just the fact that I have a bit of cabin fever (although wish I was in a cabin in the middle of the wilderness) been primarily home-bound for the past 4 + weeks with a torn Calf muscle, about halfway through the expected full recovery - just gave up the walking stix, am now much more mobile. It was a workplace injury - but of course WorksafeBC (WCB) does not wish to cover it, so I am having to fight them. I understand this is just the way they work, deny first (even though they never received the Doctor's reports). Thankfully I have enough banked sick time that it is covering this for the moment - I will have to repay the employer if I can get a reversal of Worksafe's decision. Anyways healing...and predicted to have a full recovery, that's what is important.

Beginning planning and training for a escape to the woods with a friend this fall, unsure yet of the actual destination, maybe Mt Albert Edward in Strathcona Park here on the Island or maybe Garibaldi near Whistler and Pemberton? Perhaps somewhere else? Wherever it is I am sure it is going to be a blast. Been a long while since I have hiked in for a multiple day hike way off the beaten path. Have of course done many day hikes (3-8 hours), but really forgot how heavy a pack is until the last couple of days when I started a basic load on it. It's 36 pounds without food, water, fuel bottles, clothing and some other incidentals. I've only got about 7 weeks to train/gather/plan, kind of unusual for me as I am a planner and like lots of time to do this, but as long as the safety-health issues are covered it might be cool to go outside my comfort zone.

I am going to plan some serious day hikes around here with the pack - work out the bugs while exploring some new turf. MEC offers some refresher courses for free so will be attending some of them as well. Glad we have one locally. I wish REI was up here to, as they have a great selection too. Robinson's also has some great gear, and staff and are local.

I am looking forward to getting back into this, with a couple of places I want to see eventually or revisit again, places like NWT, Yukon, Northern BC, Jasper, Wells Gray, Waterton Lakes-Glacier....No shortage of places to see.

EOF - LC

2013 a different year

Ok honestly forgot about this Blog, ended up working on some others. So lets see the last entry was back in May of 2011, two and a half years back. Since then there has been a lot of change as you would expect. I mean life would be dull without it. No longer working with Telus, T.G! That place was killing me inside, took a lot of months to get well. Now working for the Municipal Government of Esquimalt. Big difference here, very positive people, warm environment, a place where they want you to become the best you can and help you to achieve it. I have been here for 1 Year on the 21st of this month. Wow.

House Reno's continue but almost there, have to get the final inspection by March 2014. Be nice to have it done and be able to take a break from it for a while. Kind of burnt out about reno'ing. The kitchen will need done but perhaps we can hold off for a while and pay our bills down first.

June of this year I started to focus on reducing my portion size, then in July/August I started working weights and the treadmill. I am down about 30 pounds, almost lost that gut of mine, saw a picture the other day, and it really surprised me how fat I had gotten. Still a ways to go, but heading in the right direction. I would like to work towards a hike in camping trip for next year. One of my goals.

The past 7 weeks I have been eating Vegan (only exception is cream in the morning coffee and little yogurt in my morning protein shake.). I have been enjoying trying new recipes and dishes. So far have no craving to return to eating as I was. Will this be permanent? I don't know, but I am enjoying it.

I have also installed an 80 pound heavy bag and a chin-up bar, and combined with weights, crunches, planks, curls etc...keeping me honest.  

We have had a brilliant summer and now midway into October and it is still 15 degrees, and the door is open in our lunch room. Wow!

More to come....

Time Flies.....

Really, I can't believe it. Middle of the year is almost here, June is just weeks away. It's been a real poor Winter/Spring and looks like the investment in the grow lights for the peppers and tomato's was a good call. It's finally warm enough at night to start moving them outside (Tomato's back in the driveway and peppers into the old greenhouse. ), although I am going to leave a heater out there just in case, as one night this week is supposed to get down to 6. Just crazy though, I don't remember another year here in Vic that has been like this, but you have to work with it not much choice eh? The Peppers (Bhut Naga Jolakia and Fatali) are about 2.5 feet now and have started to flower, so I have taken the Lights down and hoping they will get enough of what they need through the clouds. Pretty exciting to attempt to grow them, can't wait to try the fruit out. The seeds were planted at the beginning of March so we are at about 10 weeks or so.... 

Came across an article on Christopher McCandless (AKA "Alexander Supertramp"), not really sure where I began reading it, just one of the usual looking on the Net for one thing and end up going down the path on something else. This kind of story has always interested me with the likes of Richard Proenneke, Jack London, Les Stroud, Ray Mears and pretty much anyone else who tried to make a go of it, surviving alone in the wilderness.  As you would expect not all the stories end on a happy note, as not all such adventures do either. Christopher McCandless is such a story, unfortunately a really bad movie was made, loosely based on his story, Into the Wilderness Directed by Sean Penn, a much better peek into what happened and perhaps the naivety of putting yourself into the situation he did without preparation is better shown in Ron Lamothe's "The Call of the Wild".  It's kind of similar to the Tim Treadwell story, in a sense at least as far as not having the knowledge to know what the risks are and what you are getting into.  I mean don't get me wrong Treadwell did a lot of good things for kids, and wildlife, just think he underestimated his situation and paid the ultimate price for it. I would think though based on everything I had read and watched on him that it would not have detracted him at all even if he knew how his end would come.  I am not sure that the same could be said for McCandless, less than a 1/4 mile from where he ended his existence was a hand cranked basket to get across the river, the river that he thought prevented him from crossing.  Knowledge of the area or a good map would have saved him.

Don't know if it's the weather or age or just the fact I have not been out camping alone in so long, but I am finding I am getting more and more annoyed with fellow humans I meet everyday,

• between drivers running red lights,
• racing down streets not thinking of anyone else,
• people walking down the sidewalks bumping into each other (OK I mean me - pisses me off),
• The fact that there are so many that never think of others, only themselves (and think they are all that)
  
• News stories breaking always talking about some greedy sod (Person, Politician, or Corporation) hosing someone else over smile on their face,
• The abundance of animal abuse,
• even Government sanctioned actions like the Seal Hunt................

Maybe I just need a break, either that or I am turning into a Walter Matthau Grumpy Old Man character (well the first steps anyways... I'm not that old yet)

Leaving Home for Home

We are just on our last day here in the North, it’s been a fantastic time. We’ve had lots of laughs and enjoyment celebrating Christmas and New Years with the family. Visiting friends we have not seen in quite a while, seeing places and changes in our little town.  We were given the weather I had hoped for, (cold wintery stuff) until today when it has changed and is now on a warming trend until the end of the week. We leave tomorrow heading to Prince George to visit with some friends for a couple of days, and I am hoping the highways improve before then, lots of snow from Kitwanga right thru till Prince George. At least the road crews will have a full day to work on it until then.

This is the part of the Province I would like to live in again, this or further North. Just so easy to get the dog in the truck and head off out to the middle of nowhere and walk, explore, take all Mother Nature has to offer in. Keeping your eyes and ears open for the creatures in the forest, that I am sure are watching me. Checking for tracks in the snow, figuring out what’s around. It’s pretty deep stuff to start thinking about how they survive out there, and how few of us would be able to anymore. There are those folks who make it work out there, the ones who live there fulltime or the people like Les Stroud who strive to learn from those who can live in the wild. It would be great to live back up here and be able to test yourself frequently and hone those skills, hard to do so from Victoria, just no real getting away from everyone and everything.

Be quite something to be some of the first settlers or trappers up this way, so much of it is still wild one can only imagine how wild it was 150 years ago. It could have not been easy in any way to make it work, and I am sure many folks never made it, or turned tail and headed back south as soon as they could.

I have a ton of pictures to process when I get home so will update the flickr and photosites when I can, pictures of wilderness walks, visitors from the wild, celebrations with friends and family, watching our nephews play hockey (will be pro’s some day I am sure) in Hazelton, and even some of the road trip… stay tuned…

EOF…..LC

Great White North, eh?

Hope everyone else’s Christmas went as well as ours. Back home in the cold and snow, and for me this really makes the Season the way it should be. Guess a big part of it is where you grow up with it. I often think how strange it would be to celebrate Christmas/New Year’s in someplace hot like Australia or Hawaii. Yes its what their used to, but I think it would be bizarre to be singing “Six White Boomers’ and buying into it. Each their own, but prefer the White Christmas themed songs…

 

 

Odin, is absolutely in his element, all this freedom, and open space for him to explore, he loves this place, not sure how much he will enjoy going back to the City. We were out with the Brother-in-law, his Wife, daughters, and their 2 dogs. Walking the logging roads, just incredible scenery. Reminds me how much I miss all of this. Solitude, wilderness, silence, and vast space that is not overrun with people. Maybe its more than Odin who is in his element? 

 

Christmas is Coming!

So hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, followed quickly by the beginning of the New Year! I really like this time of year, yeah the cliché's abound, stores are crazy busy, but even I notice how much more pleasant and compassionate folks are to one another this time of year. Little things from a smile and nod of the head while holding the door, letting another driver out into the line, and not being afraid to wish each other the best of the season. Then there are the people who pull out all the stops by lifting everyone's spirits by going balls to the wall with Christmas Decorations, folks who volunteer to help those much less fortunate (and there are many more of those people who are in need this year), many who contribute and assist the feathered and furry creatures who sometimes get overlooked during the season. I think if it was not for these types of people who seemingly appear out of no where much like Mr. Claus, well I would be able to say the the world has gone to the preverbal in a hand basket. As greed seems to abound, and I still feel that unfortunately it is more and more people who are travelling this route, there are still those advanced souls who keep the spirit of the season in their hearts and try to show us all what its all about. I am very thankful to have quite a few of these people around me in my life 365 days a year. So there is no reason I cannot learn by their deeds and thoughts. I know I have a long way to grow spiritually, (and that word does not have to just be religious but encompasses so much more.), socially, perhaps that is why I am presented with the lessons around me that I am? Can only hope to grow and help to look after life around me no matter the form that it takes.

I attended the Boomer's Legacy Gala a little while ago, and was really looking forward to seeing the pictures the Professional Photographer took of Mel Cooper, General Hillier and myself… so here they are, at least the ones I downloaded… very cool.  An event I will remember for sometime to come, not every day you meet so many movers and shakers in Canadian politics, Military and Media. Was a really special night for me. Thanks Mel!!

More to come before the big day… stay tuned… Merry Christmas!!! 

 

EOF  - -  LC

Knock Knock! Who's there? Old Man Winter

While it was predicted, it was still great to wake up to a bit of the white stuff this morning. Looking at weather reports we have much more (hopefully) coming. It's such a great change, brightens everything up and makes it feel like winter, as it should. Victoria is not really known for the full onslaught of a four season Year. Our winters are usually very mild, and sometimes wet, but with the occasional days or more of weather that resembles a Fall day or an early Spring one. Odin as expected luvs the snow, as I think most dogs do. He spent much of his time out chasing, who knows what, putting his nose into the snow and lifting the snow back towards the skies… Just having the morning coffee before I take the hounds for their walk. I think Odin is pretty keyed up to go and do some more running in it.

Guess I better get the winter tires on the Truck tomorrow as well, heck that was what they were bought for.  As I get older I find I really miss living in an area with all four seasons (not sure if this is a "Grass is always greener" feeling or a "Looking at the past through Pink Shades"), I grew up in Edmonton,. Alberta. Where you could always be guaranteed winter, sometimes it was the other season that suffered. There was always a great feel to the winter season, it was not a "beating my chest" I am tough feeling, but rather an enjoyment of experiencing that side of Mother Nature. Wonder where the best and most consistent place in Canada is for having all four seasons? Some said places like Penticton and Kelowna. What's your thoughts? Prince George? It's a really nice place too.

 

EOF  ---   LC

November..

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot

Typical, I usually cheer for the underdog, it was one of the reasons I really liked the twisted tale based on the above, in the movie `V for Vendetta`. I guess in some circles (religious and Political) though this time of year has such a bonding or rallying effect. Does it still do so for the families who celebrate "bonfire night" or has it instead become yet another commercial marking of the passing days? I do think today that most folks, regular hard-working types, would also be behind Guy F, at least in the wish to start the government again from scratch, trying to eliminate corruption and turning it back (if it ever was) to a position of service to the people.

Cranked up the wood stove Saturday night, held off for as long as we could but it was starting to get a little damp in the Mornings, not really cold enough to hit it full on, and balancing the heat with the open window or door. Still nice to get up in the AM to a little bit of heat, so much nicer to have a coffee while sitting in the warmth. Gotta keep moving though, so easy to succomb to the heat, and sneak in a few naps.  :-)

Just prepping the office for paint and flooring. Gettting a good coat of Kilz-2 on, then will follow up with a good quality primer. As for the floor I think I am going to install some wood-look vinyl product, it comes in strips, and ends up looking very much like real wood flooring, but a bit more heavy-duty (10 Year Commercial warranty), this is one of the Manufacturers sites. I have also decided to scale back on the desk design, I wanted to do concrete topped desks, but nothing is going to cure very quickly at this time of year, plus maybe a simpler design like this, might really complement the room. I forgot how small the room is (11 x 12) so space is a premium, need two desks, 1 area for printers/scanner, bookshelfs, then later over-desk cupboards or shelves. The wiring is behind the wall ready to be pulled and mounted to the desks. Then will put arborite over the desks to give them a nicer finish that is durable.

I have a big event to attend this Saturday , Boomer's Legacy - 4th Annual Fundraising event being held at Royal Roads University. I have been invited by one of the organizer's, and will be sitting at General Hillier's Table.  Yeah I am stoked! Picking up a new suit tomorrow, I have it on good authority that I clean up pretty good.

Whiskyfest tickets go on sale tomorrow, going to have to do everything I can to get tickets for the event in January. Going to be a blast.

EOF  - - LC

While driving from Laughlin to Las Vegas for our flight home, we were pursued by a pretty serious Lightening and Thunderstorm. This picture I took from the bus, just outside Vegas, of a distant mountain being engulfed by the dark fast moving clouds.. suitably moody I thought. Nothing like storms in the desert, you can have a massive downpour of rain that causes flash floods on the road, then two hours later, everything is very dry again and you would not be able to tell that it had rained at all.

EOF LC

In-Betweener

Well that time of year again. As a motorcyclist it's a weird time, the time when you are about leave for work, in the near dark, just before the dawn - already miss the bright morning greeting from my friend Sol - you have to check the weatherundergound site, then calculate the odds hmm 30% chance of rain, 70% chance of no rain then factor in 10 to 16 Celsius then add the 50- 60 K/hr self-created wind chill. Once the computer spits out the result then head to the closet to pick the riding gear for the day, hopefully picking right. This past summer as most of my riding was commuting to and from work, I wore my Motorhead hoody, skull gloves and runners, yeah I know not advised but it was hot and dry. This time of year having to go back to full gear, I am always very resistant to swapping over, much like giving up the shorts and sandals and revert back to jeans, boots and jackets. The non-summer gear  includes a 3 season all weather riding jacket, waterproof/windproof pants (later in the year the addition of Joe Rocket insulated/padded pants when winter really kicks in), Insulated leather gauntlets, and full height tactical boots. Later in the year the addition of 3 stage snowmobile gloves and heated vest gets me through the dead of winter ) and makes me feel more like a spaceman than motorcyclist. Well no fighting it, just have to knuckle under and look forward to the positive changes of the season. Supposed to be a long cold one, so hoping for a real winter..

The King lives, Baby!!! Come get some!
OK hope this is really it and its going to happen this time, it's been 12 years in development and in that time it has become the Poster boy (Poster Software just doesn't seem right) for all that is Vapourware. Duke Nukem - Forever, (like the time I have been waiting for it's release) is due to release in 2011 from Take-Two entertainment. Story from RegHardware here and News release from Take Two here.

EOF - LC

Darker and Darker

Well looks as though the summer is waning, Our walks in the Morning have returned to plodding through the darkness, time to get the Headlamp out again. Sunrise has slipped back to past 6:00, and later and later. It is one of the true "in your face" counting of the passing of time. Guess it is due to the time I get up and when we walk. It's back to that time where I can not let Odin off the leash, as he can see more than I. With the Rabbits and Deer out in force, and my buddies inclination to see them as chase able targets it's just not worth the risk. Still a brilliant walk and the best way to start the day.

We just had a big Party for my Wife, it was her (censored) birthday! Pretty sure I will be in the Doghouse if I say how young she is.. I think she was absolutely thrilled with the turnout, all of her friends that were able to be here no matter how far away they were showed up. Her Family came down from up North, Her Aunt and Uncle came from England. It was fantastic! I know she knows how important she is to everyone and how much she is loved. Our Friends up the road let us hold it at their house, where they have a beautiful yard. We got a keg of Phillips Blue Buck, had two BBQ's cranking out the Burgers, along with all kinds of salads, baked Salmon, Ham and home made Baked goods and chocolate covered strawberries (I missed out on them Grrr!). Even Old Mother Nature participated and gave us a brilliant day to celebrate in. Pictures Here.


EOF -- LC

King Odin

King Odin
Originally uploaded by Logantech

We have just come through the extended heat wave, most days over 30 some even reaching 35. Sorry I do not do heat very well. Low to mid 20's is my comfort zone, or drop me into minus whatever. Anyways out playing with the camera,and caught this very regal shot of Odin, not sure what he was looking at, but by the look on his face whatever it was belongs to him. :-)

Red Sun

Woke up to an amazing sunrise yesterday. Due to the smoke from all the fires on the Mainland, Old Friend Sol was glowing red. They have had Air Quaility warnings for us, but nothing severe like Vancouver. Or worse yet Moscow! Poor Buggers, being told to stay inside, no Air Conditioning, so you suffacate or go outside and breathe in the smoke and chemicals.. heck of a choice.

EOF - - LC

Last few Bits

Just giving the Tile/Grout a final wipedown this AM then 48 hours later I can seal it off. The Choice of Colours the Wife has picked really goes well with the Teracota Coloured Tile. The Grout is a bit different than the grout we used in the rest of the house, but I think it actually adds a depth which brings the Terracota shades forward more. I have to measure up for Window Ledges/sills, Molding and Blinds. My Mother-in-Law suggested tiling the Ledges, I think doing this on the largest window will look great and will tie it off to the floor nicely. Will have to check at Pacific Flooring for Tile and Bull-nosing to see whats out there. The other wood for the ledges is going to be stained (as is the molding) to match our New Bedroom Suite. It will be very different when we move into the room, compared to the room we are in now, especially with the reno hell we have been in. Our Master Bedroom right now is part bedroom part reno storage... fun  NOT! ;-)

My new Truck has been treating me right. Getting the front wheel bearings done this week, my mechanic gave it a once over and full mainteniance fluid/filter change this past week. Truck passed, only the wheel bearings need immediate attention. Such good news, I was worried as I got the truck at a very good price, I gave it a once over when I took it out for a test drive, and the guy I bought it from seemed honest enough, but you always worry. Turns out worry for nothing. She's not brand new, a 2003 F350 4x4, a few dings and things, but with a little attention and looking after the general maintenance the truck should do me for some time. Great to have a fullsize truck again, even better having a diesel. First ever for me, so a bit different than the gas engines. Luv the sound and the fact that for transporting or pulling there are very few limitations. Can't wait to do a road trip to Northern BC, then bomb up the Logging roads in the truck.

The Wife is over in the Mainland this weekend, her nephews are down from Hazelton as part of the Northern Selects Hockey Team playing a friendly tournament at Planet Ice in Coquitlam. Guess one of her Nephews was selected MVP, and the team has gone on to the finals, playing today. Can't wait to see the pictures and movies of them playing. I hear they are very very good. Be cool if they eventually get to the NHL level!



EOF  -- LC