Tag Archives: vacation

M.I.A.

Okay, not really MIA. I’m actually in Hawaii! And it can be hard to keep up with you wonderful people while on holiday, so do please forgive me! My days have been filled to the brim with fun Hawaii activities, and I’m exhausted by the time I settle down to relax. I’ve only managed 2 runs while here, have had to forfeit the biggest Squad Runner mission points of the month, but I’m enjoying life immensely right now and loving the kicked back Island lifestyle.

My entertainment this morning has been watching some Nene geese (Hawaii’s state bird) chase off wild roosters and chickens from their turf. (“Watch me whip… watch me Nene…,” okay, sorry, corny much? lol)

We return to the Pacific Northwest late Monday night, where it’s going to be a very cold 19 deg F. This is one time I’m not looking forward to going back home. But I mustn’t think of that now… I still have 2 days left in paradise!

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay

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That’s a saying we use regularly in my house. “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay.” It completely explains our current state of activity. No further explanation needed when asked ‘whatcha doing.’

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

(Admit it… you sang those lyrics while you read them, didn’t you)

Today is the first real day of my holiday vacation and I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay. And I’m not ashamed to say it loud and proud.

Anyone having fun with their runs and participating in the #RunChatHunt? I doubt I’ll complete the challenge, but I have managed to find a couple of the items, such as inflatables:

And a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree:

James also created a SquadRunner team of 20 people to keep us motivated and running through the holidays and beyond. We compete with other teams around the world for standings, and each day there is a quiz you can take for points, not to mention new missions (must reach a certain distance or time) which will also give you extra points.

Today’s mission is 9.5 miles. I need to get out and complete at least half of it, but it is so cold out there. Okay, nothing like riding a bike in 18 deg F cold (Jim… brrrr), but it’s cold for us… for me. My cat has taken up residence in the warmest bathroom in the house and is laying on the heating vent. You see, we had a White Christmas. Yes indeedy… it snowed.

Anyway, back to SquadRunner, we have a great team and are currently ranked 41st out of a couple hundred. Our 20 team members hail from around the globe… Germany, UK, Canada, East Coast, West Coast. We motivate, encourage, and celebrate each other. It has been such a great and positive experience and it makes me want to get out and get some mileage for the team… cold or no cold. But right now, I’m still sittin’ on the dock of the bay.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing morning, getting caught up with all of you: AJ vacationing in Arizona; Brian re-running his Village of the Damned series (which is what got me hooked on Bonnywood Manor to begin with); AB traveling during the holidays and most recently Rome; and I always enjoy reading T’s happenings and thoughts, as well as Marie’s Monday school. Also hoping for wellness for GH and a speedy recovery for Randy who recently ruptured his Achilles and had to have surgery. And hey! After a long hiatus, welcome back, WBFM!

Sometimes it’s good just sittin’ on the dock of the bay!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

Whistler, BC

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Whistler, fondly nicknamed Bear Country, is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, located about 75 miles (125 km) north of Vancouver, British Columbia. It hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and is home to Ironman Canada.

While skiing and snowboarding are its main attractions, there is also a myriad of things to do during the summer:

Swimming
Hiking
Ziplining
Bungee jumping
Bear watching
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Golf
Canoeing, kayaking, SUP
Cross country biking and road cycling
Rock climbing
Glacier Tours
4×4 Jeep Tours

The Valley Trail runs all throughout Whistler and surrounding areas. On the below map, the yellow indicates the trail system. The orange circle indicates the area I covered on my run while we were there. We covered a larger area with the bikes. Alta Lake is where the swim for the Ironman takes place.

The day after my long run, we had plans to go up the mountain, go hiking, and ride the gondola, but we didn’t account for the thousands of people that were there. The lines were crazy long, so we were unable to do that. There was also a mountain biking/BMX event going on and lifts were extremely busy. Whistler has dedicated parks/trails for mountain bikes which is a big draw in the summer. I wish I had taken a picture of the event as it was quite fun to watch.

A million and one people in the village.

The day we were to go up the mountain, we decided to rent bikes instead and go for a nice long ride. If you read my previous post, you saw the elevation profile, so lots of hills, which were actually quite fun on a bike (what goes up, must come down…and fast!). Me being the old lady I am, poodled along quite nicely behind James and AJ, eventually catching up to them when they would stop to wait for me. Hey, if I wouldn’t have taken my time, I wouldn’t have been able to see that sweet little black bear crossing the trail in front of me… for which I couldn’t grab my phone quick enough to get a picture (but then again… I’m thinking it’s not very safe to take a selfie with a bear). Okay, honestly, it scared the ever-loving hell out of me and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

The following day was dedicated to me and AJ going for a horseback ride. Once again, the old lady (me) reared up the back. My horse was named Sam, extremely tall, and took his time on climbing the hills (sound like anyone you know?). I don’t know how the stable owner managed to match us up so perfectly. Even on a horse, AJ was saying, “Mom, you’re so slow.” I get my money’s worth, what can I say.

See the white horse way up there? Yep, that’s my son’s, and that’s how far behind Sam and I were. Sam and I had an understanding… I wouldn’t make him go faster and he wouldn’t turn around and nip at me.

Anyway, a great and exhausting little holiday. If you’re close enough and ever looking for an outdoorsy type of vacation, I would highly recommend this place. There are activities for everyone to enjoy and the weather is gorgeous. I’m sure we’ll be back… time and time again (especially given that it’s only about 4-1/2 hours away from us).

Sedona – Throwback Thursday to 2001

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Have you ever been to Sedona, Arizona? When we lived in Tucson, we would visit it occasionally as it was always a great getaway. It was usually cooler than Tucson, so it was almost like a break in the heat. Sedona is considered to be a spiritual mecca and they are known for their healing massages, spas, hypnotherapy and retreats. Regardless, you can’t beat the beauty.

One of my favorite activities was the horseback riding that I talked James into doing. It was not his thing but he said he would try it just once. He really enjoyed the ride… but I’m thinking it’ll be the last time I get him on a horse, hehe.

By the way… this is before the digital age, so the pictures don’t do the Red Rock justice…