Tempus Fugit

Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies

Posts

  • The warm up hike




    Garry at Chinaman’s Peak

    Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

    Today, just outside of Canmore, the group met in a mountain road parking lot for the warm-up hike. The start time was 1pm, but some of the group were delayed until shortly after 2pm. With everyone assembled we started the climb which was about 3,000 vertical feet of solid up hill. My cycling payed of, and my legs were good,and the cardio, while fairly intense, was quite managable.

    We hung out at the top for quite a while enjoying the view and taking pictures. The climb up was about 1 hr and 20 minutes and we were pushed by a mother anddaughter team that did it in one hour, we ust could not let them pass us.

    Going down was a different story. I found it quite hard on my legs, nees, and feet. This is not a cycling motion at all. At the end our smaller group was quite tired and wondering how we’ll make out on tomorrow’s 8-10 hour trek climbing 6,000 vertical.

    Off to bed soon as we need to leave Banff at 4:30am to be at the base start location by 6am. After today’s performance they decided that we need an extra hour of daylight.

  • On the road

    Well the top is down and we’re crusing across Saskatchewan on a glorious sunny day. I estimate. That we’re half way to. Banff andjust passing Swift current. Speeds a little. Over the limit but hey, its a road trip. Less talk now with the wind noise but still a good time. Darcy seems to be holding up ok in.the back. More latter…

  • The Adventure Begins

    It’s 4:30am and I’m getting the gear together for the 16 hr drive to Banff to climb Mt Thompson. At 5 I’ll pick up one of the other guys and we’ll go to transfer to the convertible at 5:30am for the top down road trip. I’m stoked.

  • Project of the Day


    Kayak Stacker
    Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

    I’ve been thinking about how to store the kayaks without having them on the dock for some time now. The original idea was to have two “J” shaped brackets with webbing strung between to cradle the kayak, but I was worried about the stability of the top “J” being only supported by the vertical outside post, which in turn is supported by a 2×4 bolted to the bottom of the dock. The weigh shouldn’t be a problem as I can stand on either support arm and each kayak is approximately 50lbs, so with both on the rack each end only needs to carry that weigh.

    After staring at the problem for several days, I came up with this idea. The top cradle is hinged so after the top boat is removed the cradle can be flipped back to gain full access to the lower boat. This method allows for better support on the dock-side uprights and improved stability.

    It was a wonderful sunny morning with a strong west wind blowing across the point, so while it is relatively calm water in front of the cottage, there is a nice breeze to keep things from getting too hot. Even so, after a while of working with my shirt off, I could feel the potential of a nice sunburn coming on, so on with a shirt and hat. Gee, is that wisdom or old age? A hat, since when…?

    As I’m warping up the job and doing a little dock repair I hear Shirley scream from outside the lower door of the cottage, “Garry! Come quickly, there is something in the cottage!”. We’ll after the recent attack of the Squirrel Army, we’re a little on edge so I came flying up the stairs. Sure enough, as I go in the door I can hear a clatter, but soon determine that it’s just something thunking around in the dryer. Crisis averted. The Fortress is still secure from intruders.

  • Lame

    I saw WALL-E last night. Don’t bother.

  • Great day at the Lake


    Shore Stop
    Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

    Today was the first day of our vacation with clear skies and no rain. We had a late breakfast on the dock and then headed out in the kayaks. We circumnavigated Sultana Island for a 11.7km tour which saw a deer, a trutle, and several bald eagles (no photo’s this time) .
    View Larger Map

  • Shot a bear at the lake.

    Take a look.

  • Plans for today

    It’s raining, again. Fully overcast with a forecast for thundershowers, but hey it’s Sunday at the lake and by 5pm, the sun will be out as many head back into the city, but not us, we’re still on vacation and Monday is looking awesome at 26 and sunny!

    In spite of the weather, we’re heading out to catch the 8:30am start of the 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon. I’ve seen some very cool Tri bikes around town this week, so it should be interesting.

    Triathlon Manitoba

    The 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon takes place on Sunday July 20th at Garrow Beach on Rabbit Lake in Kenora. It features an Olympic and Sprint Triathlon, a Long and Sprint Duathlon, and a Try-a Tri (for athletes 12 & up). The Long Duathlon and Sprint Triathlon are qualifying events for the 2009 Triathlon World Championships

    Assuming we’re not in a torrential downpour, we’ll head over to the Tunnel Island trails to repair one of my geocaches. After that, we’re winging it.

  • Squirrel Wars

    Three days ago the enemy penetrated our perimeter defenses for the second time. He was located hiding in a water reservoir. After a short skirmish, the enemy was extracted and left on the side of the road, presumed dead. After this incursion it was necessary to fortify the perimeter with IEDs (improvised entrapment devices).

    Two nights ago there where heavy casualties inflicted on the squirrel army. Two dead, one wounded and one prisoner. The wounded and prisoner were relocated far from enemy lines. Last night it was quiet on the battle front, but this lull in the action will not make us complacent for we must be ever vigilant until victory has been assured. Repairs to the perimeter may take place today to facilitate improved ventilation to the fortress.

  • Rocky and Bullwinkle

    But there was no Bullwinkle, just Rocky.

    We’re watching the CBC National news on TV and there is a clatter in the cottage. We think there is something on the deck, but no, it’s in the house, and it’s a squirrel. He’s trying to get at the chocolate cake and in the process he’s knocked the knives off the breadbox. After chasing him up and down the house a couple of times either trying to guide him out the front patio door or snag him in a blanket he suddenly runs up the kitchen window screen and disappears behind the valance and he’s gone! It turns out there is a hole in the screen!

    Earlier this morning we noticed that some fruit, a pear and a banana, had been nibbled on, and both Gord and Shirley had heard some “noises” in the night. We thought it was mice and set the traps, but it seems like the culprit was something a little larger.

    Tomorrow’s task – fix the screen.