Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies
Yesterday I took this photo of my cycling computer. It’s seen a few kilometers, 10,570 to be exact. It’s been on the Rockhopper since the bike was new except for a short time when I tried out a different computer.
Today, on the ride to work it fell off on the street, so I think I’ll need to replace it.
My Stats
| Distance | 94.72 km |
| Average speed | 31.05 km/hr |
| Max Speed | 50.8 km/hr |
| Ride Time | 3:00:12 |
The day started off clear and sunny at 7am, but by the time I was picking up the Starbucks at 8:30 on the way to the ride it had clouded over with a nice flat layer of grey. Not particularly threatening but keeping the temperature down at 14°C. The normal 9am sharp start time was delayed by a few minutes as on of the guys repaired a flat. This turned out to be the only mechanical difficulty of the ride as approximately 25 rides headed out.
A couple of route changes from the standard ride took place. Due to a race on a section of River Road, we went up Henderson Hwy and cut over the bridge to Lockport and resumed the normal route, until we hit Birds Hill Park. Once in the Park one of the ride leaders proposed cutting over to Garvin Rd via a path and the road that goes between Elmhurst and Pine Ridge golf courses. There was much objection about going thru this path. Many felt that it would be too muddy and heaped much durision on the person proposing the route change. We did it anyway. These roadies are a little too pristine. The path was a perfectly good single track and any mountain bike rider would think nothing of it. Sure there was a little mud, but nothing of concern even to a road bike.
Overall, the ride was quite relaxed by FOG ride standards, and there was just one group for the entire ride. The typical speed was kept under 35km and the only hard haul was up 206 where of course all the boys had to hammer up the hill to the Park entrance, into the wind of course. I think it was this relaxed because the racers were busy elsewhere.
By this time the clouds were darker and signs of rain were all around us, but we escaped getting caught in any serious rain. However, on the way home, minutes after getting back to the starting point, there was a heavy downpour that temporarily flooded the streets. I appreciated not getting soaked out on the ride! As always, a good ride and with the more relaxed pace, I’m not feeling totally wasted!
I had a great weekend at the lake with Eric & Scott, just us guys. We had some good food, lots of R&R, some kayaking, some fireworks, more R&R (sleeping) and a quick look at the Snowbirds on the way home.
I was cleaning the kitchen counter the other day and saw this…
and for some reason I immediately thought of this..
What does it mean? Pareodolia or Apophenia?
I’m at the lake this weekend with Eric & Scott for “guys” weekend. While they were sleeping I was up shortly after sunrise. After brewing some coffee to go, I headed out in the kayak for a paddle. How convenient that even the kayak has a cup holder. After a leisurely cruise around the bay I returned to the cottage to find out it was 8am and I’ve been gone for 2hrs. Time flies when you’re having fun. I captured some great pictures down in the small marsh at the end of our bay
Cooper, Dez & Eric’s dog, learned a new trick the other day. During a break from home renovations on a nice warm afternoon, Dez turns on the hose and Cooper’s curiosity leads her to a nice cool drink. More photos here.
I was cutting he grass yesterday and the lawnmower ran out of gas. No problem, I’ve got a gas can in the shed. The picture is my gas can for the lawnmower. But, it’s not your average gas can. It’s not a hunk of red plastic from Canadian Tire, made in China by a machine or some unknown person.
This gas can was made by my Grandpa Stewart. I have no idea how old it it, but it’s been around as long as I can remember. Add the parts were made by Grandpa by hand. Sheet metal rolled and formed by hand, soldered together by hand. The wood handle turned on a lathe. The knurled brass caps, turned on a metal lathe. And here it is, in my shed, still working just fine after 50+ year. I doubt that any plastic gas can will stand this test of time. Oh, it will still be around, in a land fill somewhere, because that plastic is never going away, but I’ll bet it won’t be in use.
Another thing the plastic gas can won’t do is bring back memories. Ever time I touch this gas can I remember my Dad and my Grandpa and what great men they were and what a great legacy they left me and a wonderful deposit they made in my life.
Thanks for the gas can.
We’re so proud of the young man you’ve become. Happy Birthday. The best is yet to come.
Love,
Mom & Dad
The May long weekend is the traditional cottage opening weekend for us. “Opening” a cottage for those not familiar with the process is primarily about starting up the water system and other lesser tasks to get the place up and running after being shutdown for the winter. If friends invite you to the lake for either May long weekend or Thanksgiving, it’s best to decline unless you’re into working a lot.
Starting up the water system was relatively easy. There were no “surprise” breaks in any of the lines and the pump prime kicked in on the third time lucky. It would have started on the first try, but I couldn’t get the screen off the foot valve to let all the air out of the line. After opening the valve to the cottage a fast look around confirmed that there were no floods taking place. However, a little dripping sound in the shop area where the washing machine is located indicated a small problem. One of the connection hoses wouldn’t seat correctly and will need to be replaced. Well, I guess after 25 years some things will need to be replaced from time to time.
The new lake “toy” for this year is a second kayak. We enjoyed the first one last year and decided that two would be even more fun. While I like solo paddling, company can be great too! So, after getting the basics tended to around the cottage Shirley and I headed out for our first paddle with both the boats. Things went well for the first few minutes until Shirley’s new boat has a minor breakdown at sea. One of the rudder cables where it’s attached to the rudder decides to let go. It’s a stainless steel cable crimp that must have been defective. We manage to carry on with out the rudder, the way all good pro paddlers paddle anyway.
After a short loop around the bay, the clouds are rolling in and it’s not too warm in the first place, so it’s back to the dock. All in all a great first outing.
Oh yeah, I took the pictures with my Olympus SW790 waterproof camera. I’m looking forward to may more great shots from water level. While it may be waterproof, dropping it in 70′ of water could be a problem. I think I’ll hook up a tether to my PFD for subsequent trips. (More kayak photos).
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