Snowshoeing in a Winter Wonderland

How we will look tomorrow!

Hello everyone. A Merry Christmas to you all. What a fantastic couple of weeks we have enjoyed, from a tree trot to raising funds for the Food Bank. A great way to enjoy the season through philanthropy and remembrance.

We are skipping out on an organized trot tomorrow so we may enjoy a trip to the Lodge at Kananaskis for a  trot of a different sort. We are looking to muster at 9 am at Sport Rent, 4424 16th Avenue in Bowness. There is lots of parking in the area so we may carpool. If you are planning to rent ($20 for the complete package) please show up earlier so that the rentals are done by 9 am. They are open at 6am! Sport Rent is next to the 7-11 on the motel strip. 

The plan (if I may call it that!) is to arrive at the Lodge around 1030 am, gear up and go for a couple of hours. If someone finds it too cold we will always be close to the Lodge for comfort. The temp should be around -15C. We will have lunch at the lodge and be back around 3-4 pm. 

As of last count we have Bob, Carroll, Chris, Tamara, Jodi, Liz, Neil, John, Jen, Jamie, and ???
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Hmmm...

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Over the last week we made a few stops to our favourite natural Christmas tree in Sandy Beach. No, it wasn't in the desert of Morocco (wouldn't that be interesting?) but rather along the shore of the Elbow River. It has been an event we trot for at least ten years. Below are some photos of our adventures. Hopefully you have the same fun on the run (or walk or hike) as we did.

A night photo of last years trot to the tree and honouring of  Ally's dog Sydney (at top of photo)

The chills of a morning trot to the Sandy Beach Christmas tree

An additional tree photo. 

The tall guys need to help the birds get their treats!

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So I mentioned that last week a group of us were doing the 11th Annual Amble with Angus. The four of us in the picture below braved the early morning (730 am is WAY to early for me!) to help raise money for the food bank. After the event April informed us that we were the top fundraising team for the event. All that is due to the efforts of April and organizing us for a great day.

Lori, Fred, April, and myself - Team Rudolph,s Runners at Amble with Angus.
Through April's leadership our team was the top fundraising team of the race!

One of my favourite people I rarely see..."Where the hell's" Angus Cowan.
He is the creator of the Amble with Angus event which raises big dollars for the  Food Bank.

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For the next couple of weeks we will have no formal gathering at the Tech Shop on Tuesday as they are closed. As far as I know next Thursday Dec. 28 should be normal times. December 29th will be tentatively scheduled for an Eau Claire rendezvous but with winter holidays we might have to try another road trip! We will keep you in the loop...only if you read down this far.

Merry Christmas to you all. I have a great group of friends and associates that have joined me on the trails over these last hundred years. Perhaps we will share another century soon???

John

Sandy Beach is a great place for a Christmas Tree

Well what a wonderful Monday. I missed many of you on the weekend however Peter joined me for the default Saturday trot. We saw lots of colour on the route as the annual Salvation Army Santa Shuffle occupied the core. And for those of you that chose to miss out there were boxes upon boxes of Lindt chocolate advent calendars for your participation. Yes Jodi, there IS a Santa Claus...

A head's up for all you that enjoy the annual trot to the Sandy Beach Christmas tree. I intend to have the annual trot from the Tech Shop on December 15 at 9 am. December 22 I would like to invite all for a snowshoe at a location to be named later. 

So, for December lets trot from:

December 8 - Glennfield Meadows in Fish Creek (Macleod Trail and Bannister Road SE)

December 15 - Tech Shop for the Jingle Ball Trot (bring a bird friendly ornament and/or memorial for passed pet)

December 22 - Snowshoe TBD.

December 29 - TBD

As for the Thursday trot, we will try to convince the masses to enjoy a trip to the tree and perhaps a little Christmas light viewing. Caroling is optional but highly encouraged. Tone deaf are accepted!

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I want to thank all of you that donated to the Growvember team of ours at work. We managed to get over our $1000 fundraising goal even with the United Way and SAIT Family Campaigns tapping our work mates.

I have never seen a moustache on my upper lip before and as you can see it freaked me out! I can see why Joy will not let me out without supervision...

Click on my face and you will go to a better place

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One of my dreams is to fly off to Africa like my buddy Angus so I may take part in the annual Marathon des Sables. The six day race takes place in the Desert around Morocco. Most of the legs are 'simple' - 5 -15 miles of trotting through the desert while one leg offers more of a challenge. Last year the longest leg was 40 miles. 

Look! Four star tenting accommodation!

While shopping the race website I came across a very interesting accessory that only those of us that lack a full tank above the neck would appreciate. The green Anti-venom pump kit is what all trotters need should they be attacked by a venomous snake, a poisonous plant, or perhaps just the quick wit of the leader of the pack. I wonder if Joy wants one for Christmas...hmm. 

I am strangely intrigued to do a race with a venom kit

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One thing about my job that is always interesting is viewing how other non-profits get their message out to the world. A coworker was at a conference and they were shown the video below. Wasn't sure what the message was until the end, but I will remember the connection the next time I 'Follow the Frog'.

Have a great week!