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