New Thing December - Vegas!!

Sooooo........ my new thing for the month of December - as promised was huge for me.  I went somewhere completely new.  

My husband and I decided that we would try travelling somewhere new to do some exploring.  I have never been to Las Vegas before and wasn't really sure how I felt about going to this city.  I don't gamble and frankly the glitz and glamour didn't really appeal to me.  But we decided to do both the Vegas trip and explore Nevada and a bit into California.  

We planned a four night, five day trip and tried to squeeze as much into our time away as possible.  I enjoy the vibe of different cities and like to explore off the beaten path.  But what I love the most about travelling is exploring and hiking in different areas.  I knew that Vegas was in the desert and I had a fairly one dimensional view of what a desert looked like. 

This trip outside of Vegas blew my mind as to how much life is in the desert.

We spent two nights in Vegas and stayed on the strip.  We took in a Cirque de Soleil show and had way too much food.  Then we rented a car and took off into the desert.  This is where the real fun started....

We stayed at a place we found on Airbnb in Pahurmp.  On the way to we stopped at Red Rock Canyon park and did some hiking.  We had time for one trail.  This is Ice Box Canyon.

The first morning in the desert we experienced the most beautiful sunrise.  Both my husband and I were on East coast time waking up at 6am so catching the sunrise was effortless.  

We then took off to Death Valley National Park for the day.  Our first stop was one of the highest peaks in the park -Dante's View - just under 6,000 ft above sea level overlooking a dry salt bed.  It was pretty chilly at the peak.  At this spot, you drive up through several switchbacks to a parking area and an overlook.  There is the option to trek about 1/2 a mile, just a little higher, to the peak where you can see the view below. 

We headed to the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes and drove past the lowest point in the park on our way 280 ft below sea level.  The sand dunes were my typical idea of what a desert looked like.

This sand went on for quite a distance and it was easy to lose sight of our car.  But the ripples were worth the extra effort to find.  We drove to Stovepipe Wells and had lunch at a saloon which was surprisingly good.  

After lunch, we headed to Artist's Pallet.  You can stay in your car and complete the Artist's drive circuit or get out at various spots and hike around a bit. These rocks were the most interesting colours - turquoise, pink, purple all in one area.  The pictures don't show the variation or vibrancy that I saw while I was standing on them but if you look closely you can see some of the variation.

Following that stop we headed to Zabriskie Point to view the sunset.  We waited for a while looking for the perfect reflection off of the clouds.

On the way back from home, we stopped to watch the stars.  The night sky away from all of the light pollution was amazing.  We saw the beginning of the milky way pop out one star at a time.

The following day we were schedule to return home but our flight home wasn't until 11:30 pm so we had the entire last day to explore.  Originally we had planned to hike Mount Charleston, the mountain in the sunrise from our first day.  But the trail was closed for the season - they had already had snow!  Here is a view from an outlook partway up Mt. Charleston.

We decided to head to the Valley of Fire State park in Nevada.  This last minute change of plans turned out to be the gem of our trip.  This park was breathtaking.

With easily viewed petroglyphs.  The geology and history that was so readily viewed in this park was amazing.

So that was my trip in a nutshell.  Of course the few pictures and brief descriptions of the parks don't begin to describe what I experienced.  My concept of what a desert is was turned on its head.  The desert is full of life and beauty as well as a hardiness and sense of survival.

Early December was a perfect time to go exploring the desert.  The temperatures aren't too high so there isn't much of a chance of heat affecting your ability to hike.  Also we didn't see any scorpions, rattlesnakes or spiders - although I was on the look out for them.  The trails were all easily accessible and quiet which is perfect if you're looking to escape from the chaos of the city.

When I think of a trip to Vegas, I visualize slot machines, bright lights and over indulgence.  But within a one hour drive you can access unbelievable geology and history.  We could have easily spent an entire day at both Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire parks, both of these are child friendly as well.  In Death Valley, I would have like to have stayed in the park and again spent more time.  

If I were to go to Vegas again, I would skip the city and explore the desert around.  Even two weeks after coming home, I feel the pull of the desert.  Something about the landscape made an imprint and I have found myself dreaming about the rocks and rugged plants.  I will be returning.

New Thing September - SUP Yoga

This has been my view for the past two days...

Lucky me, I've been in Muskoka at a three day yoga retreat doing (or attempting stand up paddle boarding yoga) with Muskoka Yoga Studio.  This is a huge first for me; probably the biggest new 'thing' that I've attempted since taking on one new thing a month.  This retreat was actually three firsts in one.  First I've never done stand up paddle boarding - ever.  Second obviously I've never done yoga on a stand up paddle board.  And third and probably the biggest, I've never gone to a yoga retreat; I've never left my husband and kids for more than one night in a row for anything non-work related.  So this was huge.

How'd things go?  When I arrived I was told that there was only one other person besides me who had come on their own, everyone else was with a friend.  Nice, only one loner besides me... but truthfully it really didn't matter to me about being on my own, I get along well with others and can make friends so I really wasn't worried about that.  And more importantly the introvert in me was looking forward to some time alone.  I was however, terrified about getting on and moving around on that paddle board.  Would I fall, get my hair wet, look like and idiot?  All of the above?  And I knew the answer was an infinite 'Yes'.

The first evening, after everyone attending the retreat finished getting settled we went out for our first paddle.  We were instructed on safety - pfds, ankle straps, how to hold the paddle, how to paddle, how to get on. And then we were off. I have never felt so wobbly in my life.  I literally was shaking from the knees up.  My quads were killing me in the first five minutes, then I remembered to engage my core.  Tara, our fearless leader told us that once we got out on the water, everything would change for us because there would be nothing besides the water.  The minute we let our attention shift to something else was when we'd struggle for control.  That coaching sunk in for me, I focussed on the horizon and just simply what my body was doing.  While we were out on the water the first night a heron flew overhead and loons were calling a perfect setting for the last weekend of the summer holidays.  More importantly, I stayed on my board.

The next morning when we headed out the feel on the water was completely different.  We were all much more stable and confident.  That feeling wasn't going to last long, today we were attempting yoga.  I love yoga but have never done it on a moving surface.  This practice was like no yoga I've ever done before.  The most basic poses felt intimidating and unstable.  But I found my focus and did my best.  I wasn't the first person to fall in the water but I think I fell in the most.  It wasn't bad after the first fall, in fact as it was getting quite warm practising yoga and the water felt great once you submitting to the fact that you were going to get wet.  It was almost a relief to laugh at yourself and cheer as others fell off their boards and got back on.  There was no expectation of perfect in the poses.  We were just trying to find our focus and our balance.  And truly in falling off, it meant that your had actually put yourself out there and tried.

This weekend was amazing.  There was such a wonderful group of women at this retreat and such fantastic energy.  Tara lead a super chilled retreat while teaching us so much about movement on the water and in our practise.  We paddled out later on in second the evening for a sunset paddle and mediation on our boards and I haven't felt that peaceful in a long time.  The last morning we did another yoga session and I was amazed again at how much more confident I felt after a second time of a SUP yoga practice.

Paddle boarding for me was a lot of fun.  I did also get out on a kayak and swam with a mermaid flipper tail thing.  As a result I have worked A LOT of core this weekend which is awesome for a weekend away.  I would definitely paddle board again it is a complete body workout and a great way to explore the water.  As for the yoga bit, I would do that again too if I could find an instructor close by and the guarantee of warm water.  

I'm really happy I attended the yoga retreat and took some time for myself.  I met some amazing people and learned some fun skills.  I also realized that all of us are strong and powerful in so many ways that we never truly give ourselves credit for.  If you open yourself up to the opportunity, things like paddle boarding and yoga make perfect sense when you aren't trying to do anything besides be in the moment.  I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have participated in this weekend on so many levels and feel a great deal stronger for it.

Camping Re-Cap

I'm back off vacation : (  Actually I've been back for a few days, but cleaning up, doing mountains of laundry and all of the other not so fun real life stuff.

I had intended to post while I was away, but I didn't have reliable service to I was pretty much unplugged for almost two weeks.  Aside from not being able to write every now and then - I didn't mind the reduced screen time.

We camped - in a tent trailer - so not 'real' camping, but I don't think I would have lasted the first week if I was only in a tent.  We had intended to camp in Bonnechere Provincial Park for the first week then head to Driftwood Provincial Park for two nights and round our trip out with three nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park.... but our plans changed.

We started off our first week in Bonnechere - it was beautiful...  I was also very well displined exercise wise... I ran 5k every morning and swam for about 20-25 minutes.  The beach at this park was perfect for kids and adults too.  We had a site with river access.  If I camp at this park again - I would only camp on sites with river access.

Bonnechere beach

The river was perfect for canoeing or kayaking in.  Also - although I don't partake - the girls and Dan had some great fishing.  They each caught several fish and different species.  The park is nice and small as well - you can easily bike or walk anywhere you need to go.

The next leg of our journey took us to just outside of Deep River at Driftwood.  Driftwood is located north of Algonquin Park and is on the Ottawa River, which resembles more of a lake than a river at the location of the park.  When we booked our original site months ago we made sure we had direct water access at our site, however, when we arrived there were issues with our site and caution tape was blocking our beach access.

We were quite disappointed and almost left a day early.... but after climbing over the tape we went for an early morning paddle and had coffee on the beach we changed our minds. 

 It was then when we realized what an absolute find this park was.  After a check at the main gate we switched sites - to a better location and stayed for the rest of the week.

This site was perfection.  I felt as though I was staying in a quasi mountain resort... can you believe my view from my picnic table! 

The girls were able to swim and play on the beach everyday - all day right from our site... and this was completely private. 

I'm not sure if its the distance or the time of year but for most of our stay we didn't have neighbours to either side.  It was so quiet.

Anyway paradise has been left behind and reality beckons... but this was the best camping vacation I've been on and I hesitate to say.... the most relaxing vacation I've had - ever.

Weekend Wrap Up

We're back from the cottage and have had an amazing weekend.  The weather was perfect for both swimming and sleeping.  A very rare combination at the cottage... often on days when we have beach weather all of the heat from the day stays in the cottage and sleeping is difficult. But not this weekend!

We had 4 trips to the beach - Friday and Saturday the waves were huge and perfect for playing in.  Today the water was calm which meant Dan and I could sit on the beach while the girls played in the water.

I feel so well rested... enough to make it through until my real vacay : )  It was great to walk on the beach, play endless games of Uno and Yahtzee, do some light baking and just sit and think while listening to the waves.  Here are some snapshots of the weekend!

With the last minute change in plans, I didn't have the solitude I thought I would nor did I eat as healthy or exercise as much as I should... but the last two images sum up why this weekend was worth way more than any trip into the interior of Algonquin.

Riverboat Fantasy... in Bobcaygeon

Last weekend we rented a house boat and took the girls and my parents for a tour around the Trent Sevren waterway. I've never really been on a boat before, with the exception of my canoe - so this was an entirely different experience.

On the first night when we were anchored next to a marsh I could totally get the appeal of boating.  It was beautiful.

On Saturday morning we searched and searched for a sand bar to swim at.  After an hour of looking, we finally found it.  This was so cool - we were at least 2km from shore and swimming in gorgeous water.  We had the entire area to ourselves for over an hour.

After that, we headed off to Bobcaygeon and the locks.  I will say two things about our experience going through the locks... 1 - very stressful experience to manouvour around really expensive boats and 2 - the owners of the very expensive boats are very friendly and amazingly helpful.  And to add a third - the operators at the locks are also very helpful and patient.

Bobcaygeon was quite pretty, but there was no room to stay so we headed back out to anchor next to a rather remote island where the girls and my dad were able to fish while I hid inside the boat and tried not to think too hard about the fish being pulled out of the water by their mouths.

We also saw other wild life...

This was a really fun trip.  I love hearing loons in the evenings and mornings.  The boats are a great way to get around, but I was happy to not be driving.  Thankfully my husband and father both have their boating licenses and were happy to be behind the wheel. 

A Birthday in NYC!!!!

Although its officially over, I'm still celebrating a little bit...  yesterday was my birthday. 

My day began with a 6am spin class.  Then I put the kids on the bus and Dan and I took off to the airport...

and flew into New York City!

This is my third time in New York and I feel like we are seasoned.  This time we are staying at the Downtown Marriott - close to Wall St.  In fact we can see the World Trade Centre Site from our hotel room.  Here's a picture from the ground...

We arrived at our hotel around 4pm, freshened up a bit and headed out for some serious shopping.  We hit Loehmann's (they offer a 15% discount on your birthday) and Century 21.  Usually I have great luck at Century - but not so much this time.  I did find a lot of clothes at Loehmann's if you were worried that my shopping wasn't successful.

After some whirlwind shopping, we headed out for dinner at Candle79  a great vegan restaurant that Dan found and picked out especially for my birthday.

 

I ordered the steamed spring rolls to start - these were filled with seitan and cashews and topped with bok choy and sesame seeds and a garlic ginger sauce.  I really enjoyed these and would have been content with this as my main course... but no I also ordered the evening special..

 

Pecan crusted seitan with brussell sprouts and celeriac mash topped with fennel salad - super good as well.  The seitan reminded my of veal, which was a strange texture for me to eat since it has been so long since I've eaten meat.  But the meal was still really good.

We were also served complementary appetizers which were white beans mixed with avocado on homemade tortillas

There was no room for dessert, maybe tomorrow I'll find a nice little bakery and get a treat.  For now... this old lady is going to bed.

A Little Christmas Procrastination - maybe

I have reluctantly started to read my manuals for my personal training course.  I'm not sure why I've been putting it off.  Normally I'm all over any on line articles about fitness.  Maybe its because there is a test involved and my performance anxiety is creeping up again.  I made a deal with myself that if I read the first chapter and completed the on line component I would post about something fun. 

So my lesson is done and no - I didn't get everything perfect.  Nothing happened when I got the answer wrong by the way.  I'm not sure what I thought would happen - maybe some super fit trainer with chiseled abs would yell "WRONG ANSWER!" at me.  I actually did enjoy it and contemplated going ahead with chapter two over posting... but I have pretty pictures.

This post has nothing to do with running... again.  But it is about travelling.  Over the past few years I have travelled a bit.  Some of my trips were with my kids and some without.  We decided on our first trip to buy a Christmas ornament for wherever we were.  I've read that some people think its hokey, but these decorations are some of my favourites.  Every year when we decorate our tree and pull out these ornaments, they remind me of the trip I was on when I bought them.  I find that I am usually reflecting on the past year during the holidays and the ornaments help remind me of the amazing vacations I've been on.

So in my order of vacations here are the ornaments.

St. John's Newfoundland

I went on this trip with my family when my girls were 15 months old and 3 years old in 2007.  It was a fun trip.  We saw icebergs and toured around the island for a bit. 

Banff

We went to Banff in 2008.  We stayed in a condo style hotel which had a great water slide and indoor playground for the kids.  The scenery was beautiful, but the hotel made the trip for the kids.

Jamaica

Our whole family went to Jamaica for my sister's wedding in 2009.  It was beautiful.  The resort we stayed at was a family resort with a great water slide and pool for the kids.  The girls have been asking to go back every year.

New York City

My husband and I went to New York in 2009 and 2010 - without the kids.  I love love love this city. 

Greece

You all know about Greece this year.  There were tons of ornaments being sold at all the tourist places, but I only saw this bell in two shops.  I thought it was perfect for our tree.

As you can see not all of the decorations are typical ornaments - the key chains from Jamaica and the bear bell from Banff, but each one brings back great memories.  And hokey or not I love this tradition.

Greece Wrap Up

It has taken me a lot longer than I thought it would to go through the pictures from Greece and create this post.  Between a sick child requiring multiple visits to the doctor's office and a vehicle that has been parked inside a mechanic shop for awhile I haven't had the time I'd like to pick a few pictures from our vacation.  Almost all of these were taken by my official race photographer - my hubs.

It was really nice to go through these photos again especially when this is what my front yard looked like this morning...

Baby its cold outside.

Without further ado.... I present GREECE!

Look I'm tiny ;-)

This is not Greece.  This is Rome on the tarmac where we landed after flying from Toronto.  We had to take a bus, go through crazy Roman security, race to our gate, get on another bus which dropped us off at the same spot we had gotten on the first bus.

 

This was what most of the streets around our hotel looked like.  I think this terrain actually helped my legs recover faster after the marathon.

On our second day in Greece, we went to the acropolis and wandered around through the Plaka district and the Roman Agora.  This is me at the acropolis or more accurately the Parthenon.

This is a view of Athens from the acropolis.  The city sprawled as far as you could see on all sides.

Here are some restaurants and shops in the Plaka district

 We took this boat to Hydra.

Shots of Hydra

We went out West a few years ago and drove through the Rocky mountains.  We didn't see any mountain goats there ... but they were on Hydra

Our Hydra tour dog - Tropha

The day after we went to Hydra, we took a tour to Delphi to see the Temple of Apollo.  I didn't find the Oracle, but we had fun.  At this point in our vacation, another couple had also joined us - Brad and Carey.  The tour group was a little slow for our pace, but the bus ride to Delphi was quite nice.

I think at this point Brad & Carey are the only ones in our group still paying attention.

Tracey & I

The stadium at Delphi

Tracey taking a picture (obviously) me - not sure what that's about.

After we went to Delphi, we went out for dinner at a restaurant called Strophi.  Tracey & I are drinking ouzo the proper way - over ice and sipping it. Opa!

Another shot from the restaurant.  You can see it has a great view.

After we ran the marathon we went out for dinner at a place that had Greek music and dancing.

Other amazing shots

Oh... and these pictures too.

Temple of the Olympian Zeus these are the tallest columns in Greece at 54 ft!

The reconstructed ancient agora

The Roman agora

There were so many shots I'm missing.  But its wayyyy passed my bedtime.  I have gone on a few other vacations with great pictures that I think I will post on.  Look for New York in the near future.  Sadly I have yet to run there... but someday!