Yakima Skyline 50k - Race Report

Every spring I suffer the same disease. Spring Fever.  That means it's time for an escape.

While Life in a Postcard is pretty magical, my only complaint is that winter is long.  The reality of living in Banff is that winter is 7 months long!  So, for the last 7 years, I try and take a little escape in March or April.  Usually, I pick a spring race to keep me motivated to run all through the winter.

Last year, we took a road trip to Sisters, Oregon and ran the Petersen Ridge Rumble. We hung out in Sisters, Hood River and made a side trip to the Yakima Canyon so I could explore the trails.  This year,  I was stoked to make a return trip to Yakima Canyon and enjoy those crazy beautiful trails.  I signed up for the Yakima Rim 50k and recruited Angela and Iris and Angela to join me in the fun. The promise of spring-like weather, runnable trails and sunshine was enough of a tease to motivate us to get in the car and head out on a whirlwind weekend road trip.

Last years run on the Yakima Canyon trails was a serious adventure.  I had to navigate new trails, shoe sucking mud, low cloud coverage, zero visibility, driving rain and gale force winds.  I got occasional glimpses of the surrounding scenery, but mostly I had a very challenging day out in the rain by myself.  I think I was out for 7 plus hours on tired legs.  It was still a most enjoyable day, depsite the adversity.

This year, we were thrilled beyond words to wake up to a perfect blue sky.  There was a happy dance as we got ready and we were giddy with excitement.  We were also heavily caffeinated as we zoomed down Canyon Road on the way to the race start.  I was late in noticing the police car, discreetly tucked behind a barn beside the river.  Angela-Heavy-Foot-Pierotti pulled the car over quickly, after the police car put the lights on and chased us down.  Ang was already cursing and then cursing some more when she realized she didn't have her license either.  Fortunately, when rolled down the window to greet the officer, in leans officer Hubba-Hubba.  Ang was already full of adrenaline, but she was even more flustered after seeing the good officer.  To her credit she answered the mans questions quickly and succinctly without an iota of flirtation.  After checking our details, Officer Hubba-Hubba returned with a smile.  "Y'all came from Canada to run 50km on the trail?"  Lots of smiles and nods and giggles from us.  "Well then have a great day.  And slow down.  There's lots of deer out here."  Yay!  And Hubba-Hubba.  What a nice man.  Purrrrrrr.  Men in Uniform.  That was a great way to start our day.

At the start line, there was lots of familiar faces.  It was great to see running friends Matt Hart, RD James Varner and Roger Michel.  I had forgotten how hospitable those Washington running folks are and I was stoked for the day on hand.  It was such a glorious, perfect day to be out running in this beautiful place.

Perfect Blue Sky

I will say I had a little "runners amnesia" with regards to the trail.  I had forgotten all about the elevation, the rugged trail and yes, the elevation.  All I remember was the shoe-sucking mud and rain of my previous adventure and here it was the same time of year and I had perfect dry buff trail.

As the race started and we began our first massive climb of the day up the steep canyon, I remembered how tough this trail was!  I had wondered why the finishing times were so slow.  Last year, the mens winner was 5h28 and the women's winner was 6h49.  Good Grief.  I challenge you to find any other 50k with over 3000m/10,000 feet of elevation gain (and the same elevation loss).  The girls and I mentally prepared ourselves for a long, enjoyable day on the trail. This race is an out and back with a total of 4 massive climbs and 4 monster quad-busting descents. 

It's a Good Thing I've Got Quads.

Hiking up the first climb, I could help but thinking "Holy Shit!  This is only the first climb!"  It was big and hard and intimidating.  So, I tried to relax and do my thing and get my hike-on.  Up, Up and UP!

When we got to the top, there was a nice runnable jeep track that rolled along the plateau.  It felt great to finally get running and shake out the legs.  The group I was climbing with, including Iris, quickly pulled away but I relaxed and did my own thing.  I rocked through the aid station, but quickly the group caught up to me again and passed me.

It took awhile to settle into a rhythm, but by the time I hit the first decent I was rolling along and loving it.  The views from the canyon rim were amazing and I got super excited when I realized that those were the same mountains that I would be traversing on my upcoming PCT adventure!  Beautiful.

Mount Rainier

I tucked in at the back of our little group and hooted and hollered as we descended the amazing single track.  It was a Forever Descent, that took forever to get down and in the back of my mind I'm thinking "We have to come back up this!"  But, I was lovin' it and flew down with the rest of the group. My smile was as huge as the big blue sky.

Iris descends to the Yakima River

 Yitka, Ras the Rasta and Iris rollin' along

After climbing our way out of the canyon for a second time, our little pack started to spread out a bit.  We got to do a "bonus loop" up to an aid station and again, I rolled through quickly.  We traversed the rim of the canyon, hit a little spring for another head dunk and pretty soon the traffic thinned out.  As I hit the high point, there was nobody in front of me.  I had the pleasure of letting the legs go, as we descended all the way back down to valley bottom and the half-way mark.  It was a pretty technical descent, laden with rocks big and small, but I was loving it.  I started to see all the front-runners climbing back towards us, as I flew down the hill.  I was flying!  I was surprised to see Yitka hot on my heels, she had rocked the descent as well.  We both did a quick turn around at the aid station and headed back out and back UP.  The sun was out full force, so I gave my head and shirt a good soak, before heading out.  It felt like a blazing inferno, as we climbed back up under a full hot sun.  I got to see Iris flying down, maybe a couple of minutes behind us.

Yitka latched on to me and together we climbed up and up.  It was great to have the company. I was working hard, breathing hard and wasn't my usual chatty self.  But, I was having a good time, enjoying every moment and feeling super strong.  I think we climbed for almost an hour, before I tagged the upper aid station, entertained the volunteers with a rendition of "Eye of the Tiger" and blast off.  

 Me and Yitka

On my 3rd descent back down to the river, I was truly charging.  I caught up with a women and passed her on the descent and she told me with a slightly-know-it-all tone that I should "save my Quads for the last descent!"  Lady.  I thought to myself with a giggle.  Have you seen my Quads?   At this point, I thought that I had moved into 3rd place.  I was a wee bit surprised to find myself there and decided I wanted to keep myself there and that meant actually racing.  I usually just run my own race, go my own speed, take photos and socialize.  So, this was something different and fun!

At the bottom of the valley, I stuck my head and my jersey in the creek to cool me down and then, I decided it was time to get down to business.  So, I put my camera away and focused on the task at hand.  Game-On!

Heck, yeah!  Straight Up!

 Beautiful trail and Ridge

The last climb was big and nasty, but I loved it.  I power-hiked up the hill and passed a few people along the way.  While I wasn't moving fast, I seemed to be moving better than those around me.  I do a lot of hiking in winter and ski touring and I was putting those ski touring muscles to good use with every stride.  I was missing my hiking poles.  Clearly, it was going to be a long tough day for everyone out there until the dirty end. 

Finally, I reached the top and forced myself into a run.  It took my brain a lot of power to will my tired legs to run. :)  The rolling jeep track kept climbing gradually and it was never ending.  The crowd had thinned out, but Yitka kept magically appearing off in the distance.  Although, I was running alone for most of the last 15k I was running scared!    Fortunately, I picked a guy up to latch onto at the last aid station.  A guy in a singlet and short-shorts and a mustache.  He was definitely channeling his inner Steve Prefontaine.  I kept him within my sights and his short-shorts kept me moving and grooving.

And finally!  We hit the last descent.  And it was a Monster.  The Leslie Quads were still working, but they were a little trashed.  There were random noises coming out of me and I didn't have the flow of the other 3 descents. This last descent started off super steep and I was glad when it leveled off to a manageable grade and I could let the legs loose again.  I was motivated to keep it going until the finish.  But the truth is, that last descent was tough!  And Hot.  Gosh, I was so hot.  Still, I charged to the finish line like a crazed woman.  Happy and satisfied .  What a great race!  The first thing I did was find the creek, jump in and soak my entire body.  Man, I needed that cold water, it felt so good on the legs and the brain.

When I finally looked at the results, it turns out that I was in 4th place, not 3rd. :)  Oops-a-daisy!  I never was good at paying attention and counting.  I somehow missed seeing the uber-speedy Chris and Darla Askew who ran and raced together.  Darla finished first in 6h20 well ahead of the rest of the ladies.  I would have loved to say Hi, as I met the Askew's last year at the Rumble and are Good People. But alas!

Overall, I had a great day at Yakima.  The race course was perfect for a girl like me who has been marching up and down mountains all winter.  I love a good Slog!  With the sweet combination of running and hiking, and those killer descents - I was in Leslie heaven.  I felt strong all day, but challenged myself to work a little bit harder than usual and enjoyed it.  Love, love, love this race!

Angela finished strong and was hot and bothered like me by the end of her race.  We found an immediate solution in the creek:

Iris enjoyed her day out on the trails, but struggled with the heat and the "Belly's" in the last half of the race.  That course was a beast!

After a long day in the sun and pushing ourselves, we were all tired girls.  On the drive home, I was "driving like a Stoner" and should have been pulled over for impaired driving.  Unfortunately, Officer Hubba-Hubba had gone home for the day.

Angela, Iris and Me

The weekend was just what I was looking for:  some sunshine, good company and some fabulous running around on trails.  It was the perfect remedy for Spring Fever.  Thanks girls! 

Also, Yitka also wrote up a great Race Report on her blog.  Good People Run!

Two Tramps in Mud Time and Other Stories

Spring is in the air.  Here in Banff, that means spring snow flurries and big, wet, fluffy flakes falling from the sky.  We have received a ridiculous amount of snow throughout the month of March, but finally I can smell something different in the air.  The end is within sight!  It's spring, glorious spring that I sense around the corner.

Oh, springtime.

It's the season of poetry.  The season of change, of renewal, of growth, of love!  In Banff, it's also the season of sun, rain, snow, ice, mud and wildlife. 

Giant Wolf prints - Sunday's run

I returned from this evening's run, soaking wet after experiencing "4 Seasons in a run".  It started blissfully calm, then the wind picked up, then it snowed, then it snowed hard and blew harder:  wet/sticky flakes stuck to my clothing, my hair and found there way up my nose and down my throat.  And then the sun came out.  And then I got wet, sweaty and soaked.  I love Springtime in Banff!

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March. 

Robert Frost:  Two Tramps in Mud Time

Mount Rundle - Monday Night Run

Truthfully, the past 5 weeks have swirled by like a spring snowstorm in Banff.


I was feeling like Superwoman last month and enjoying a steady diet of adventures:  lots of long runs, ski touring and power-hiking up some of my backyard mountains.  You know, normal Leslie stuff. Then, after a hard training week - my poor tight body seized up and those tight muscles pulled my back all out of whack.  So, I've been a bit out of sorts.  I've since got the back sorted and have been working on my flexibility like crazy.  I Was Gone, But Now I Am Found.  Yip!  I'm glad to be back in the saddle.

Johnson Lake - Sunday's Run

The weekend that I put my back out, I read The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo in 3 days.  Good Grief.  I needed that distraction to maintain some form of sanity.  I couldn't sit down, so the computer was out.  So, I read the book kneeling, standing, lying and pacing.  I walked, I stretched, I soaked in the hot tub and I tried to get some mobility into my stiff spine.  It was good to take some days off.  I relaxed.  I read.  I medicated. ;)  I went to the chiropractor.  And eventually, I got myself moving comfortably again.  It was a good reminder that I do need to take better care of little ol' me.  It's time to look at what ails me and fix it so I can feel like Superwoman again!

Spring on the back deck

Also, for the past 6 weeks Keith has been nursing a busted shoulder.  My back woes were nothing compared to his injury.  While we were last ski touring, he hit a rock under the snow and took a tumble.  He ended up fracturing his shoulder and tearing a bunch of soft tissue.  He's been a very good patient.  Much better than me, truth be told!  

Danni and Stormy are Superwomen!

Speaking of Superwomen, the divine Ms. Danni came to visit us from Montana.  She brought her entourage of Ladies Who Rock, introduced me to a Montana girl who is now a Banff girl and did a Ski-Mo Race while she was here.  She recently returned from a visit to Alaska where she finished the Susitna 100, pulling a sled through snow and ice.  Danni reminds me that it's possible to do anything you set your mind to.  Last year, she made partner at her law firm and joined the Kalispell Roller Derby team.  Two year ago, she couldn't actually ski and this year she's competing in ski races.  Go figure.  She's always challenging herself, yet constantly reminds me not to take yourself or anything else to seriously, because really:  it's all about FUN.  I love this girl.

Danni, Amber and Lora:  The C-Team in the house.

But I digress.

The one thing that seems to constantly be on my brain these days, is the Pacific Crest Trail.

Oh, sweet trail of my dreams.

Normally, I'm the least obsessive person that I know but the PCT has taken hold and won't let go.  It's out of control.  It's side effect of pouring over information on the computer for hours on end.  I've got books, too.  There's even a PCT Class of 2012 group of Facebook, so I can connect with all of the other crazy kids out there who are hiking the this year.  There's a lot of good energy out there and most of these people are hitting the trail soon and have already done all of their preparations.  Me, I'm still researching and have been obsessing over such questions as:  What to eat?  What to wear?  Glasses or Contacts?  Daily distance?  Resupply? These are the questions I ask myself.

Maybe that is why my back is so sore:  too much time on the computer!

I've never been much of a planner or organizer, so it's all a little overwhelming.  I keep thinking to myself, Really?  Can't I just throw a bunch of shit in my pack and start walking?  Resupply along the way?  I'm very tempted to just do just this, it appeals to my Path Of Least Resistance nature.  I'm also a simple, uncomplicated creature and truthfully, this method might just work well for me.  As my friend Kendra likes to say: "What Could Go Wrong?!?" 

Apart from sitting at the computer too much, the research phase has actually been a lot of fun.  It's got me excited.  I bought some new gear.  Did I mention, I'm EXCITED?  But, I'm trying not to get too excited and focus on one thing at a time.  I've got lots of other things to look forward and spring is coming.  Like spring, adventure is in the air.  :)

I'm taking a short road trip with Angela and Iris to Washington to run the Yakima Skyline 50k.  I'm looking forward to an excuse to travel, run, make new running friends and see new trails.  Actually, Yakima Canyon is not totally new for me.  Last year, I had a misadventure there while on holidays with Keith which involved a lot of mud, zero visibility, my Hoka's being sucked off my feet, 7 hours of running and Keith accidentally going 4 x 4'ing in the mini-van.  It was a fun day.  I'm looking forward to a return visit, with hopefully some better spring weather.  The Mini-van is demanding a return visit.

The Bow Valley and Mount Rundle

In the meantime, I'll be enjoying the change of season and breathing in all of that good fresh air.  Spring is a magical time of year in Banff.

A bluebird comes tenderly up to alight  
And turns to the wind to unruffle a plume
His song so pitched as not to excite  
A single flower as yet to bloom.  
It is snowing a flake; and he half knew  
Winter was only playing possum.  
Except in color he isn't blue,  
But he wouldn't advise a thing to blossom.

Robert Frost:  Two Tramps in Mud Time

Snow, Snow, SNOW!!!

It's been an incredibly mild winter here in Banff, the temperatures have been down right decadent.  Usually, there's going to be a bit of "uncomfortable" weather during January or February but not so this year.  Except for a handful of really cold days it been downright balmy.  The snow has continued to fall, but the temperatures have remained mild and enjoyable.  It's been pretty dreamy by our winter standards.  Of course, we know that the shit could hit the fan at any moment.  The months of March and April are still winter months - we get a ton of snowfall at this time of year.

By Saturday, the trails around town were all in incredible shape.  Perfect packed snow, no ice and very runnable.  Throw in the mild temperatures and whoop-whoop!  Life is good.  I've been recruiting running buddies this winter, scheduling runs with friends is awesome - it means you've got some good company on the trail and it means you're committed to getting out.

Anna, with Sleeping Buffalo in the background

My Big Head - on the Hoodoos Trail

Doggie Mayhem:  Anna, Cooper and Michelle with a frozen Bow River

My friends are awesome.  My first summer running in Banff, I made my husband a very nervous man by frolicking on the trails by myself.  While it was all fun and I enjoyed those runs, having company on your long runs is a good thing.  On Sunday, I had 5 crazy-fit-fun ladies who wanted to do hill repeats on a mountain with 1000 metres of gain.  How awesome is that?  Really, to find friends like this who are up for anything - that's pretty hard to beat.  I love these gals.

Suzy, Klaire, Nicki, Monica and Jen

The original plan was to go up Sulphur Mountain a couple of times and practice our "power-hike", but damn - it was snowy out there!  We had a major wind storm the night before and some fresh snow throughout the night and BOOM - our trail was buried with a foot and a half of snow.

So, after a snowy ascent up Sulphur, we modified the plan and headed over to Tunnel Mountain for a shorter, but faster run up Tunnel Mountain Mountain.  Here's the ladies on Tunnel Mountain:

Ridiculous Jump Photo #1

Ridiculous Jump Photo #2

You get both of these photos, because I couldn't decide and they are equally terrible/funny/dorky.  After Tunnel, we headed back to Chateau Leslie for a hot tub and Jen decided her legs needed a little cold therapy.  It was a fun day on my backyard trails with the ladies.  We're all training for something these days and Nicki is leading the charge as always.  Nicki and Jen are heading for Miwok, Jen is doing Sinister Seven in June and Nicki has signed up for the 3rd year in a row for my favorite Italian race the  Tor des Geants  She's recruited her family and Klaire to join her in this years adventure and the training and fun has already begun!

Jen cools her jets.  And her legs.

The next day, winter reared its head in a dramatic fashion.  It started to snow in late afternoon and through the evening and by the time I went to bed, it had dropped about 40cm of snow.  I enjoyed this storm with a late night naked hot tub in my backyard.  The big fluffy flakes were coming down hard and even with the steam and warmth from the water, I had a couple inches on the top of my head. 

 Out the front window

When I awoke in the morning, there was snow everywhere and it was deep and beautiful and awesome. I think it was the most snow I have ever seen here in Banff.  That little short storm dropped about 50cm!!

Bow River Bridge walking to work

Lunch time walk on the river

Snow, snow, SNOW!!

It was the first time I've had "powder envy" in a long time.  I had the urge to call is sick and I definitely felt like I was missing out on an awesome resort day on the slopes.  No need to go ski touring, when you can  use a lift and access the goodies on days like this!!

Alas, it was short lived.  Last night, a Chinook wind rolled through and the 50cm of fluff turned into 20 cm of sludge and ice.  Today's run is going to be a bit of an "Adventure Run"!  Thankfully, I've got some friends to get out with who appreciate a good day of adventuring. :)

More Good Stuff!!!

The Danish visitors left us with a new expression:  "More Good Stuff!!!"   A few years back one of them received one of those delightfully tacky talking Greeting Cards and this is what the voice in the card proclaimed.  This little goofy English expression stuck and the girls now use it frequently. It's most commonly used when one is flying down a ski slope, or a gliding through a meadow of fresh white sparkling powder guided by the moonlight and stars.

 Sunshine Meadows by Full Moon - Feb. 7th

It's been a whirlwind of More Good Stuff the past 2 weeks, actually far too much to keep up with.  There's been some amazing adventures:  a full moon ski, some warm sunny days and glorious runs and a few ski tours to new and beautiful places.  This past weekend - 3 full days at Skoki Lodge.  We made some incredible turns until my legs were sore on our first day, then we bagged an incredible high ridge on the second day and finally, we relaxed and skied back to civilization on our third day.  More Good Stuff!  

Sparkle and Snow

Either way, the expression "time fly's when your having fun" fully applies to me and my life right now.  Time seems to be passing at such an exponentially fast rate, that I feel like I could use some extra time to organize my time. :)  Or just collect my thoughts.  Too Much Good Stuff?  Truthfully, I've been a little distracted with a few ideas swirling in my head.  You see, there's this little thing I've been obsessing about.

 Twin Cairns

It's time to Howl.

 Back in the New Year I wrote:

I love the New Year. It puts me in a contemplative state-of-mind and makes me hyper aware of the passing of time and of good things to come. It makes me think that now is the time to live my life, because every moment counts. Time is precious and we've got a limited supply.  It's your life to live, it sure would be a shame to not enjoy it! So, if you have any big hairy audacious goals - put them on your list and start planning. Time's a ticking.

Friday AM - at Skoki Lodge:  More Good Stuff

So, I've been thinking.  I've got a few big hairy audacious goals on my wishlist.  Most of them involve trails and adventures and travels - or some variation of those themes.  My big crazy dream that's been on the wishlist since I first heard about it the desire to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Merlin's Castle - above Merlin Lake:  Skoki Backcountry

It's a trail that stretches from Mexico to the Canadian border and travels 2,650 miles or 4,265 kilometers through 7 National Parks, 24 National Forests and 33 federally mandated wilderness areas.  Until recently, I didn't think it was an attainable goal for me to take the time to do this in the next few years.  A few weeks back, all of that changed over a breakfast conversation and a morning cup of coffee with my husband.  In a nutshell, Keith told me that I should just go do it and I should do it now.  So, just like that it was decided.  When your husband gives you the "two thumbs up" to go for a very long solo walk, you have to go for it. 

Best-est Husband on Earth or in this case, on Merlin Ridge

It's been oddly surreal.  I went from "Some day, I'm going to do that!" to "I'm doing the PCT!" practically overnight. It left me a bit bewildered and I almost didn't quite believe it myself.  Now that it's settled - I'm practically bursting at the seams.This thing, this dream o' mine it's happening!  It's really happening!!

Happy Leslie!

I'M GOING TO GO DO THE FRICKIN' PACIFIC CREST TRAIL!!

MORE GOOD STUFF!!

 

We're Going There.  More Good Stuff.  Merlin Ridge in the distance.

Now, you're probably asking yourself:  how long does it take to walk 4,265 miles?  Well, it's a major time commitment.  Every year in early May, around 300 hikers start the PCT from the Mexican border.  Most of them are going to take 5 months and try and finish sometime in late September.  As for me, I can't start in May with this years annual crowd of through-hikers.  The time line doesn't work for me or for my employer.  I'm going to do something a little bit different and start from the Canadian border on August 1st traveling North to South.  It means I could be a little lonely and it also means I'm going to have to work very hard to make it through the Sierras before the snow arrives.  Who knows if I'll make it.  If I survive one month, then 2 months, then 3 months - I'll be a happy girl.  If I actually make it the entire distance I'll be thrilled beyond words.  If I don't make it, I sure will have had fun trying.

More Good Stuff!  Looking towards Lake Louise from Merlin Ridge

So, that's my big exciting news.  I'm hiking the Pacific Crest Trail!  More Good Stuff, indeed.

Life in a Postcard

After many weeks of grey and overcast weather, the sun made itself known again this past week.  We're not used to be sun deprived here, but it has been unusually grey and cloudy since I've returned home.  It's also been snowing a lot up in the mountains - the skiing and snowboarding is fabulous right now.  The return of the sunshine has felt more glorious than ever!  There's just something magical about a bluebird day in the mountains.

Out my front window

We've had new friends staying with us the last week, in the form of 3 energetic and fabulous girls from Denmark.  Mette, Maria and Sarah have been skiing every single day since arriving and have had nothing but sunshine.  Their smile muscles are getting sore and they are enjoying every moment of their time in Banff. We've been feeding off of each others energy and enjoying the company.

Friday's Run

 Me, on the Bow River

The lovely Maria joined my for a late day run on Friday, when the world was a glow in gold on the ice and snow.  The light was magic, the mountains alive and even the wildlife came out to play. 

Maria, the Elk and the Banff Springs Hotel

Jump!

How do I see out of those things? 

As we were running along she said "It's unbelievable.  It's like running in a Postcard!!"  I couldn't agree more.  We do live in a Postcard and it's great to be reminded by someone with fresh eyes.

 

Late Day Sunshine

Good company is always welcome on the trail.  Speaking of which - last weekend I finally connected with Mike who has been one of my most consistent trail buddies in recent years.  I haven't run with him since I've been back in town, so we had lots of trail time to catch up.  I've convinced him to come join me on a June road trip for the Pocatello 50 Miler.  Angela is going to join in the fun as well. :) 

See Mike Run!

I also had some great ski time and play time with Angela. We were surprised at the amount of snow up on Sulphur Mountain and had a post-holing adventure in deeper than expected snow.  It was a brand new PW or Personal Worst - the slowest amount of time we have EVER taken to get up the mountain.  It was a total slog.  Angela got her pack snagged by a tree and ended up on her ass. :)  That was comedy.

....and then there was a glorious ski tour up at Sunshine.  We couldn't have asked for a better day and the air temperature was so warm we all stripped down to our base layers.  Sweet!!

The snow had the most sparkling, enormous crystals I've ever seen.  They were exploding into clusters in places and made a unique sound under the ski.  The snow was incredibly fast and it almost sounded like glass shattering when you carved a turn.

No ski tour is complete without a picnic and a thermos.

Keith and Suzy do it Right.

Our view

Life in a Postcard

 

We dragged our exhausted butts up Tunnel Mountain on Saturday night and Mette, Maria, Sarah and Angela did a Happy Dance as the sun set.  It was picture postcard perfect. This mountain living is hard work. :)

Only in Banff

Yesterday, on my daily morning stroll to work - I saw 4 bull elk down on the river as I was crossing the bridge.  They were all standing on the frozen Bow River, with the background of giant grey rocky mountains behind them. Two of them were doing a little elk dance, a light rut if you will, it didn't look to serious.  They were locked in the classic positon of antlers entwined and I could hear the sound of horn on horn as they connected.  Cool.  I thought to myself.  Only in Banff.

After this auspicious beginning to my day, the day rolled by rather quickly.  Just a usual day, with an unusual beginning.

On my daily stroll home, I stopped by the local ski shop - you know the place, the one the local's hang out at to drink coffee and talk smack.  The owner, my friend Jason - was standing out front of the store when I showed up.  What's going on? I trilled.  We're having a bacon sale.  He replied.   

Whaaaatha'?!

Jason had just got back from a road trip to Revelstoke and he had been delayed on the highways and he was a hungry boy.  My husband who works part time at the shop, was also warming the counter and business was slow.  I think the boys were just bored and hungry, but out of boredom a brilliant marketing idea was born:  A Bacon Sale!

So, they posted the following message to their fans on Facebook: 

FIRST person to bring us 1lb of COOKED CRISPY hot bacon can have ANYTHING in the store at 50% OFF...ANYTHING..

Now, this is a shop that sells $6000.00 shiny bicycles - so 50% off is a seriously good deal.  Soon, there were friends running up and down Bear Street with uncooked bacon in hand.  And pretty darn quickly, my friend Barb rocks up, sweat on the brow - with a box of steaming hot cooked bacon and a big smile on her face.  She had to get creative to cut out of work, make a blitz run to the grocery store - and then convince the chef at the Bison to cook her up some bacon on his nice shiny clean grill.  But, at the end of the day - it all started like the beginning:  

Only in Banff!!