Paddling (Canoe) 1:24:46 8.04 km (5.7 kph) slept:7.25
For years, I've been curious about Belwood Lake Conservation Area. The lake is 12 km long so if the motorboats aren't too horrible, it could be an awesome place to paddle only 40 minutes away.
The motorboats are too horrible. There are lots of large sailboats and annoying jet skis too. We took a few big waves over the bow while crossing boat wakes and there were some scary moments when it wasn't clear whether other boats were going to turn away from us in time, even though we stuck near the shore. The lake is nice, surrounded by cottages. It would probably be more pleasant for canoeists on a rainy Wednesday morning in October than a hot Sunday afternoon in July.
We took AdventureDog for his first canoe ride. Belwood is not the best place to experiment with a dog in a tippy boat but A-Dog did us proud. He sat in front of me in the bow where he couldn't capsize us. He was nervous at first but was happy to lie down and curl up against my legs. Later on, I encouraged him to sit up and watch (and sniff) the scenery. We stopped for a dog swimming and stick fetching break, then tried to get him to sit in the middle of the boat since he seemed ready to graduate to the next level. Not a chance. The bow is safe; he doesn't trust the rest of the boat. Regardless, he has officially earned his canoeing licence and is ready to go on an overnight trip.
Running (Trail) 2:12:16 [3] 13.94 km (9:29 / km) +446m8:11 / km slept:7.5 shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3 - Blue
It's been two weeks since Lavaredo and it's either time to get running again and keep my fitness, or take a longer break and try to become a better paddler, guitar player or cake baker. Funderstorm provided a nudge toward the running option by suggesting that we head out on the trails of Hockley Provincial Park.
It was terrific weather after the heat warnings of the past few days - partly cloudy and a little cooler with some welcome drops of rain. We did the side trails first, then ran back on the main Bruce Trail before heading to the Black Birch for a yummy lunch. I'd wondered if this route would be too ambitious but my legs felt good. Great to catch up with Funderstorm. Thanks for getting me out there. :)
After wrapping up a long work contract, Veinbuster has taken on a new challenge for July. Each day he will ride the winner's time (not distance) in the Tour de France. Today I joined him for his afternoon session. He parked in Tottenham and rode the Caledon Trailway west. I started on our single track at home and rode east after I hit the Trailway.
After we met, we rode to Caledon East where I convinced VB (rather easily) to take a break off the clock so I could enjoy an iced mocha latte and he could have a chilled San Pellegrino. It was HOT, especially in the early part of our ride when there was virtually no shade on the rail trail. There is something strangely unsatisfying about inhaling steamy hot air. Still, it was nice to catch up with VB and test my legs. I've felt surprisingly good post-Lavaredo but I sure wouldn't be ready for an 8-hr ride yet, especially in the heat.
Rescheduled jury duty starts on Wednesday, August 3 in the middle of 'Bent's other vacation week. So I guess we'll make it a stay-cation and avoid making any big summer plans. This time my summons did not include a warning that the case is expected to last 2 months - phew.
6 PM
Paddling (SUP) 35:00 [1] slept:6.5
We did a longer SUP tour at the C3 quarry tonight.
We got home last night and I have a lot of Attackpointing to catch up on! We didn't always have Internet and when we did, I mostly spent time enjoying Italy instead. It was a great trip and we had fun with friends in the first week. I am sad to report that I came home 2 lb lighter than when I left. I seriously thought I was up 5 lb so I was restraining myself around the delicious food for the last few days. Argghh!!
I'll write a race report for Lavaredo Ultra Trail soon. Once again, lightning was an issue but it cost me less than 10% in the rankings. I have to be happy with how things went; it's rare to have a perfect race. In the meantime, I'll start posting some of our other adventures. On Friday we celebrated Canada Day with a short bike ride from Lucca to Pisa in Tuscany.
Happy Independence Day to our American friends! :)