Summertime and the living is easy…..




July 1st:

RA Edie, Flora, Alex, Libby, Bobtoc, Len and Miriam, Rachel and Corinne met around 8:30 am at the last parking lot at White Pine Beach, Sasamat Lake Wednesday under a cloudless sky and temperature over the top.  Corinne is disabled for the next several weeks with a broken ankle, but equipped with a four-wheeled, brake-equipped gizmo which provides some limited  mobility for her.  She takes her situation in stride; well, maybe that’s not the right word.  The beach was busy with many family groups, seemingly there for the day, and some competing in swim races.   When our group was organized at the beach ,  Sherian appeared, having reached the lake earlier than the others but had not connected with the group.  Most of our group walked the lower trail which circumnavigates most of the lake, including  in the route the floating bridge at the south end;  distance approx. 3 km, time 49 minutes.    Some did the route once, maybe twice again.  Ever-prepared Edie offered cold chocolate milk and coffee to the group.  Kudos to Edie!   Libby swam in the lake, advised the group that the water was warm.  Flora, Alex, Len and Miriam also went swimming.  No doubt!  Speaking of Libby,  she too is now jobless, having retired from the teaching profession, as did Denise Lattman at the end of the school term.

Saturday July 4th:
Twelve Cruisers and athletic supporters showed up 7:30ish am at Rocky Point on Saturday on a day which promised to be a scorcher.  RA Edie with canine April, Rene’,larry Laura, Flora,   Alex and Angela, Rod, Rachel, Christina, Sherian and Bobtoc.  The twelve set out on the usual route to the north shore.  Due to the recent half marathon run by a number present at Rocky Point, many walked or ran short.  Rene’ and Larry ran to the Esso “pearly gates”; most of the others walked or ran to the April Road intersection; I believe Alex ran solo to the pearly gates; Rod ran/walked to a mid-point on Alderside between the beach and April Road before returning; he is nursing some muscle injuries.  Bobtoc and Flora kept each other company run/walking to April Road  before returning.  No record was taken of times although Bobtoc and Flora consumed 1:53 for their jaunt.  Rene’ and Larry were first to complete.  The weather was warm, sunshine was great, views at the Point and on the run were excellent.  The route was busy with a fairly large number of runners, walkers, cyclists, dogs.         .

July 6th:  Five Cruisers showed up Monday on yet another hot,  steamy evening at the Centre.  Alex,  RA Edie,  Flora, Larry  and Bobtoc with very little persuasion  opted to walk the Stoney Creek trail to North Road and return to the Centre.  Time 57 minutes.

July 8th: Cruisers RA Edie, Alex, Larry, and Angela, son Alvin Lau and his wife Kerri Ann attended the Giro di Burnaby meeting at Confederation House for instructions for the bicycle races Thursday next in Burnaby Heights.  Saw many runners from years ago.

From Flora:
Could not get up from the couch at 6.30pm and did at 8ish.   At 8.30pm I ran to Como Lake, once around and then to Starbucks for a tall ice mocha. Total run was-  55mins. Ross accompanied as well.  Regards,  Flora

July 11th: Len, RA Edie, Alex, Larry, Flora and Bobtoc turned out 7:30ish at the Burnaby Lake parking lot on a cool morning which delighted all six, destination for the run/walk to be Deer Lake.  The route used was Kensington, south crossing Canada Way to the road east of City Hall, past the Shadbolt theatre, thence to the Deer Lake beach at Sperling Avenue, past the boat rental, then east on the south trail adjacent to the lake.  In this area the six encountered Tish Oliver who was walking her dog.  We learned her Dad is still living, age 94; her daughter works this summer at the Hart House for weddings or banquets; son is a student at SFU.   Len led us to a path which took us to a delta on the lake, where two or three fishers had their rods out.  The water looked so inviting that Len, then Flora, doffed tops and waded in, to the chagrin of one of the fishers who maintained that the water was unfit for swimming.  Her suggestion that the RCMP would be called was ignored.  The place was unknown to most of the six; it presented a pretty good site for enjoying the lake.   The six then continued their jaunt going east then north on the trail to a road with homes, continued east and eventually wound up back at the Canada Way and Kensington intersection then north back to the Burnaby Lake parking lot. Time, 1:17, a leisurely talk-filled time, distance unknown, no one caring.   The group opted then to go to the Starbucks coffee shop in the Fortius building for conversation  before heading home.    All in all, a great, restful morning, folks basking in the cool temperature and enjoying the pleasure of the group.

 
From Jennel Thursday:  I’m having very little time to clock in and report my “runs” to you.  But tonight, after the sun went down and “most” of the smog lifted….the girls & I went to the park.  They biked and I amazingly got in a 30-45 min.  Last week before the air quality warning came out…I walked a couple days up & down Parkway Blvd…..take care everyone, Jennel:)


Got the monkey off your backs!

July 13th:  Six Cruisers: RA Edie, Flora, Rachel, Alex, Shiraz and Bobtoc met at the Centre, proceeded west toward Joe’s Trail; Edie, Flora, Alex, Tim and Rachel made it their task to relieve a monkey tree at Government St opposite the New Life Community Church of vines, which were interfering with the growth of said monkey tree. Shiraz and Bobtoc observed for a while, then Shiraz and Bobtoc proceeded to the north trail toward Burnaby Lake, and after the monkey tree job was done, Alex proceeded to Joe’s Trail to North Road, north on North to the shopping centre and back to the Centre.  Shiraz and Bobtoc rejoined 


Edie, Flora and Rachel on Cariboo and then returned to the Centre.  Time for all, 1:24; distance for Alex, about 6 km.
PS.  Tried out some blackberries on Government St.  Not very sweet so far.  

Before and after the ivy removal operation from the Cruiser Monkey Tree.  CMT….Let’s hope we saved it.


In Coquitlam on Monday Jennel (who celebrated a significant birthday Thursday) said:  “We tried the blackberries too!  On route the Coquitlam Crunch!!!  Only the ones I could reach!  Sofia wanted me to jump into the bushes to get the big black berries!!! lol….I just shook my head”   Editor’s note:  It is great than Jjennel followed the sage advice of Nancy Stagg NOT to pick the low-hanging blackberries because big dogs pee on them.  Nancy,  take a bow!
 
On Tuesday: 
RA Edie, Flora, Christina and John tackled Burnaby Mountains 500  Step by climbing up,  also down. 
On Wednesday:
At the Poco Running Room store Alex and Angela, RA Edie together with canine April, Flora,  Rachel, Corrine and Edie’s friend Darlene did the annual 20 minute challenge.  Angela Lau,  RA Edie, Rachel, Corrine and Darlene walked the route while Alex , Flora and Bobtoc did the run.   Time on the route for all was approximately 25 minutes.   The colour of the 2015 cap given to participants is dark blue;, very smart indeed.   At completion,  Heather and Jamie Tecson connected with Bobtoc in particular for great conversation and updates. 
At Cameron Centre  Laura, Eoin, Terri-Lee and Larry showed up on a pleasant but muggy evening.  Eoin did a walk around the area of the Centre while the others did a walk/run (mostly run though) of Joe’s Trail, time 1h 5m, distance 7 km.  We wished everyone well at the 20 Minute Challenge.
On Thursday:
The annual Giro di Burnaby bicycle races took place on Hastings and Albert Streets in Vancouver Heights, this year increased by two races, one for juveniles before the women and male races, and the other for children, conducted at the green space formerly occupied by the Burnaby North High School.  The races, organized again superbly by Rainy Kent, had more contestants, more spectators than ever, lots of volunteers, great weather.  Despite more time needed for the actual races due to the juvenile race, the event wrapped up in the same time as other years.  Kudos to all; Rainy, her volunteers, to the City of Burnaby for a good job well done.  The Cruisers supplied  RA Edie, Larry, Alex and Angela (medical team), their son  Alvin and daughter in law Carie-Ann, and Bobtoc, who in particular saw many runners known for years!  
      

July 18th:
Saturday morning at 7:30 am at Cameron Centre produced sunny skies and some breeze for  Alex, Larry, Laura, Susan Vedoy and Bobtoc  who chose Burnaby Mountain as their destination for their walk.  The route used included Stoney Creek trail to North Road, north into the trail west leading to the powerline trail, continuing north to the Mel’s Trail, up the steep trail to the intersection of Mel’s Trail and the Cardiac hill trail, then turned tail for the return hike, then at used the rustic  North Road Trail which parallels North Road and which ends at the wood bridge spanning  Stoney Creek to the Stoney Creek trail, finally back to the Centre.  On the return, Bobtoc checked out the biffy and thinks he saw traffic lights in Melbourne Australia down there through  the pit toilet.   We saw a few walkers, many dogs on leashes, only three cyclists, some ripe blackberries which were sweeter than those encountered earlier at  Government Street a few days ago, a coyote, and some bear scat calling cards.  The five thoroughly enjoyed the breeze, shade afforded by the trees along the route,  some repartee with Doug Richen who was finishing some staining on his side porch.  All in all, a fine morning, leaving the fivesome at peace with the world.   Time and distance, 2:30 and about 9+ km respectively.

  

Saturday morning at the boonies of Fort Langley and environs produced results from R. A. Edie, Christina, Flora and Rachel. Edie reports:   Flora and Rachel were waiting for Christina and I in Fort Langley this morning.  We set out on a lovely walk to Derby Reach Camp Site and added on Houston Loop on the return.  Stopped to look at trees (they are suffering), birds, meet and greet dogs and puppies and managed 18k in about 4 hours followed by coffee and food at the Red Cake Cafe while we updated Rachel on Floraisms.   Flora and Rachel ran up the hills on the Houston Loop.  A wonderful day for sure.

July 20th:  
Eight Cruisers including Eoin showed up Monday evening at the Centre,  Rene’ a cameo appearance only; RA Edie, Alex, Flora, Laura, Shiraz, and Bobtoc were on hand.  The route selected for a walk/run was the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, north to Chapman Ave, east to Robinson St, then south to  Foster Ave, west to cross North Road, then into Sullivan Heights to return to the Centre.  Time was taken out by some to test blackberries which are ripening ahead of schedule; some were somewhat sweet; all were smaller in size than usual. Distance, 6:81 km.  Alex and Flora stayed with the older chap; their time was 1:20.  The temperature was wonderful; a vast improvement over the scorching days and evenings we have experienced.
From Jennel in Coquitlam:
My two little ladies and I walked the Coquitlam Crunch after dinner Monday night!  We did almost the entire thing!!!  YAHOO!!!   That sure made them tired for bed!!!  hmmm!?!  Maybe we’ll do that every evening!!! LOL

 July 19th:  Edie, Darlene, Anna, John and Christina went on a Burke Mountain Hike for 8k from 8 am to noon.  It was lovely even though it was very hot.  We ate our lunch by the waterfall, which was very cool.

July 20th:  Alex and Andrea, RA Edie with canine April, Flora, Larry and Bobtoc accepted the invitation from the Bushtits to meet with them at the Bby Lake parking lot for a run or walk and to have a bite or so to eat and drink.  Most of the group ran to the observation tower near the Piper Avenue spit an back.  Flora, Edie with pooch April and Bobtoc opted to walk a portion of the route before turning back.  Upon the return of the overall group, stoves were lit, food and fluids set out for fun and conversation.  Thanks to Rainy, Joe and the Bushtits for the opportunity to hang out with them in gorgeous weather and the gorgeous setting of the Burnaby Lake park.   Also thanks to Alex for his portable gas BBQ.
Jennel  also ran this evening, but I had a little biking buddy along side of me. My daughter, Anamaria rode her bike and I ran beside her!  A nice slow steady pace (good marathon pace), from our house, west bound on Panorama toward Port Moody.  Then we hit a downward trail behind Aspenwood Elementary school and she just FLEW!!!  I had butterflies in my stomach Praying she would stay steady and not fall “as it was quite the slope”; I sprinted beside her faster than I have EVER run in my life, trying to stay calm and content! (my heart was fluttering)…but she DID it!!!  and back, so I got in a GOOD, FAST run and sprint for 40 min.!  WOW!
Terri-Lee says “ she  also  needed  to run tonight as I have very few free evenings so I went solo from home near the top of the Coquitlam Crunch, to David avenue and west to the park and return-distance 8.5 km time 1hour 13 minutes. Hope I can hook up with everyone on Saturday! Sorry to complain Larry but it was quite muggy tonight.”
Terri-Lee


July 25th: OnSaturday:
At the 500 Steps parking lot, Alex, Flora, Larry and Bobtoc met  7:03+ish am.  The four set out up the hill under perfect weather conditions; comfortably cool temperature, no precip, with the surrounding area refreshed by the rain Friday and early Saturday morning.  The foursome paused at the Horizons Restaurant site, planned to continue eventually climb down the steps rather than circumnavigate the trail.  The four continued nevertheless along the trail south and east, and continued up to SFU.  The four, three of them being SFU alumni, explored the expanded campus and buildings constructed in the days since their respective graduations, had coffee at Starbucks (unheard of in their campus daze), reminisced, then headed back down via the 500 Steps, stopping and tasting blackberries on the way down, reading the informative signs, learned stuff about Cottonwood, Western Red Cedar, Mountain  Alder, Sitka Spruce.  Did you know that the WW 11 fighter bomber Dehaviland Mosquito was built with Sitka Spruce harvested in BC near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, some cut by airmen of the RCAF?  (That latter info is displayed on the north island).  Time for the actual movement up and down, 2:27, total elapsed time, 4:02, distance, about 7 km.  A sublime time; a sylvan treasure at our doorstep;  great fellowship, peace with the world.
Laura and Terri-Lee met at Cameron, ran up Eastlake to Duthie and return for 11km in 1 hour and 28 minutes-very muggy but missed the rain which was torrential when  Terri-Lee arrived home!
From Edie:

On Friday, Christina, John, April and Edie braved the pouring rain and walked to Crystal Falls.  Distance was 6.96k and time was 1:45.  The falls were worth the walk.

 
Manning Park hike was cancelled on Saturday due to the weather.  Darlene, April and I walked about 9 to10k along the dike starting at the end of Victoria Drive and back.  It’s a beautiful route and it was perfect weather for walking – no rain and cooler.





Jennel’s Monday run: 
Well, I got inspired to run tonight……I ran from my house Monday evening down Panorama, down Parkway Blvd. to David, then continued straight down David to Shaughnessy, ran around the two cul-de-sacs and back!!!  10.87km….I did a couple sprints up and down my street to to try to even up the km to 11km, but I was just pooped, so I called it a night.

July 27th:  On Monday:

Alex, Laura, Rod, Shiraz and Bobtoc met at and run/walked from the Centre on a gorgeous evening.  The route chosen was the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, from where Rod returned to the Centre due to his torn quadricep.  The remaining four continued on North Road  to Chapman Ave. east to Robinson St, south on Robinson to Appian Way, west to North Road at Cameron Street to the Centre.  The four managed to crowd a 50 minute run into 1 hour twenty-eight minutes; mind you time was consumed by Alex and Bobtoc, the two jobless chaps,  by checking out blackberries on high branches on Appian Way.  The blackberries were fairly sweet.  Alex, Laura and Shiraz could have completed the route much sooner if they had not bobturned for Bobtoc.  My thanks.

Tuesday:  Christina, John and Edie did the 500 Steps.  John and Edie went to the top by Horizons and Christina did 4 – 5 steps repeats.  The sun is definitely lower in the horizon, which made it somewhat
cooler than last week.

July 27th:  Rod and Bobtoc showed up at Cameron Centre Wednesday 6:30 pm,  The duo opted to walk due to injury and frailty.  Their route included the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, south to Tyndall St. and Farrow St. back to North Road to Cameron Street to return to the Centre.  Time and distance,   63 minutes,  4 km.  Weather, warm, sultry.  Blackberries at Stoney Creek trail tested; some sweet, some not quite there yet.  No low fruit chosen.  Nancy S. please note.

Edie’s Report: Alex, Edie, Flora, Larry and Rachel met at five at Burnaby Lake.  It was 28 degrees, a little bit hotter than we’d hoped it would be for our run to Famosa Pizzeria.  Reminiscent of our Scotia Half run.  The route for the most part was along the Central Valley Parkway and then we branched off on Lakewood and through the neighbourhoods to Commercial Drive.  As always, Alex knew the shadiest route after we left the parkway.  We walked/ran 10.43k in 1:48.

The coupon deal wasn’t different from prices on the menu but the pizza was good and so was the ice cold beer.   Some of us did not have dessert because we are E-lite Atheletes and we respect our bodies.😊
We took the bus and sky train home or back to our cars around 9.  The Drive was alive with people on a night that had turned quite balmy and lovely.  Larry and Flora didn’t get busted for not quite enough change for the bus so bail money was not required.
A fun evening after we got out of the sun and off the heat shimmering pavement.  Blackberries were tested along the route.
Larry’s Report: On Wednesday evening, Alex, Larry, Edie, Flora and Rachel ran (and we admit there was some walking) from the Burnaby Lake parking lot at 5 pm along the Skytrain/Central Valley route, testing the blackberries as we made our way along Still Creek Road.  Some tasted nice and sweet, while others tasted very much like wine although I can’t say whether it was a cabernet, merlot, shiraz or pinot noir, but it was red.  As we made our way along into East Van, Alex gave us great advice to go along Victoria Drive instead of a street west of it or along Commercial which had lots of traffic.  As we turned into Kitchener St. to make our way to Commercial we entered a tree-covered shady zone which by that time was much appreciated.  Finally we wheezed our way into the restaurant.  Time of run 1h 38m, distance 10.18 km but it felt longer in the heat.  We all refueled with the athlete’s drink of choice, yes that means beer!   And we had pizza!  And some of us even had dessert!  I don’t think we would give Formosa’s five stars but the camaraderie of our group was five stars out of five.   We returned by getting a bus ride on Commercial Drive to the Skytrain station and took the Skytrain back to wherever we parked.  As Flora and I walked into the Burnaby Lake lot around 9 pm, we saw the last of Rainy’s and Joe’s van’s taillights pulling out as it was fairly dark by then.