Summer Cruisers
August 1st: On Saturday morning Alex, Rod, Larry and Flora parked at Burnaby Lake parking lot and walked along the trail to the nature house, with the discussion topics of the day including computer issues and Windows 10 updates. Rod walked back from the nature house, doing 5.8 km in 1h10. He saw Ivan on the way back. Ivan had parked near the stables on Avalon, and was trying out running after being out for a long time with knee trouble, and when Rod met him he was having a hamstring twinge, so Rod drove him back to his car, and passed the three others on Winston, as Larry, Alex and Flora belatedly recognized Rod’s car after it had just driven by. The three runners had left the trails and ran up Piper to Lougheed, turned left at Phillips and proceeded down to Winston, stopping for a brief time at a garage sale near the corner of Phillips and Winston, but didn’t buy anything although there were some interesting items there, and finished up back at Burnaby Lake, time 1h44, distance 8.5 km. The temperature was actually quite pleasant at that time of the morn, so hope for another pleasant one on Monday morning at Rocky Point!
August 3rd:On Monday morning, a statutory holiday for those with jobs ‘n careers, and of course nuthin’ for the jobless, R. A. Edie with canine April, Darlene, Christina, Alex. Rod, Larry, Rob and Nancy, Jennel who ran from her home in Coquitlam, and Bobtoc, met at Rocky Point 7:30ish for a run/walk to the Ioco side of the inlet and return. The group separated into walk or run groups early on, with some who walked part way onto Alderside, some who walked to April Road, some runners or run/walkers who reached the Ioco former refinery gates fondly known as the pearly gates. Rob, Nancy, Alex, Larry and Bobtoc went to the gates separately. Nancy unfortunately stumbled near the Ioco church at First Avenue and skinned her left knee, with blood apparent. An investiture will be scheduled for award of the Fallers Trophy. Distance covered by them, 12 km and one extra for Alex who bobturned to keep groups together. Jennel ran home. See her comments below. Times ranged from one hour to 2:26 for Alex and Bobtoc. Some Cruisers availed themselves of the ice cream products at the emporium onsite at the Point. The ten enjoyed the weather plus the shade afforded on much of the route. Sharp-eyed Alex noted new knitted garments, sort of, which adorned six trees near the canoe rental building near the covered tables. Only trees with crotches were so adorned. No kidding.
From Jennel: Reporting back my mileage. 22.37km…holy moly! Ran from my house on Sandstone Crescent, down Panorama, down Turner Creek, down David, down Heritage Mountain to Rocky Point, where I met up with the Cruisers and we all ran around Rocky Point to Alderside (I didn’t go quite as far to the “little Church” as I had to go back 7km to home)….so I ran back with Rob and Nancy, then stopped to take a picture of a Cruisers Cottage on Burrard Inlet, lost them but made my way back eating a few blackberries on the return. We all met up at the ice cream shop and enjoyed some ice cream! Then I had to run UP, UP, & UP to get back home!!! Thanks to both Rob & Nancy for the ice cream!!!
August 5th:On Wednesday night, Larry, Eoin, Laura, Alex and Rod gathered outside the Centre wondering what that stuff was that looked like water falling from the sky, which was covered by some fluffy white and grey things and sure didn’t look like blue sky and sunlight. We did get wet for awhile but then the water stopped falling from the sky although it stayed cool, as we walked along the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, at which time Eoin turned back to finish reading a book and stop in at the library. Laura and Alex ran most of the way to North Road, then the group walked up North Road to Chapman and then turned back and mostly walked, although Alex and Laura did run part of the way back as well. Some of us sampled the blackberries and it looked like a second wave of the crop was getting ripe but still earlier than most other years, the taste varying from sweet to tart like wine/vinegar but not suitable for bottling. There was talk of the interesting DVD collection at the library available for free if you have a library card. And I thought that was for like, if you wanted to read a book or something. Rod says you can get e-books there too but not on floppy disks. Walk/run vital statistics: distance, about 5 km maybe less, time about 1 hour. A casual night indeed.
The weekend that wuz:
Reports From Jennel and Larry:
Jennel did a quick 5 km run Thursday morning from her house down Panorama, up Bramble Lane, Up Wintergreen, up to Salal over to Parkway Blvd, up to Westwood Plateau Golf Course, then turned around. and down all the way down the hill back to Panorama, then home. Quick run…but no escaping those hills:) Friday, running the indoor track while the girls are in gymnastics at Port Moody Rec. Centre 🙂
On Saturday, Jennel went from her home on Sandstone Cres. down Panorama, to Johnson, down David to Town Centre Park…ran 2 full laps of that, then ran back, this time stopping at Starbucks for more water on Parkway Blvd., running into some friends from my Church including our Youth Pastor (yes, Pastors drink Starbucks!) Had a quick chat. Asked the Pastor if he’d like to run the next Marathon with Heather & myself, but he politely declined!!! So, off I went back home….total run 12.21km. Good run….
The Scotia Half was the theme for Saturday’s Run
On Saturday morning, René, Larry, Alex, Rod, Christina, Laura, Flora, Rick and Edie met at Cameron Centre, with four of us sporting T shirts from the Scotiabank Half from various years, by coincidence. The group ran/walked down the trails to Joe’s Trail, with René, Rick and Larry taking the lead and the others moving along at various speeds. Laura and Rod then returned to Cameron Centre while the rest continued on to the Burnaby Lake trail to the nature house, then returning to the Centre. It was a cooler temperature than the norm this summer and better for running. Time for René, Rick and Larry was 1h 20, distance 11 km, and more time for the others. Most of us hurried home to clean up for Rod’s birthday party at Bobtoc and Marie’s. From Bobtoc:
August 8th: Sixteen, including five spouses of Cruisers, convened at the home of Bobtoc and bride Marie Saturday at noon to commemorate Rod’s 75th birthday which in fact was on Sunday. The menu included one of his faves, i.e. fish and chips, prepared by Cockney Kings Fish and Chips emporium at Kensington Plaza, plus salads and fruit, coffee, juices etal. The group enjoyed another
plus, being the ability to use the patio, due to the weather being without showers which were predicted. The main course was followed by would you believe, a birthday cake, a couple of candles (taking the present emergency situation regarding raging fires into account, no permit issued by the BFD). A great time was had by all; no cops had to be called. Again, our congratulations and best wishes to Rod.
On Monday evening:Jennel and Heather hiked the entire Coquitlam Crunch! Approx 10/11 km……good work out! Saw lots of people…made a pit stop in at McDonalds to grab a mango smoothie, did a little shopping, then worked our way back up! LOL Had a great time….
Alex, Flora, Larry, Laura and hubby Eoin, Rod and Bobtoc met at the Centre to walk south to the north trail leading to the nature house at the Piper Spit intersection, with Eoin returning solo before reaching Government Street. Enroute the group met Louise Rusch who was running solo, at the dam. Greetings were exchanged and the parties continued their own routes. Blackberries were checked out on the Government Street portion of the route, heeding Nancy Stagg’s advice not to pick the low hanging fruit in case dogs off leash had irrigated the berry bushes… The route provide some shade which kept the temperature bearable. Time and distance, a leisurely 1:46, 7:4 km.
August 10th: Flora, Larry, Laura and Eoin, Rod and Bobtoc walked from the Centre Wednesday on a hot, steamy evening south to Joe’s Trail as far as North Road and return, with Eoin turning back at Government Street. On the route at Government Street and on the trail itself, blackberries were tested and tasted, some being sweet, some not. Care was taken not to pick the low-hanging fruit, abiding as always with Nancy’s admonition. Time and distance, 1:43 to 1:46, 7:3 km. The six debriefed as always at the rustic fence outside the west entrance to the gymnasium level.
August 15th: On Saturday morning, Alex, Larry, Laura, Flora, Edie and furry friend April walked and ran the Burnaby Lake trail to the nature house and returned by travelling along the pathway behind the grass fields, adding some distance and allowing Alex and Larry to do a bit of speed work along the south trail. It was such a relief from the heat and we actually hoped it would rain more because the land really needs it. Distance about 5.5 km, time about 1h 15m. After our run, Laura, Flora and Larry stopped in at the farmers’ market at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot. Lots of organic meat and vegetables there at very reasonable prices, mostly below supermarket prices!
The Jennel report: On Friday Jennel went for an 11.32km run (and a bit of walking too)….I ran from my house down to Town Centre Park. Ran the perimeter of the Park…..as I was running home, I past by Anamaria’s grade 1 teacher who was walking her dog. So I had to talk with her…so we were walking and talking and of course my husband, Tony & children drive by seeing me talking!!! (Heather say’s I’m sure getting a reputation)!!! LOL Every time Tony drives by, he sees me & Heather stopped and talking or me walking….So I got teased when I got home! They wanted to know if I had a good “RUN”!
August 17th: Five Cruisers: Alex, Laura, Rachel, Rod and Bobtoc met at the Centre Monday evening and opted to go west and south to Joe’s Trail. Alex and Laura walked-ran, and went through to Hume Park, continued onto Larry’s Hill, put in some mileage before returning across North Road back to Joe’s Trail to meet up with Rachel, who ran at least as far as the gate at North Road, plus Septo and Octo, getting over getting over the hill. The five sampled blackberries both at Government Street and Joe’s Trail. Time for the five, 1:35; distance for Alex and Laura, 10+ km; for Rachel, 7:5 km, and for Septo and Octo, 7.17. Septo is still hampered by his torn quad.
From Coquitlam:
On Sunday afternoon Heather ran from her home to Jennel’s, 5 km, to check out the girls’ garage sale, dropped a coupla loonies, then Jennel changed to running gear, ran back with Heather to her house, then returned home, 10 km total.
On Monday evening Heather and Jennel hiked the Coquitlam Crunch.
August 19th: Seven Cruisers; Alex, RA Edie, Larry, Laura and Eoin, Rod and Bobtoc opted to proceed west and south toward Joe’s Trail in search of shade and to test blackberries. Alex, Larry and Laura ran the usual route to Joe’s Trail and continued across North Road to Hume Park and Larry’s Hill before returning. Eoin walked past the trailer park about 500 feet before his return, a farther distance than he managed Monday night, crediting his time in the Poirier Street swim pool in Coquitlam. Bobtoc walked with Eoin across the Cariboo Road railroad track, after their having to cool their heels for several minutes waiting for a CP train heading west, then Bobtoc ran to the North Road gate before returning with Edue who had walked much of the distance. Time out for all, 1:35, distances ranging from sub 7 km to 7:20 to 9.5 km. The group “debriefed” at the rustic fence at the Centre before heading home.
August 22nd: Seven Cruisers, then an eighth being Rachel who showed up late at the Centre and walked with Rod and Eoin, moved from the Centre on a superb morning, not too hot at the outset. The seven, then eight, commenced their runs or walks using the Stoney Creek trail to North Road, from which Rod, Eoin and Rachel returned. Runners Larry, Laura and Rene’, followed well to the rear by Alex and Bobtoc, ran to Chapman Avenue east to Robinson, east to Como Lake Ave., south to Guiltner St., east to Cornell Ave. to Como Lake, then east onto Regan Avenue to Mundy Park via Wilmot and Hillcrest Sts.; their returns south to Winslow Avenue to Blue Mountain to Ebert or Foster, the faster runners Larry, Laura and Rene- using Ebert Ave., and Alex and Bobtoc, well to the rear, using Foster and Smith to return to North Road and Sullivan Heights to the Centre. Speaking for Alex and Bobtoc, time was spent petting a couple of malemute dogs, inspecting the new houses under construction west of the Park, and critically examining a what turned out to be a walnut which fell from a tree. Times for the walkers to North Road and back, less than an hour; for the LLR threesome, 2:15, for the two mature chaps, who managed to squeeze a 2:15 into 3:11. Distance to and from Mundy Park, approx. 15 km.
August 24th: runners : Flora Shiraz and Alex
Route : Stony Creek trail, North Road, Chapman, Robinson, Appian
distance : 6.9 Km
time : 1:14
note : met Valerie Roy on Chapman (close to her home). She ran with us along Chapman to Robinson then return home on same route.
Rod walked the Stony Creek trail with Eoin. He will report their time separately
On Wednesday Rod, Laura and Alex were there at 6:30PM. No other Cruisers showed up at 6:45 (not even Flora), the three walked to North Road via the Stoney Creek trail. Rod returned to the Centre alone. Distance,~4KM ; Laura and Alex then ran back to the Centre using the Chapman, Robinson and Appian Way route. Distance 6.3KM, total time 1:03. Weather was just right for an evening run, or walk.
Jennel reported Heather and Jennel’s Thursday evening run: Wow!!!! That Kintec 5km run that Heather & I signed up for was SUPER fun! Way more than we expected. We were split into teams and were on THE AMAZING RACE!!! Our group was team #4 and we first had to RUN from Kintec at Sutterbrook Village to Rocky Point dog park and get a picture on our cell phone with all of the members on our team with a dog. Then we had to run into Rocky Point Park…find “a Kintec leader” (who knows where they would be) and complete a challenge. This was a Paper Puzzle numbered and cut up..then we as a team had to complete it in the proper order and have it checked and stamped. After this, our next challenge was to RUN as a team to Moody Middle School, find the Kintec people and recite the ABC’s of Running and demonstrate them together as a team. Good grief, that was a challenge in itself….but we completed it. From there, we had to SPRINT back to Sutterbrook Village to Kintec and our team #4 won FIRST PLACE!!! YAHOO!!! Everyone on our team won a MEDAL that say’s “Run Happy” and we each won a $50 Footwear Voucher!!! Awesome event!!!
From Edie a few days ago: Hi Bob, spending our second night in Liverpool (sleepless) at 3:10 am. Great city to visit – we are staying in a central location across from the train station, close to Albert Docks. Went on the Magical Mystery Tour Friday. Had French beer with my dinner tonight after spending the day in Knutsford, a beautiful village where Maureen’s Grandma’s people came from. Rained most of Friday, was good during the day Saturday but thunder and lightning with heavy rain tonight. Train to Stirling tomorrow – too much luggage.
. Need a porter! Meeting up with 6 of my Scottish cousins in Stirling and Aberdeen. NB. Edie no doubt was looking for a Redcap.
August 29th: Four Cruisers: Alex, Laura, Rod and Bobtoc met at the Centre Saturday morning with rain piddling down, sufficiently so to answer the call for a strategy meeting at Timmie’s. The four repaired to said establishment, enjoyed coffee etal plus discussion before returning to the Centre. In the meantime the weather improved, therefore the four resolved to walk the Stoney Creek trail to North Road. They then continued their walk by moving south on North, continued along to Sullivan Heights, turned onto Lyndhurst Street to Willoughby Avenue, then south to Cameron Street and the Centre; time and distance, 1:03, approx. 5 km. Minnesota Rachel and Flora sent reasons for not appearing; working or still on vacation.
We are in Chipping Campden and ready to start our walk tomorrow. Hope the direction angels are up and about and that they stay with us. 
We went to Stirling where we had dinner with 3 of my cousins and one of them stayed overnight so we had breakfast with her as well. Visited Stirling Castle and toured the old jail. No need to send bail money though as they didn’t detain me. Guess they didn’t get Harper’s lists of protesters yet. Had a 3 Hop Scottish beer at the Kangaroo Pub – between a lager and a pale ale – very good. Craft beer is very popular here.
We spent two days in Aberdeen with my 3 cousins and their spouses and a friend. They looked after us very well and we had lots of fun. My cousin said they can shoot dogs off leash where it’s prohibited. We won’t be moving there anytime soon. We had a 9 hour train ride from Aberdeen to Moreton-In-Marsh then a taxi to here.
Tomorrow is the shortest distance and rain is predicted but we’ve had good weather so far. Tried to have dinner at a place where Neil Hargreaves was Proprietor but they were fully booked. Don’t have to take our own luggage until we come home so am happy about that. Checking out potential club houses…
Ta Ta for now. Cheerio. Pip pip and all that. Keep calm and run on. R A Edie
August 31st: Four stalwarts: Larry, Laura, Eoin and Bobtoc met at the Centre Monday on a cloudy but no precip evening. The foursome elected to walk, using the Stoney Creek trail, then north on North to Chapman Ave before retracing their steps back to the Centre. The four were surprised and dismayed at the damage from the windstorms and rain; trees down or uprooted, branches over the trail. Time and distance, 82 minutes, approx. 5 km.
From Jennel:
Heather & Jennel ran (or shall we say swam) in the rain Monday morning! We are getting “back on track”, as we have to prep for that Half we’re registered for Oct. 4th. So, we met at David & Pinetree (ran from our homes – approx 2.5 each) then ran 2 laps of Town Centre Park and back to our homes….total run: between 11-12km. for both of us.
Saw lots of trees being cleaned up by the city. Lots of trees were down from the storm.From RA Edie in dear old Blighty:
We started off from Chipping Campden on Sunday morning and managed to reach our destination after one slight detour where we visited a village that wasn’t on the map. It had been downhill so the trek back was up a little Eden hill for quite a ways.
. It started to rain early in the walk but was not penetrating.
Yesterday it poured all day and we got soaked. We couldn’t see much of the view and when on a hill in a sheep pasture it was eerie. There was sheep tracks going off in different directions so luckily we were on the right path. We had mud up to our knees and sticking to our boots so we called a cab for the last part. There were lots of way marks but some hard to see. It’s beautiful here and in sunshine the views would be spectacular.
The B&Bs and people have been wonderful. We’re going to Cheltenham on the bus today as the weather is socked in and boots are still wet.
Hope the power is back on. What a mess the storm made. Edie
On Saturday morning, René, Larry, Alex, Rod, Christina, Laura, Flora, Rick and Edie met at Cameron Centre, with four of us sporting T shirts from the Scotiabank Half from various years, by coincidence. The group ran/walked down the trails to Joe’s Trail, with René, Rick and Larry taking the lead and the others moving along at various speeds. Laura and Rod then returned to Cameron Centre while the rest continued on to the Burnaby Lake trail to the nature house, then returning to the Centre. It was a cooler temperature than the norm this summer and better for running. Time for René, Rick and Larry was 1h 20, distance 11 km, and more time for the others. Most of us hurried home to clean up for Rod’s birthday party at Bobtoc and Marie’s. 
August 15th: On Saturday morning, Alex, Larry, Laura, Flora, Edie and furry friend April walked and ran the Burnaby Lake trail to the nature house and returned by travelling along the pathway behind the grass fields, adding some distance and allowing Alex and Larry to do a bit of speed work along the south trail. It was such a relief from the heat and we actually hoped it would rain more because the land really needs it. Distance about 5.5 km, time about 1h 15m. After our run, Laura, Flora and Larry stopped in at the farmers’ market at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot. Lots of organic meat and vegetables there at very reasonable prices, mostly below supermarket prices! 
Saw lots of trees being cleaned up by the city. Lots of trees were down from the storm.