September 2017
Great People in Glorious Vancouver
September 2nd: Alex, RA Edie, Larry, Rod, Susan and Bobtoc by various Skytrains met at the Main Street and Terminal station on a beautiful weather-wise morning Saturday, the object being to walk the False Creek paths. The six started by tackling first the path on the south side of False Creek. They walked one hour, at which time Rod left the group, under the advice given to him by his physiotherapist who is treating him for leg injury. The remaining five crossed to the north path and resumed their walk west, taking in the beauty of the boats in the water (only one actually sailing, a billion $ worth of boats anchored, go figure). Much of the route was familiar to those who participated in the Coldest Night Walk for First United Church in March, captained then by Edie, and the five continued their walk into the west end to the Burrard Bridge area to the new set of concrete stairs alongside the bridge leading to Pacific Street and Burrard, continued north on Burrard, witnessed road construction going on in the areas close to St. Andrews-Wesley and First Baptist churches to the Royal Centre, enjoyed coffee at Timmie’s; from there took the Skytrain back to Burnaby and beyond. 
It should be mentioned that on the tour on the north side False Creek paths the five viewed particulars regarding four apartments for sale in one of the high rises near the Burrard Bridge; prices ranged from a low of 924,000 to a high of 13 million. The foursome mentally checked out the balances of their petty cash, noted collectively they would not have an effect in that market, so moved on.
Time and distance for Rod, 1:15 and 6.25 km respectively. For the other four, time 2.44 including all sightseeing, pitstops, coffee break, distance 8.6 km. A good time had by all.
Flora played hockey from the Cruisers and went kayaking instead to Rocky Point on Saturday.
September 4th: On Monday Labour Day, Alex, RA Edie, Larry, Rod, Susan, Flora and Bobtoc met at the Burnaby Lake parking lot on a hot morning. The chosen route was the trails surrounding the lake which would provide some shade from the heat of the sun. The seven started on the Sperling Road at Moscrop and moved, mostly walking, south into the trails. Rod and Alex turned back at 40 minutes to the parking lot, eventually a total of 70 minutes, covering approximately 6 km, Rod hampered by his sciatic nerve leg injury, and Alex to return home to prepare for a near future trip. The remaining five continued, and completed their walk around the lake back to the parking lot; time, about 2:20, and by Bobtoc, in about 2:23, distance by the five, 10+ km. All except Alex debriefed at the Fortius Sports building using varieties of Starbucks elixers.September 6th: RA Edie with April, Flora, Larry, Mary, Susan, Rod and Bobtoc walked or ran in smoggy conditions due to the wildfires in BC and northern Washington. Most chose to walk; however Larry ran, returning from time to time the others, and Rod also jogged a bit, still nursing his leg injury, observing advice from his physiotherapist. The group completed their walk and run in 1:39, and distance for those who walked only, 6.8 km; for those doing some running, a bit more.
Jennel ran from her home, (she dropped off her kids at school)l, and made her way to Heather’s home, having we agreed to a 10:00 meet. Jennel was ahead of schedule, so she ran a lap of town centre, then a few laps of Heather’s cul-de-sac, then the two met up and they ran to the Running Room to take a look and a quick shop, then ran back alongside of Town Centre. The two parted at Pipeline & David: Heather ran back to her home & Jennel ran back to her’s. Weather wasn’t too bad to breath despite the smog…..nice little breeze too. But, it was HOT. Jennel ran 17.75km and Heather 10.11km. A good run.
September 9th and10th: Rod, Len and Bobtoc (who was a tad late) met at the Centre and embarked on a walk west on Cameron St, destination Joe’s Trail. The trio were joined by Ivan at Cameron and Beaverbrook. The four continued on their journey at Joe’s Trail. The weather was a bit cool; some soft rain had fallen but ceased for the journey to the Trail. Wow! On Joe’s Trail east of the Brunette Ave. the four spotted a bear, yes a real live bear, on the south bank of the Brunette River. It was slow moving, perhaps on the lookout for a fish or other food stuffs. Ivan and Len took video recordings. The bear ignored us, and continued in the river west toward Burnaby Lake, still in the river. Time out, 1:49, including about 15 minutes observing the bear; distance, say 8 km.
On Sunday, Edie, Flora and Larry walked the Coho Run, a beautiful 14 K course starting from Kitsilano Beach and going across Burrard St. Bridge, Pacific Boulevard into the Stanley Park seawall, across Lions Gate Bridge and into Ambleside Park. No rain – a beautiful late summer day. Their times were as follows:
Edie 2:30:54
Flora 2:25:15
Larry 2:16:04
Coquitlam Cruisers:Thursday evening: the Fatiguso bikers rode their bikes around Town Centre Park/Lafarge Lake for 7.25km…they stopped in at the Coquitlam Garden Centre in the middle of the field and enjoyed looking & smelling all the flowers & vegetables.
Friday morning: Heather & Jennel met at the corner of David & Pinetree and ran 2 laps of Town Centre park then parted ways……Heather aprox 11.5km, Jennel 14.5km:)=
September 11th: Alex visits the Silk Road in China!
September 15th: Tartan Twosome Fisherman’s Cove Dartmouth NS Edie, Christina and Jane did the 5k Sunset Run (walk) in beautiful Nova Scotia and John was our athletic supporter and official photographer. The evening was balmy, the scenery was spectacular, the Celtic music and Scottish dancers were awesome and the people were friendly. Christina and I fuelled up on ice cream before the walk while Jane and John tried the popcorn. There were lots of pirates of all ages at the event as participants, officials, and athletic supporters. For the Friday event, we had our tartan scarves. After we crossed the finish line, we made our way to one of the many restaurants to sample the sea food. On Saturday, Christina and I, along with John returned to do the 21k and 5k runs, respectively. I ran/walked in 45 minutes and Christina ran in 2:20, an excellent time, especially considering jet lag and late night. John and I walked along the marsh and waterfront while waiting for Christina and it was so beautiful. The three of us meandered through the shops after the run, enjoying the music and ambience. We each received three original medals, swag consisting of a buff, a shirt, a hat and a bib holder. Well organized, fun event. So glad we were able to go.
Saturday run with the pirates.
Bobtoc arrived Saturday 6:05 am at the Richmond Christian Church on Woodward St off No.2 Road in response to Len Soet’s invitation to the Cruisers to volunteer at the annual Ride for Refuge, a bicycle and walking event to raise funds for the charity which in turn finances about 29 charities of various kinds. My duty was, with three others, to control traffic in the Church area; ie. inform entrants not to park in the school area except for those dropping off their bikes then leaving the area, provide information, arrange for space for the St John’s Ambulance volunteers, and so on. The cyclists and walkers registered and participated in one of the 50, 25, 10, 5 km runs or the 5 km walk. The participants and volunteers were motivated, friendly, eager to, through their participation in the event to fund the charities whose goals were to assist where needed, many needs of many folks. The participants were In the main church goers; of all age ranges. Len and Miriam, members of the Willingdon Mennonite church in Burnaby, have supported the First United Church in its annual Coldest Night of the Year walk in downtown Vancouver plus coughing up some $$$ in the past. I was pleased, and humbled, as a member of the United Church, to reciprocate to assist and put up some $$$ also for the Ride for Refuge. I met a number of the other many volunteers and participants Saturday, am richer for the experience. For next year? You bet!
September 11th: Alex visits the Silk Road in China!
September 11th:
On Monday evening Eoin and Laura, Edie, Flora, Rod and Bobtoc turned out to walk the Stoney Creek trail to the gate at North Road then return to the Centre. The Cruisers enjoyed a reasonable temperature and no rain. Time and distance, 59:30 and, say 6 km. Notwithstanding the Saturday am sighting of a bear at Joe’s Trail and photos from another Cruiser of three bear sightings, one being at the entrance of the Creek trail off Beaverbrook, no bear was seen. Edie did not walk however.
Coquitlam Cruisers:
Heather and Jennel ran Monday morning. Heather ran 10k and Jennel extended her run to 20k.
September 13th: On Wednesday evening, two groups of Cruisers did separate routes! Larry and Rod walked the Forest Grove route from Beaverbrook, Stoney Creek, Gaglardi overpass, up Forest Grove hill to Underhill, then reversed direction and returned to Cameron the same way, with Larry doing a bit of running and feeling no ill effects. Distance about 6 km, time 1h:10. Flora, Laura and Eoin, who must have arrived at Cameron just after the previous group started, walked the other usual route, along Beaverbrook and Eastlake to Underhill, then turned around and headed back using the same route. Distance 4.5 km, time 57 minutes. It was a great night for a walk/run. Dusk is setting in at around 7:30 pm now – time to get out the reflectors and lights.
Fisherman’s Cove by John Saremba
September 15th: Tartan Twosome Fisherman’s Cove Dartmouth NS Edie, Christina and Jane did the 5k Sunset Run (walk) in beautiful Nova Scotia and John was our athletic supporter and official photographer. The evening was balmy, the scenery was spectacular, the Celtic music and Scottish dancers were awesome and the people were friendly. Christina and I fuelled up on ice cream before the walk while Jane and John tried the popcorn. There were lots of pirates of all ages at the event as participants, officials, and athletic supporters. For the Friday event, we had our tartan scarves. After we crossed the finish line, we made our way to one of the many restaurants to sample the sea food. On Saturday, Christina and I, along with John returned to do the 21k and 5k runs, respectively. I ran/walked in 45 minutes and Christina ran in 2:20, an excellent time, especially considering jet lag and late night. John and I walked along the marsh and waterfront while waiting for Christina and it was so beautiful. The three of us meandered through the shops after the run, enjoying the music and ambience. We each received three original medals, swag consisting of a buff, a shirt, a hat and a bib holder. Well organized, fun event. So glad we were able to go.
Saturday run with the pirates.September 16th: Saturday’s walk/run actually featured some people running for a change…Larry, Ivan, Flora, Rod, Laura, Len and Miriam and their daughter’s dog Jax, started out to Joe’s Trail. Rod, Laura and Miriam walked while the others did some interval running on the trail. Towards the end of Joe’s Trail Len turned back to join the walkers, while Larry, Ivan and Flora continued to Hume Park, went up the hill and along the trail above the sports field, then turned around and headed back the same way. For the walkers, the distance was 6.8 km, time 1h:27 and for the interval runners, 8.5 km, time 1h:42. It was a pleasant sunny day and we enjoyed it. Looks like change is coming in the weather.
From Jennel: the Coquitlam Cruisers update: Friday morning, Heather & Jennel met at Pinetree & David, ran 2 laps around Town Centre Park …then home. Heather 10.60 km, Jennel 12.69 km. Total for the week…..44.69 km…..good start for training! Not sure of Heather’s exact mileage, but it’s pretty close:) Later Friday, Jennel joined her daughters at Bramblewood Elementary School to participate in the Terry Fox Run on their school track….we all ran 5.20 km. Yahoo!!!! Wow, there are some FAST kids in that school!!! “young legs” lol=
September 18th: Three only : Eoin and Laura, and Bobtoc turned up Monday on a cloudy but comfortable temperature-wise evening. The three opted to walk from the Centre on Eastlake to Underhill, returning to the Centre. Time 1:07, distance about 5 km. It was dark by the time the trio returned to the Centre. Time for lights and reflective clothing. Autumn Is upon us.
September 20th: On Wednesday evening R A Edie with canine April, Flora and Ross. Larry, Laura and Eoin, Susan, and Bobtoc met at the Centre and opted for a short walk using Eastlake and Underhill. Larry ran however, did the familiar Forest Grove route, utilizing the Gaglardi pedestrian overpass thence back to the Centre; some of the walkers going not much farther than Underhill and Broadway before returning. Distance for Larry 6 km or so, the others, lesser distances. Time for Larry, 1:02, the others 1:12. Daylight was gonzo at the finish; lights and reflective clothing now necessary. Another item: Edie showed us three medals earned in Nova Scotia; all impressive, elaborate. She praised the organization and enthusiasm at the runs she and Christina completed in NS..
Coquitlam Cruisers from Jennel:
I did run 13km Wednesday morning, but I ran in a different direction as I wasn’t meeting Heather today. I ran down Noons Creek, over to Rocky Point, then turned around and back up Noons Creek! I’m a sucker for punishment with those hills, I know!?! ha! Ha
Thursday morning Jennel hiked the Coquitlam Crunch with a fellow soccer Mama of her daughters. 10.68km up & down. Over & Out: I’m tired from this week of runs and sore! R&R this weekend!?! I hope!!!=
September 23rd: Flora, Laura and Eoin, Larry, Susan, and Bobtoc met at Rocky Point and welcomed back Rene’ Lattmann to the fold, having been nursing for months, he informed us, of an he has alled hammertoe, being treated by a foot specialist, who forbad Rene’ from running. The hammertoe also developed problems of other kinds, e,g. slow to heal, stitches removed too soon. In any event, he walked/ran with the group, and did very well. The six, in various groups, went as far as April Road before returning to the Rocky Point, where they reassembled so to speak at the ice cream parlour. The group enjoyed the very best day of the year; an early autumn day, warm temperature, clear skies, great companionship; lots of family groups to view, a memorable day to be sure.
Coquitlam Cruisers from Jennel:
Heather & Jennel met at Pinetree & David, from there they ran toward the Coquitlam Mall and around the area on High Street to look at the local stores, then popped into the Mall for a bit, then ran back out and around Town Centre then back to each of their homes….Jennel 12km, Heather 10km Fun Run:)
Oh my gosh Edie!!!! I’m down at Town Center for the girls soccer. The COLOUR race is going on……I get to be on the side lines so I get to take all the pics and cheer!!! This is awesome! Girls & I for sure are going in this next year!!!!! I’ll send pics later for the cruisers site! This is awesome 😁
September 25th: On a cool but comfortable Monday evening, Laura and Eoin, Flora, Mary McNicol and Bobtoc opted to walk from the Centre the Eastlake route to Underhill and decide how far after that to go. Flora arranged to meet a friend whose name is Jackie, not sure of the spelling of her name, who lived in the Forest Grove Drive area, therefore the five set off. Laura and Bobtoc walked to Broadway at Underhill before turning back. Eoin, Mary and Flora continued to Underhill at Forest Grove, collected Jackie, and returned to the Centre. Time and distance for Laura and Bobtoc, 1:20 and approx.. 5.5 km, and for Eoin, Flora, time and distance 1:26 and approx. 6 km. after which time Mary drove Jackie back home. A leisurely walk to be sure.
Coquitlam Cruisers from Jennel:
Heather & Jennel met on a rainy Monday morning…..the ran 2 laps of Town Centre Park, then back to their homes…Heather 10km, Jennel 12.56km
Jennel added some mileage on Monday evening. After dropping Anamaria off at Soccer Practice, she thought she’d walk to Running Room…so she did that…then started back to Town Centre, but with all the traffic lights and having to wait, she had to FLY back!!! She will do NOTHING tomorrow…and that means NOTHING!!! Another 5.40km added…so that’s almost 18km for the day:(
September 27th: Larry ran, and Edie with canine April, Flora and Ross, Laura and Eoin, Bobtoc, and Ivan who met the others enroute walked from the Centre north and west to the Stoney Creek trail, with Larry continuing his run to Chapman Ave, Robinson, south to Ebert and back to the Centre, the others instead turning south at North Road to Tindall St, crossing Como Lake Road, dipsey doodled back to North Road, continuing south to Lyndhurst St in Burnaby, south on Willoughby back to the Centre. Their time and distance, 1.07 and about 4.5 km respectively. For Larry, time and distance guesstimates 1.01 and 6.5. The group enjoyed warm temperatures and daylight for the most part.
Coquitlam Cruisers:
On Wednesday Jennel & Heather met at Pinetree & David, ran around the Park to Pipeline, then down Westwood to the Running Room & Superstore and a bunch of other shops to work in our chores for the day!!! Then we ran back to our homes…All & all, we both managed to run a pretty good distance. Jennel, close to 15km and Heather just slightly under…around 13km! A run with purpose!
On Thursday Heather & Jennel met along David, they ran 1 lap together around Town Centre, then Jennel ran home and Heather con’t running another lap.
September 30th: Saturday’s turnout consisted of three fast walkers and two runners, as Flora, Laura and Susan, the fast walkers, walked to and through Joe’s Trail in a time of 1h:20, while runners René and Larry did the same route in a time of 54 minutes. The distance for all was 7.5 km. It was a great day to be out – some cloud, moderate temperature – perfect running and walking weather!
Bobtoc arrived Saturday 6:05 am at the Richmond Christian Church on Woodward St off No.2 Road in response to Len Soet’s invitation to the Cruisers to volunteer at the annual Ride for Refuge, a bicycle and walking event to raise funds for the charity which in turn finances about 29 charities of various kinds. My duty was, with three others, to control traffic in the Church area; ie. inform entrants not to park in the school area except for those dropping off their bikes then leaving the area, provide information, arrange for space for the St John’s Ambulance volunteers, and so on. The cyclists and walkers registered and participated in one of the 50, 25, 10, 5 km runs or the 5 km walk. The participants and volunteers were motivated, friendly, eager to, through their participation in the event to fund the charities whose goals were to assist where needed, many needs of many folks. The participants were In the main church goers; of all age ranges. Len and Miriam, members of the Willingdon Mennonite church in Burnaby, have supported the First United Church in its annual Coldest Night of the Year walk in downtown Vancouver plus coughing up some $$$ in the past. I was pleased, and humbled, as a member of the United Church, to reciprocate to assist and put up some $$$ also for the Ride for Refuge. I met a number of the other many volunteers and participants Saturday, am richer for the experience. For next year? You bet! Coquitlam Cruisers:
Heather & Jennel met along David, they ran 1 lap together around Town Centre, then Jennel ran home and Heather con’t running another lap…..=
