Chesticular bumps

Right out of the gate this morning. See map above. I mean it...... we left the Taylor's at 7:00 a.m. and hung a Right off of Caledonia and straight up the side of the mountain. Mike, Paul and I wound our way up the roads with HR at max and proceeded at the pace of maturing Merlot. Once the road ended we relied on Paul's Death Race Canadian Death Race training. Up through the scree and boulders into a beautiful alpine meadow winding our way down to this wonderfully scenic lake which turned out to be the water reservoir for the area. More scrambling than running we ascended the col and landed firmly on the top of Mount Crumpit.... there with the grinch we enjoyed the scenic view of whoville while each of us marked our passing by watering the flowers.

With the watering done, we affixed the spare tiles we had stolen from the space shuttle to our feet and prepared for re-entry. Down the mountain we flew and for moments here and there we slowed long enough to make sure that we did not break anything that we might need later for Ironman. Paul, leaping like a gazelle on a trampoline, was well out ahead and although we could not see him, we could hear his screaming off in the distance that his feet were on fire. .... so much for the heat shield.

We ended back up on pavement and continued with our descent. High cadence, long strides and a good kick saw us hitting 4:22 minute miles..... then back to Caledonia way and home to the Taylor's for Scott's infamous blueberry pancakes and fresh berries.

With breakfast now stowed away in our tummies, we headed into the city for a quick look at Fresh Air cycles and then off to Gyro park for a bit of a swim.

Paul models the latest 80's fashion

Dr. Livingston I presume. (This is an actual cycling helmet)

The local masters swim club has mapped out a 500m open water route. So after we all changed into our wetsuits, we entered the frigid waters of the Okanagan Lake in search of the elusive Ogopogo.

Photo of the rarely sighted lake monster.

With goggles affixed and wetsuits all snug.... we managed 2 laps of the course before the waves drove us back to the shore. Scott managed to find a beer can on the bottom and made his way to the line and was posing like he had been waiting there with a beer for us all. Nothing like a beer at the 1K mark.

Here's a few photos of our antics.

Scott fishes for his tube coming out of his wet suit camel-back full of rum, Jim is a little concerned about his figure and Mike models the best 70's hair ever.

Paul bends over and takes one for the team

Chesticular bump!

Greg likes his goggles REALLY TIGHT!

Back to the Taylor's for some lunch and a quick nap then off to Bear Creek Park for a hike along the west side of Okanagan lake following Bear Creek (River) up into the canyon and to the falls.

Bear Creek Falls

A truly spectacular hike

The boys out with the puppies.