Training Log Archive: Bash

'Bent and I got off to a slow start with coffee, good books and a hot breakfast. There is no cell signal or Internet at the lodge, which feels like deprivation at first but ends up being wonderful.

Every time we went out to Hwy 60 for an excursion in the Park, I pulled out my phone to check Benoit Letourneau's progress at UTMB. He had a terrific race, breaking 35 hours and finishing well within the top 10%. He had a few long breaks that looked like naps so he was running quickly in between.

There are only three lodges in Algonquin Park so we have occasionally crossed paths with well-known Canadians at Arowhon Pines. This weekend there was an Olympic figure skater as well as the wife and children of a seriously ill Canadian singer whose well-loved band had a nationally televised concert last week. 'Bent had a brief chat with the Olympian; we left the others alone with their thoughts.

It was a spectacular day so we paddled from Little Joe Lake to Joe Lake.







In accordance with tradition, we paddled past the canoe campsite where we were married with 100 guests sitting on the rocks. It's a great site that is almost always occupied so we didn't get to walk down the aisle for our almost-20th anniversary.

After too much lunch and too much lazing around, we dragged ourselves over to the Centennial Ridges Trail near the Algonquin Visitors' Centre. This is one of the most beautiful trails in the park. It's rocky and rooty, and I moved cautiously to avoid twisting an ankle. I wish we'd come earlier so we could sit on the ridge and watch the clouds go by. Stunning views - and they'll be even better in a few weeks when the leaves change.