Training Log Archive: Bash

'Bent and I ventured to Hamilton for the Dontgetlost Icebreaker adventure run. It was our first time orienteering since the pandemic started and we had so much fun!

It was sunny with a chill in the air. People could start the event at any time over the weekend but we were lucky to see several friends in person for the first time in ages. I'd been wondering how much of a learning curve would be needed for the MapRunF app but with Anvil's clear instructions, it worked perfectly for us both. I used my phone and 'Bent set up his Garmin watch. The only down side was that I somehow lost the $100 compass attached to my wrist in the first 15 minutes of the race. That made for some interesting navigation, particularly in the section of the map where the trails had been removed.

Afterward, we went to a playground for a nice catch-up with Timato and Aubrey. He pushed her swing so that she flew high over everybody's heads.

'Bent and I haven't done an orienteering event since the Scenic Caves ski-O in early March. Sport doesn't count as essential travel and we have a long drive to get to most races. On the other hand, as a board member for Orienteering Ontario, I've been feeling out of touch with the way the sport has changed this year. So we're doing the Icebreaker tomorrow. I'd been thinking that I'd probably bungle my first event with the MapRunF app but Anvil's pre-race information has been very clear and helpful so my fingers are crossed that my phone will do what it's supposed to. Should be interesting!

Fun single track ride around Palgrave Forest with 'Bent to celebrate his birthday. It wasn't the biggest party I've ever thrown him but trail conditions were dry and perfect, and it was lovely in the woods with the sun low in the sky. Wishing you many years of fun adventures, 'Bent. :)

As of today, 'Bent and I are in Lockdown here in Peel Region for at least 28 days. It changes surprisingly little in our lives since we've been avoiding riskier activities anyway with 'Bent being a health care provider. I'll make a point of seeking out local businesses for curbside purchases over the next month.

Unlike other parts of the world, there are no travel restrictions (yet) but obviously, we don't want to share our plague with other regions. We've been very cautious with friends outdoors, and when we go to the chalet, we buy groceries, hardware and gas beforehand so we can limit any shopping up there. During the first Lockdown, we didn't go to our condo for 3 months even though 'Bent was off work but we know more about the disease now, and I think we can keep the risk very low.

The worst thing would be to take up space in their hospital system. We can't do anything about heart attacks or car accidents but I'll be limiting the risks I take consciously with ladders or skiing in rocky terrain or whatever.

Yesterday and overnight, we had our first big snowstorm in Palgrave - 20+ cm before it started to consolidate and melt. The extended biking season has been fun but it's time to ski and snowshoe!

'Bent was so excited that he skied in the dark yesterday and on his commute this morning. These are his tracks heading across our yard and into the forest.



AdventureDog and I went out in Palgrave Forest this morning when the temperature was 3C and rising. Conditions were sticky and there was a wet layer close to the unfrozen ground but still, it was a fantastic winter wonderland. It was a mix of slow trails and bushwhacking - never going at a skiing pace but sometimes working at skiing intensity. Looking forward to lots of winter activities since we can only see our friends outdoors for the foreseeable future.