Dad. my Inspiration!

I had to say a final Good-bye to my awesome Dad  near the end of November.  He was the one that inspired me to love the outdoors!  He was a good Dad... going to miss him.


I will do a writeup later today or in the next few days about him as I am typing this up insanely early in the morning, but here's the obituary that I wrote up for him.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oceansidestar/obituary.aspx?n=freimuth-ibis-fred&pid=173364829

~Carolyn

Hiking in Jasper on the September long weekend.

I planned to lead a club hiking trip to Jasper on the September long weekend.   But that fell through.  It's one thing to lead a day hike, but another thing to organize a weekend one.  I reserved a spot at the Whistler's group campsite way back in Spring, and paid the small $20 deposit.  It would be a great cheap way for the club to enjoy the park!

But alas, due the rainy weather forecasted, I didn't have enough people interested and I had to cancel the club trip almost at the last moment.

s

But not to fear!  Fellow club member, Uta, who wanted to go on the trip, STILL wanted to go on the trip, even if it was not part of the club.  Even though I had just biked through there in August, I was excited to return.

We drove out on Saturday morning, stopping by some rivers, including one in Valemont, to see if any Salmon were spawing.  We spotted some in Valemont.

Afterwards. we continued on to Jasper. As it was still raining, we decided to keep dry at the Jasper Park Lodge.  It reminded me of hotel in the Shining, for some reason.  

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Back to Jasper

Skywalk

Two days up to the Columbia Icefield, only one back down to Jasper!

While camping overnight at the Icefield, I decided to bike back to Jasper rather then ride down to Lake Louise.  I hadn't reserved a seat on the bus from Lake Louse to Jasper, and didn't want to chance it.  It turned out to be a good decision.

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Onwards to Columbia Icefield

Up to the Columbia Icefield

Next morning, I woke up and packed up after eating my breakfast.  I said goodbye to all those whom I had met at the campsite and headed on my way to the Columbia Icefield.  As the day before, I was only going to be riding 50 km.  It would give me plenty of time, to reach the Icefield and give me extra time afterwards to explore the area.

Again, the weather was very good, not too hot, but not rainy.  I took my time riding towards the pass.  I met a cyclist from Boston along the way, who was headed to Jasper.  He had a home built chain gard on his Breezer bicycle.

Cyclist from Boston

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part IV - Destination: Honeymoon Lake

Road to Honeymoon Lake Campsite

After spending the night at the hostel in Jasper, it was time to head out down the Icefield.  I said my goodbyes to the Adventure Cycle group and headed towards Jasper to stock up on food.  As I only planned on riding 50 km to Honeymoon Lake, I was in too much of a rush to leave.

A long fun weekend at Murtle Lake Provincial Park

 
Now for something completely different - Canoeing adventures at Murtle Lake

British Columbia is full of beautiful quiet places to enjoy nature that are not accessible by a vehicle.  Recently, I got to go on a Caledonia Ramblers hiking club trip to Murtle Lake Provincial Park.  Murtle Lake is located 100 km South of Valemont, on Highway 5.  It is the largest non-powered lake in North America!  All the campsites and trail heads are only accessible by canoe or kayak

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part III - Time to head out on my own

Time to myself (sort of)

After spending a few days with my friends at Mt. Robson, it was time to head out towards Jasper.  As I already did the hill a few days before and the morning looked gloomy, I decided to have Mary-Jo drop me off at Moose Lake. It was raining along the way, but by the time we reached the lake, it had stopped.

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part II - Mt. Robson with friends

We biked and we hiked.  Then we hiked and biked more!

In my last post, I was riding towards Mt. Robson after being dropped off just after Mcbride, by my friends. 

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part 1 - Escaping the heat

Time for some more riding!

This year I decided to stay closer to home.  I originally thought of bringing my bike back down to San Francisco to ride to the Mexico border, but since I decided to go to Peru next year, I wanted to save as much as possible.  I actually have the money for the Peru trip, but I want to keep as much as possible in the bank so that I can buy a plane ticket when the time is right.

Mt Robson and Jasper bike trip adventure

I have been having an awesome bike trip!

I first rode to Purden, staying a day at the lake.  I unexpectantly bumped inti hiking friends there and hanged around with them.  Next morning, another friend picked me up and dropped me off 70 km before Robson Shadows campsite.  I biked the rest of the way.

I spent a couple of days hiking and biking with them.  The I got dropped off 65 km before Jasper.  I rode fully loaded then to the Jasper hostel.  I met an organized Aventure Cycling tour starting out there on one of their first Canadian tours.

I rode the next day 50 km to Honeymoon Lake, then next day Another 50 km to the Columbia Icefields.   I explored around, before heading back to Jasper the next day.  I rode the whole 100 km to Jasper as it was easy going back, mostly downhil!

Good thing I did that as its raining today.

I do not have to leave until Sunday.  Relaxing, charging devices today.  Catching the train home....

Top This - The Best Way to Explore Nature

Golly, since I have been neglecting to post to of here of late, I am going to keep you busy.  I was featured on a show called Top This by Shaw Cable. It's all about Geocaching at the Forests for the World.  Check it out now!
 

Bike Ride past Purden - Final prep for Summer of Adventures!

Well, it's almost that time of year for me again.  Bike Touring time, that is.  Every year I alternate, bike one year, then hike.  Actually, that's not true!  I always help out on Tour De Jasper, so I ride and hike.

Hiking Mt. Murray on second day of Summer

It may have been an early start to the day, but 19 eager hikers showed up at City Hall to enjoy the forecasted Sunny day in the Alpine.

Long trip out to Mt. Magnus

It was going to be a crazy long drive out to Mt. Magnus, but I decided to go anyways!  I wanted to use the drive out to study canoes for a canoe exam that I would be having a day after the trip.  Good excuse, I'd say!  We drove for 4 1/2 hours which included a 12 km trip down the WRONG road.  When it started narrowing, we knew something was wrong.

Prepping for All Sorts of Summer Adventures!

I am all stoked about this Summer.  Got some riding to do!  I've been riding lots around the area to get trained for them.   During this past week, I've biked to West Lake, Shane Lake, and up to Pineview. I also have a Canoe/hike trip this Summer also, and recently took some fun canoe lessons to get ready for that.  While on the course, I met another person who likes to tour too, he's done lots in the USA.  I feel good that I am networking more.

Prince George Critical and Kidacle Mass 2014

Spring has arrived in Prince George, and so has Critical Mass.  And now there is another fun ride, Kidical Mass.  Kidical Mass was started in Eugene Oregon, in 2008.

Both of the first rides of the season held on the last Friday and Saturday of May, had similar amounts of people.  Not tons, but the usual 8-10 people.

Back at it..

I am trying to post when I can on my old computer, until I get a new one.  I have a few old snowshoe posts still on draft, so I am publishing them now, even though it's Summer!

Bike Notes:

I am done with winter and have already done some hikes.  As usual, it's a toss up between riding and hiking.  I am trying to bike again to prep for this Summer's trip.  My first long one was out to North Nechako to join in on a protest ride.  The city is repaving a major road, but not adding any space for pedestrians or bikes!  In fact, the city of Prince George has NO bike funding whatsoever this year.  Wow!  Let's hope that the bike protest changed their minds.  Over 100 showed up for the ride, including children.

Here's a write up and photos from the protest ride. 

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local/bike-lane-protest-takes-to-street-1.1021461

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/photos/urban-bike-ride-1.1021663

Bike to Work Week is coming up at the end of the month, and I can't wait.  I have already signed up a team!

Indoor Activities in Prince George

Ever wondered what to do in Prince George on a rainy day?  Check out my suggestions at the Explore BC blog.  http://blog.hellobc.com/indoor-activities-prince-george/

Snowshoe Trip with the Ramblers - Ginter's Field/UNBC

On Sunday, February 16, I returned to Ginter's field with the Caledonia Ramblers. After staying home the weekend before because of the extreme cold, it was refreshing to go outside and enjoy the sun in warmer temperatures.

No computer

My apologies for the lack of posts.  The Explore BC blog keeps me VERY busy, along with the Rambler's stuff.  And now I am computerless for at least a month and a half, as I have had it with my XP computer!  It is stored in my spare room closet as I threatened to throw it out my third floor window.  The computers at the library have been a great help thank goodness.

I can save up for a real good computer, perhaps a Mac?  Is that worth it?  Might be longer wait then the end of June for that though.  Are lower priced macs ok?  Do not know yet, what I will chose, but I am enjoying my freedom at home from it and do not feel rushed to get a new one just yet! Good thing I have tablet to keep connected.

Wishing it was time to travel

Summer is coming up fast, and I dream of travelling.  I was lucky enough to spot the TARDIS today at the local college.  Time travel sounds pretty cool!  It was part of this new media display, from a program at our local college which sounds pretty neat.  The guy who built this is in the photo collage above.  He built the TARDIS in 8 months from scratch!

Important Tour De Jasper News

Tour De Jasper

I thought I'd let those who read my blog that are interested in bike touring, and perhaps riding on Tour De Jasper this year, that the tour has been cancelled for this year.  Nicole, the organizer, got an awesome summer job in France!  I think that it's great that she has a chance to work over there, and I know that she will be running Tour De Jasper again in the future

You can view her message about the cancellation on the Tour De Jasper website at http://openroadbiketours.ca/pages/tdj/tdj_oe/tdj_oe_home.html

Of course, this also means I won't be sweeping for it this year, but I might just ride to Jasper anyways... Wouldn't it be cool to ride from Prince Rupert to Jasper?  That's all across the centre of British Columbia...

Latest Explore BC Blog Post - Snowshoeing the Ancient Forest

If you are a fan of hiking the Ancient Forest near Prince George, you should try out snowshoeing there!  Since there is a lot of year round precipitation, it's a great place to play in the deep snow and check out the ancient trees.  I have written a post about it at the Explore BC blog, you can view it by visiting
http://blog.hellobc.com/snowshoeing-the-ancient-forest-northern-bc/

Snowshoeing with the Ramblers - Tabor/Birchleg Tour

d

On a bright sunny day in January, the club returned to Tabor Mountain to participate in the Birchleg Tour.  There is both skiing and snowshoeing happening that day.  We were supposed to go around and come back in time for some hot dogs.  But it didn't quite turn out that way.

Snowshoe Volleyball at the 2014 Pineview Frolics

There are many ways to have fun in the winter in Canada.  You can ski, skate, and snowshoe.  Well, there is another fun way to enjoy the winter while using snowshoes, Snowshoe Volleyball!  Last weekend, I had a chance to watch it live at the Pineview Snow Frolics.

Latest Explore BC Blog Post - Exploration Place in Prince George

Exploration Place in Prince George

Are you planning to visit Prince George with children?  Are you raising children in the City?  If so, you should take them to visit the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre.  There's lots of fun things for them (and you) to see and do!  Check out my latest Explore BC blog post about it at http://blog.hellobc.com/exploration-place-in-prince-george/

Snowshoeing with the Ramblers - The Grand Canyon of the Fraser

On January 26,  I went with the Ramblers on a very foggy day out to the Grand Canyon of the Fraser which is located in the Sugarbowl/Grizzly Den Provincial Park.  It's a bit of a distance to snowshoe in, but it is mostly flat.

Upcoming Adventures!

Sure, I am not going to be on this season's Amazing Race, but I'd say that I still got some exciting adventures planned for 2014 and 2015!  A bicycle this year, and my feet, next year!

This Summer, I want to use my bicycle again and ride locally so I can save more money for the adventure below this.  I am planning to either ride to Prince Rupert or ride from Prince Rupert to home.  I would take the Via Rail in the other direction.  If any of my rider friends are interested in joining me, send me an email!
I am also hoping to help out with Tour De Jasper again.

I want to save big time for next year's adventure.  I am planning to hike the Inca Trail with Gap Adventures. I want to do more then just that if I am going that far, hence saving more money. (Although Egypt is another one of those places I want to go, but not sure about it at this time)

I have a writer friend who is familiar with the trails in Bolivia, so that is one option.  There's so many places to visit like Ecuador, Columbia... got to keep saving!  And having no car and using a bicycle and feet for transportation is a great way to save! 

A Sunny February walk around Prince George

  
After having cold weather last weekend which was a long one in BC, it was refreshing to see it warm up and still be sunny! After having a rather boring weekend as I didn't feel like venturing outside very far, I was so excited to go for a walk.

Snowshoeing with the Ramblers - Willow River to the Wildlife Lookout‏

After having a week full of storms on my holidays, it was refreshing to see the sun come out on the Sunday snowshoe trip with the Caledonia Ramblers.  It was their first snowshoe trip of 2014!  The trip was a half an hour out of town which is not too bad considering road conditions.  I want to go snowshoeing further that way, but the roads have been terrible so it's not safe to go too far right now.

Snowshoeing at Tabor Mountain with the Caledonia Ramblers

After having a week's rest during Christmas time, I was very eager to get out on my new snowshoes with the hiking club.  After borrowing a pair of MSR Evo Ascents off of a club member for the last year, I finally bought my own pair at a great price!  I decided that it was a good time to upgrade as I haven't been using my Costcos pair for over a year now. The MSR's are better at going up and down steep inclines as they have much better grip.

Peter and Carolyn's Amazing Race Audition Video - Season 2

As previously mentioned, Peter and I reapplied for the Amazing Race this year.  We weren't going to let the fact that we didn't receive a callback stop us from trying to get on the show.

I was quite laid back about the whole thing beforehand, I wasn't sure if we would actually make a video.  But we did, at the very last moment!  We went out to the Forests for the World and shot there during a snowstorm.  For being so laid back about it, I sure got excited fast and showed my true self!  I was a bit worried about it because I had troubles thinking of ideas for the video beforehand.  I was almost going to throw the towel in.

As the video was unscripted, it worked in my favour.  Once we were out shooting and Peter's straight man sense of humour came out, it was easy to get excited.  Perhaps too excited!  But that's me I tell you, with a TON of energy.  When I was growing up, I would get embarrassed about it, but you know what, so what! Life is meant to live and have FUN!  And I am very enthusiastic about having fun and don't like negative people.  I always try to look on the positive side of life.

While I only had to answer life changing questions on Christmas Day, Peter diligently worked to get the video finished, and stayed up to midnight on Christmas Day uploading the video and application to CTV in time for the Boxing Day deadline.  I recently gave him a token of apprecition for all his hard work.

We may have not made it on to Season 2, but I still think that the video isn't too bad.  As a side note, you can't see what we are writing in the snow very well on You Tube, but Peter is writing Amazing and I am writing Race!  Great choice of music, Peter.

Alright, enough ramblings.  I hope that you enjoy the latest video, it's quite different from the last one!

And YES, we WILL be reapplying for Season 3!!!!  (Already have VERY crazy ideas for the video)

Snowshoeing with the Ramblers - Wilkins Park

Despite it being a chilly morning on Sunday, December 8, we had eight people show up for the hike.   As there wasn't still enough snow in the bush, we didn't need to use snowshoes.We did two hikes on the trip.  After hiking around Wilkins Park which is next to the Nechako River, we drove down the way a bit to do another quick hike along the river. 

Amazing Race Canada 2014 Application

Late last year, me and Peter reapplied for the 2014 Amazing Race Canada.  I was so happy that Peter wanted to try for it again.  This year we literally waited until almost the last moment to put together an audition video to submit.  But we did it!  I haven't actually seen the video that Peter worked on, but I will be getting a copy from Peter to post online next weekend.

Unfortunately, we received an email the other day saying that we weren't selected for interviews.  As thousands have applied, I wasn't surprised.  Maybe I'm a little disappointed, but I am realistic about the odds of getting a callback.  I know though, that we still had better odds then those that didn't apply.   And we did have a lot of fun making this year's audition video!  I want to thank Peter for working over the holidays to edit the video and submit it to CTV!  All I had to do besides shooting for the video, was answering some life changing questions on Christmas Day.

My favourite part of shooting the video was when we wrote Amazing Race in the snow - Peter wrote Amazing, I wrote Race!

Anyways, when I get the video, I will post it on Youtube for all to see.  I am hoping that Peter will be up to it to apply for a 3rd time.  I know that I am, no matter the odds!  And in the meantime, even though I may have not made it to the Amazing Race Season 2, but I will continue to have my own EPIC adventures!

Latest Explore BC Blog Post - Prince George Railway Museum: a year-round attraction

If you are into trains, Prince George has an awesome Railway museum!  There are tons of things to see there, you could spend hours exploring around the site.  Check out my latest Explore BC Blog post about it at http://blog.hellobc.com/prince-george-railway-museum/

Hiking with the Caledonia Ramblers - Ginter's SW loop

The snow had to come sooner or later.  And on Sunday, November 17, it came on the day we hiked through Ginter's Park.  But this was just the start of it, so we didn't need to use our snowshoes yet.  There was a smaller group, perhaps more were scared off by the snow, but not me!  I LOVE snow!  I really do.

Backside to UNBC hike with the Caledonia Ramblers

On Sunday, November 10, I was very excited to get a chance to practice using my compass.  It has been sitting in a box for a few years, since the last Rambler's compass session.

Twenty people joined the leader Nowell, on the hike behind UNBC.  The club had extras for those who did not have a compass.

Latest Explore BC Post - Snowshoeing Sugarbowl – Grizzly Den Provincial Park

Snowshoeing Sugarbowl – Grizzly Den Provincial Park

Sugarbowl is a great place near Prince George to go snowshoeing or back-country skiing in the Winter.  It is easily accessible as the trail starts just off of the highway.  Check out more about it by visiting my post at the Explore BC Blog - http://blog.hellobc.com/snowshoeing-sugarbowl-grizzly-den-provincial-park/