Kona Tanuki

Well I didn't really see this happening but it did. And now I have it with me in Fernie. Really diggin this departure from my typically cycling style.

Day at the Lake

Surveyor's Lake, BC. The cold mountain water has warmed. Good times.

Fernie - Old Stumpy Trail

Great little hike with the fan-jam yesterday. Old stumpy trail in Fernie. It's a nice little 1 1/2hr (with kids) hike that doesn't ever really leave the corporate limits of Fernie. I'm amazed at the beauty that surrounds this place. Everywhere you turn is another view that makes you just stop for a minute and take it in. A photo-bomb:

 We decided to finish up the hike with a little London 2012 100M sprint.

 What an awesome view for the kids who practice track at this school.

 And finally back at our van.

Adventure Motorcycles

I noticed this little motorcycle in the underground parkade here at the Fernie condo. I like seeing little bikes like this. Motorbikes that actually get ridden. Our riding season in most of Canada is quite short.  Seeing bikes like this, bikes that are nice, but used and well ridden, conjures up a sense of adventure in me. The bikes rider is someone who has braved elements, been places, not worried about the beautiful factory finish on his nice motorcycle. But instead, decided to just ride. Bikes like this inspire me.

My favourite mountain hide away

I'm enjoying a little chill time with the family in Fernie right now. I so love this place. Quiet, peaceful, amazing food, and lots to do. This trip though, we're committing to rest and relaxation. Lot's of lounging, games, TV and hot tubbing.

This was the view I woke up to this morning and felt so grateful to be in a beautiful, warm and cozy condo. Think it's time for a fire and some coffee...

Fernie Snowmobiling Pic Dump

A few weekends ago, me and 3 good friends had a weekend away, just to be men. Men in the mountains. With horsepower. I tell you, it was one of the best weekends of my life.

I'm back in Fernie now with my family taking some time to relax, unwind and catch up on things. Including blogging.

If you've never been on top of a mountain, in 4 feet of fresh powder, with no sounds what-so-ever, you've never experience just how incredible this harsh and unforgiving country can be. Mountains are amazing. We had a lot of snow the first two days of riding but on the third day, Sunday, we were given a gift. It was incredible.

the 4 of us on the trail up to the play areas (powder bowls)

this is where we were going to. untouched powder, 4 feet deep. heaven.

we did end up having to tow one sled out. as luck would have it, we were just finishing up on our last day when the trouble came. nice.

sometimes the best way to get un-stuck is just to roll your machine over. why not stand on it while upside down huh?

on Saturday we chopped down a dead tree and enjoyed a campfire at lunch

heaps of high-fives went around!

when the snow is this deep, you need to be careful where and when you stop. this stuff is so easy to get stuck in!

stuck

stuck and digging (did waaayy too much of this on Saturday)

met up with another group of guys. good visiting, and then a bit of one-uping each other with the audience. good fun.

on Sunday, it was really this warm. We ate lunch shirtless. about 45 minutes. awesome!

the fun with snowmobiling, is you can climb like no other machine. but, every now and then (or quite often) you get stuck. that's a pretty steep grade.

More XC Skiing in Fernie

After only a few weeks away, we couldn't resist another chance to head back to Fernie for a weekend away. Being as I'm living the freelance lifestyle, we opted let our oldest miss a day of school, and turn this into a long weekend. Freelance is risky and downright scary at times, but it also has it's perks.

Last time we were skiing in Fernie, the temp was -17C (1F). This time, temps are just above freezing. Quite a nice treat considering the intense winter that we've had so far. This was also the first time that we set out for any considerable distance with the whole family in tow. I am amazed at how well my sons are picking this up. They are moving well enough that actually do cover some ground. And my little girl, she's loving the chariot with the XC ski attachment. Usually it only takes about 10 minutes and she's out catching up on her beauty rest. Between yesterday and the day before, we had over 5 hrs of skiing. Not back considering we're doing it all with 3 kids 6 and under. Just shows that if you want to do things outside and be active, children aren't a hinderance to most activities. You just need to adapt a bit, and use the right gear.

Here's some pics and video of the last two days.

I'm amazed at how kids can contort themselves to get upright again. It's almost easier for them to get up after a fall than us.

My oldest going on his first 'downhill'

My youngest son is getting it well. If you look at the video, he's actually gliding on his skis.