The family MacAlister have come back from a trip to Canada where we had a HUGE RV (recreational vehicle for those who don't know). Starting out in Vancouver we headed for the island for a few days, then up through British Columbia to the National parks of Wells Gray, Jasper and Banff before hot footing it back to UK from Calgary.
If there are any Canadians reading this - I take my hat off to you. Your country is amazing! There is so much diversity. Campbell River on Vancouver Island, for example; in one day it is possible to Salmon fish, watch wales, spot bears, play golf and also get in some skiing! We saw bears, Osprey, Elk, Deer (but we have them on our doorstep at home), Bald Headed Eagles, lots of ground squirrels and Marmots and possible a wolverine. The only thing I could not adjust to was the food. Everything seemed to come with fries and meat and maple syrup! I have put some timber on.....
Re the training. My injured ankle turned out to be a severe sprain so I am off running. Instead I am cycling as much as possible, running in the pool with a float belt on and walking everywhere I can. I am still keeping up the weights and now have a physio to assist me with my rehabilitation. The running in the pool (at Pools on the Park, Richmond) has been amusing. The other morning a school session was due to start when I was just finishing my very slow 20 x 15 metre runs. One child asked his teacher whether "the man in the pool is drowning" to which he received the reply "no, don't stare - everyone needs to learn to swim at some time in life - even when they are old!". Cheers!
As there have been very few events booked for the summer I am going to have to invent some. I will keep you posted on what hair brained ideas I have. One of which is to get my wife to drop me off 50 miles away up the Thames (which runs near our house), with a compass, map and some water and to expect me home at some point that day!
The photo was taken at the foot of a glacier in the Columbia Icefields. At the beginning of the holiday I had decided that shorts would be sensible attire for some conditioning, and at the foot of the pathway up to this glacier I got many strange looks from the other ramblers who were dressed head to foot in waterproofs, walking boots, ski poles and backpacks! The looks got even more stern when with my sandals on, I headed off at some pace to the summit!
Great place Canada - I recommend it.
I have some good news concerning sponsorship - but will wait until it is finalised until a name is announced. I have now raised over 70% of my target so am feeling much more relaxed!
