Club Events 2007
| 2007-01-03: COC - Ski from Peter Lougheed Info Center (Slow/Moderate Pace) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| What a fantastic day!! This was my tenth-ever x-c ski trip (and I'm not a downhill skier, so pretty much my tenth-ever ski, period). It was my first trip under my new label of \"novice/intermediate\" (instead of \"beginner/flailer\") and it was awesome. We set out from the Info Center along the wonderfully groomed and trackset Meadow, stayed right to stay on Meadow and then at Elkwood Parking got onto Wheeler trail which was not groomed or track-set. Wheeler felt great - the soft snow under the feet instead of the rigid trackset, but it was a lot more work, too, so when we returned the same way we went out, I was pretty happy to see Meadow's perfect tracks. We only did about 11 km today because of the extra work involved with doing Wheeler, but I'm still happy with the distance and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was fantastic to finally share an event with Sibel again, and I must admit, a huge thrill to finally meet the great Kheang (who's just as awesome as everyone says he is). -- Rhonda
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| 2007-01-04: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-01-05: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - MAKE-OUT MUSIC Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 7PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:30. We will have two CDs. We will have a round-robin to introduce our songs first. The music will be “mixed” according to my opinion of how it flows best – your songs will not necessarily all be together on the CDs. We will listen during the music, taking a break for visiting, potty breaks and snack refills in between the two CDs. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 8-12 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity! \n
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| 2007-01-06: COC - Back Side of Blueberry Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This trip to Blueberry wasn't as perfect as last time I went, but it was still pretty good. The snow conditions were absolutely beautiful, it was a great day, and the snow-covered-tree-wonderland that I remembered was still there in its glory. However, it was overcast and my already meagre sense of direction was challenged even further by the lack of a hanging sun. Unlike Marko's group who took the much nicer route starting off up the Hydroline cut (which is what I'll be doing from now on), we started off going up between the track-set x-c ski trail of West Elk Pass. At the top of the hill, we overshot Marko's entry trail into the trees (which was too soon according to my instincts) and headed out into the trees a bit further in. I had a good sense for where my hill was, but I did get hopelessly turned around a couple of times, especially the one time that we went up a mystery hill into an alternate universe where directions made absolutely no sense and we actually suspected that Marty's compass was crazy (when really it was just me). Re-tracing our steps back out to one of our points of reference, we tried again and this time we stumbled onto the trail created by Marko's group. We followed this trail for the rest of the day, although it is not the trail I would have preferred. The trail I've done up Blueberry before is about 1/2km south of Marko's trail that we followed up. Marko's ended up being a bit steeper than my usual one, which is already steep enough near the top of the hill. We made it quite a bit of the way up the steep trail, but then storm and daylight concerns as well as some equipment problems turned us back a bit early. We had our lunch break before starting the significant climbing part of the day where Marty and Brian decided to check out a couple of spruce traps for the amusement of the rest of us. Definitely a trip to do over and over again... one day we'll get it just right, but I hope that day doesn't come too soon because then perhaps some of the appeal will be lost. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-01-08: CCC - Beginner Belly Dance - 8 Weeks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginner Cabaret-style belly dancing. Begin learning basic moves. No experience necessary. Lessons will include:\n Isolations - chest, shoulder, hip\n Belly Roll\n Tension Step, Midriff Breaks\n Hip Drops, Hip Drop Circle, Hip Drop Front/Back, Hip Thrusts, Traveling Hip Thrusts\n Undulations\n Nahre\n Jewel\n Snake Arms, Wrist Circles, Head Slide, Backbend\n Hip Circles - Single Hip Circle, Turning Single Hip Circle, African, Large Hip Circle (including with bounce)\n Shimmies - Lower, Shoulder, Football\n Figure 8's - Out, In, Up, Scoop\n Figure 8's - Out with Snake Arms, Down and Up\n Learn through improvisation and a simple choreography a great first class! You guys all picked up the moves very quickly and I hope you had as much fun as I did.\n\nsee you for 7 more classes!\n\nStephB
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| 2007-01-09: COC - Johnston Canyon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Johnston is certainly not the world's most challenging hike, but it is spectacularly beautiful... especially on a winter weekday, with fresh snow falling and hardly anyone else on the trail. We got a lot of new snow, enough that the several cms we walked through on the way up was completely covered by several new cms on the way out. Absolutely beautiful - check out the photos. Happy birthday hike, Jim. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-01-10: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-01-14: COC - Kananaskis Village | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
When you combine a beautiful sunny day, great snow and a great bunch of people you get the perfect combination for a fun X country skiing day! We started at the Kananaskis parking lot, took Terrace Trail onto Kovach (with the long uphill and then nice downhill) and then back up the Aspen Trail to finally come back on Terrace Trail. All together about 8 Km in about 2 hours. It was warm enough to eat lunch outside so we did that before heading to the pub for a beer. All around a great day and we even got to sleep-in and get home for dinner.
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| 2007-01-15: CCC - Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Show time is 7:00 pm. We'll meet inside the theatre in the downstairs waiting room, after you purchase your ticket. Please be on time - coordinator and group will wait only 15 minutes before entering the theatre to choose seats. The coordinator (Laura) will be wearing a red rose. Thanks! \n\nEvent: Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples \n Temple \n \n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-01-16: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - DEAD GUYS Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00 (sorry, but to avoid interruption if you are later than 7:00, the door buzzer will be shut off and you won't be able to get in). We should have one CD of approximately 80 minutes of music (8 people times ten minutes of music). We will have a round-robin in which the first person will introduce their music, and then we’ll listen. After a short break, we’ll continue with the next person, and so on. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 6-10 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity!
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| 2007-01-17: CCC - Make your own Didgeridoo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| An informal evening of crafting our own didgeridoos out of PVC pipe (we'll paint them and fashion mouthpieces from beeswax), and experimenting with circular breathing techniques to play them. We'll also have a selection of didg music to get us in the mood, and to emulate with our own attempts.\n More on Circular Breathing:\n http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_breathing\n http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Study/CircularBreathing.html\n http://www.circular-breathing.com/\n http://www.aboriginalarts.co.uk/
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| 2007-01-18: COC - XC Skiing and Ice Skating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre\n Sadly, I have to report that the Canmore Nordic Centre gets one thumb down from me. It was a great day and the scenery was to die for, which was the saving grace. However, I think a facility that charges $7.50 for a day pass to ski there could take a lesson or two from the FREE facilities in K-Country and maybe... groom their trails in such a way that it's not like skiing on concrete (snow ploughing was practically impossible) add some trail name signs so you know which trail you're on and which trails you're looking at (they have a few trail maps at major intersections, but most of their intersections are mapless, and there are NO trail name signs at all) add some \"blue\", \"green\" and \"black\" signs to the trails so that if/when you're trying to figure out what trail to take (see point above) this bit of helpful information would be available Look for more Canmore Nordic Centre events from me ONLY in the case where there's no good snow to be had elsewhere and I'm desperate to go skiing. On a happier note, it was a FANTASTIC group out today and awesome to have Rika out again on an event. I'll be setting up more Thursday events so that she can join us sometime. -- Rhonda Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval
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| 2007-01-21: COC - Pocaterra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It was a great day with perfect temperatures. We divided the group in 2; the faster group did about 20 km and the slower group about 12 km. The snow was great and the scenery beautiful. Looking forward to the next outing!
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| 2007-01-23: COC - Grotto Canyon Ice Hike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A thoroughly enjoyable outing... I have been in Grotto Canyon in the winter a LOT, so it's not really new to me, although it is a fun novelty. But, my favorite thing is to take people who've never been in it (or anything like it) in the winter before and watch their reactions. It reminds me of how cool and beautiful it really is. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-01-24: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-01-25: CCC - KSAN: Our Traditions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OUR TRADITIONS, presented by Enbridge\nEPCOR CENTRE's Jack Singer Concert Hall\n(120 Minutes)\n Traditional West Coast Mask Dance Troupe from Hazelton BC.\n 'Ksan Performing Arts Group are cultural ambassadors for the \nGitxsan people. They have performed throughout the province, \nacross Canada, and around the world demonstrating through \ntraditional song and dance the richness of our culture.\n\n 'Ksan, the Gitxsan name for the Skeena River (\"River of Mist\"), is \na Treasure House Museum & Historical Village standing where \nthe village of Gitanmaax existed for centuries. The European way \ndid not infringe there as early as in most of North America; a \nvirtually unbroken lifeline to the ancestors has been lovingly \nmaintained. The troupe was created in the late sixties, with the \nintention of preserving and truthfully portraying the stature, \nrichness, and sophistications of Gitxsan society and culture. \n EXHIBITION: WHEN WE ARE ONE\n \n Traditional Gitxsan mask figures & objets d'art pose questions of \nfaith, spirituality & post-contact life in juxtaposition to photos of \nthe Tshimphsian village of Hartley Bay. Fine examples of Gitxsan \nart are for sale at Carbon Media in January. Masks and regalia \ncourtesy of 'Ksan Performing Arts, a Gitxsan dance troupe from \nHazelton, BC. Photos by Sean Dennie were created as part of \n\"The Legend of Hartley Bay\", a Big Sky/CAOS project under \ndiretion of Tsimphsian carver Victor Reece. Sean Dennie is a \nfreelance photographer based in Calgary. \n\n THE BREATH OF OUR GRANDFATHERS\n\n Moving and emotional. An extrememly rare opportunity to \nexperience the rich pageantry, drama, ritual, fun and business \nthat are part of the Yukw (Feast or Potlatch). Inter-generational \nmembers of 'Ksan Performing Arts Group of the Gitxsan Nation \nshare the tradition of Nax Nok - \"tricks played on human beings \nby the spirit world\". Features traditional mask dances, songs and \nregalia. \n\n See KSAN Artist Profile for more info.
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| 2007-01-27: COC - Ice Skating, and CCC - Anniversary Party | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Ice Skating - Bowness Lagoon Today ended up being a perfect winter day to be outdoors. The ice is pretty bumpy at Bowness lagoon right now - too bad because it's a great place for outdoor skating. Lots of \"limbo\" practice, acrobatic skating, and mini-lessons happening throughout the afternoon. A great group and enjoyable afternoon. - Marg CCC - Anniversary Party and AGM\n The CCC's first year anniversary and Annual General Meeting. We will have some brief presentations and announcements, but for the most part this is a casual evening of socializing and learning more about our great club as it moves into its second year.\n Schedule:\n 6PM - Volunteers set up as required\n 7PM - Event starts, arrive, grab a drink\n 8PM - Presentations and announcements\n 9PM - Party!\n There will be a cash bar and appetizers and pizza will be available from the menu. Note that all attendees MUST be 18+ (no exceptions due to serving of alcohol and VLT's in the bar area [even if the vlt's are turned off])\n Anyone wishing to make a donation to the club for 2007 please see me (Rhonda) at the event. Our voluntary donations (max $20/year/ea) will be re-set at the end of 2006. We thank you for your support in 2006 and hope to see you out more in 2007.\n\n Club business kept to a minimum with another fabulous slide movie from Gal Friday. View the slide movie\n Many thanks to Ryan for arranging the venue (which was fantastic), Marc for being our MC (fabulous) and Joel for doing the equipment for the slide movie and the music (excellent)! All Alissa and I had to do this evening was show up - how great is that! :)\n Thanks to everyone for coming out, and please be sure to complete our survey at CCC Survey.\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-01-28: COC - Mount Shark (TWO Paces) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marty says this was the best x-c ski trip he's done so far this year, and I have to agree it was great (but I'd probably have trouble picking a \"best\" trip... I also really enjoyed Martine's Pocaterra trip). We had 12 people out, and it was a great group. We split into a \"sort of fast\" group and a \"faster than that\" group for part of the day, and stayed together for the last part of the day when we happened to stumble onto each other at about 2:15. We started off following the red/black loop to the Watridge Lake Trail at intersection 16 and then stayed on the Watridge Lake Trail all the way down to Watridge Lake where we had a snack, then took that trail back out (I really enjoyed the run-out from up there - wow!). My \"sort of fast\" group took that trail all the way back to intersection 22 and did the easy loop near the parking lot while the \"faster\" group did an extra loop of hills around intersection 16 and then proceeded across at 22 and did the easy loop. This is where we all joined up at the end and proceeded across at intersection 3 into the difficult area again (orange loop), which was a lot of fun - great hills - WOW!! The map was very very helpful, although it would have been nice to have hills marked on the trail. Back to town and off to the Kilkenny (Mike's a bad influence) for dinner and a beer. Ahhhhhhh..... -- Rhonda
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| 2007-02-15: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - SONGS THAT TELL A STORY Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00 (sorry, but to avoid interruption if you are later than 7:00, the door buzzer will be shut off and you won't be able to get in). We should have one CD of approximately 80 minutes of music (8 people times ten minutes of music). We will have a round-robin in which the first person will introduce their music, and then we’ll listen. After a short break, we’ll continue with the next person, and so on. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 6-10 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity!
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| 2007-02-19: COC - Kananaskis Village | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due to ongoing problems with our post-New-Orleans illness, nine of us set out, sans Marty, for a leisurely ski today. We started out using the Terrace trail which we took to Kovach, and then headed west along Kovach to Aspen. On the Aspen trail before we reached the lookout, Gabe and I turned back and retraced our steps to wait for the rest of the group who did the loop up to the lookout on Kovach, then up to the Ribbon Creek trail to continue east, and then back down Terrace to meet up with us at the pub. It was a fantastic day, although the trail was in pretty rough shape from the beating it was taking from people walking and snow shoeing on the track set. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-02-21: COC - The West Coast Trail: One Step at a Time | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-02-25: COC - Pocaterra: Intermediate Ski, Slow/Moderate Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wow, wow, wow! It's a good thing I'm a variety-junkie otherwise I would only ever do the route that we did today. We set out as a group of 14 heading up the Pocaterra trail. At the first intersection we split into a faster group and slower group with Jim taking the lead with the faster group. My group did about 18km today. We took Pocaterra Trail all the way to Packers, down Packers, then started our return along Wheeler. We took the first intersection onto Amos, then up Lynx and finished off by retracing half of our original trip on Pocaterra. I think this is the perfect x-c ski route. It's about 18km - my slower group took almost four hours to do it. The Pocaterra Trail is pretty flat for most of the first 3.5 kms, and although you don't notice it, you're gradually gaining elevation. Then, the next 3.5 kms (or so) are rolling, so after you've had your nice easy warm-up, you get a bit more of a challenge doing the next bit. You're nicely warmed up and ready for a real challenge when you head down Packers, and it doesn't disappoint with several wonderful down (and up) hills of varying difficulty. In no time you're at the bottom of Packers, and then you get a bit of a reprieve from the excitement on Wheeler and Amos, and then Lynx has one more killer downhill before you're back to Pocaterra. The nice thing about returning on Pocaterra is that all the elevation you gained gradually on the way out, you get to laze your way down at the very end of your trip. It's fantastic! The fast group did about 23kms, and did almost the exact same route as us, but they took Pocaterra all the way to Whiskey Jack, down Whiskey Jack, then over on Wheeler, Amos and Lynx back to Pocaterra. As they returned on Pocaterra, they did the little side-trip on Come Along trail. Sounds like they had a great time too. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-02-27: COC - Fullerton Loop BACKPACKER TRAINING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This was a fantastic \"intro to backpacking\" trip. Marty has convinced me to try backpacking this year (the backpack for a birthday present was a big hint), and we (plus Ed, and some other friends) have hopes of doing the West Coast Trail in August (assuming it is open this year). Since I am just really not as strong as I would like to be for backpacking, I figure I'd better start training NOW! Marty will start training soon, too, but Ed and I figure we should get a head start. Anyway, five of us set out today, with Lila and Karen out \"just for the walk\" (the wimps) and Ed, Ken and I with our backpacks loaded up. Ken was packing 25lbs, Ed 32lbs and myself 35lbs ('cuz I'm HARD CORE... yeah, baby!). Ed and Ken floated up the trail like they were carrying nothing, while I struggled along in the back (and of course, Karen and Lila don't count... the wimps). Keep in mind, though, that the recommended maximum weight for backpacking is about 1/3 your body weight, so I was pretty close to my max already. After about the first hour or so, though, I hit my stride and started to keep up a lot better. I was still working, though, and my legs and upper back know they did something today. No one had to dump any of their load, though - we all carried our chosen weight the whole distance. Afterwards, we stopped at the Cinnamon Spoon in Bragg Creek for well-earned snackies. Pluggin' away, I have more training trips set up for the next few weeks, alternating between some distance goals and some elevation/hill goals. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-02: CCC - Music Appreciation Night | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 7PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:30. We will have two CDs. We will have a round-robin to introduce our songs first. The music will be “mixed” according to my opinion of how it flows best – your songs will not necessarily all be together on the CDs. We will listen during the music, taking a break for visiting, potty breaks and snack refills in between the two CDs. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 8-12 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity! \n
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| 2007-03-03: COC - Brown Lowery | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wonderful day for a winter hike and another great group of people to hike with. The trails were easy to follow, the warmer weather made the snow a bit wet and slippery in sections. We started out on the lookout trail and hiked our way up a small ridge to the Eagleview viewpoints (2.5 km). These lookouts provided views of downtown Calgary in the distance in one direction, and beautiful ranchlands/mountains in the opposite direction. We continued along this trail until we met a steep downhill descent along the power lines - might have been fun for thrill-seekers to descend on crazy carpets. We turned back from this hill and hiked back to the Wild Rose link which brought us onto the Old Mill / Oldman Trail. We followed this until the Chickadee trail led us back to the parking lot - the hike took us 3 hours with lots of breaks for chatting, snacking and enjoying the scenery. Rough calculation of distance covered 6-8 kms? Biggish park with lots of trails, plenty of wandering potential here. The dogs provided much entertainment, Dana's dog was certainly the best dressed, at the lookout we pondered Marko's diet, and Ruby seemed to enjoy the snow. After the hike a few of us met at Limerick's for some refreshments. Thanks everyone for coming out on the hike, look forward to seeing you again out there!
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| 2007-03-04: COC - Peter Lougheed: Intermediate Ski, Slow/Moderate Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Today was my first experience with \"challenging\" snow conditions, and I must admit, it's also my first time skiing that I didn't thoroughly enjoy it. The snow was fast in the shade (and sometimes icy), and then when you'd hit a sunny patch, the snow was melty... on the verge of slush, and very slow. Now, this could just be an annoyance, however, there were several places where you'd go from shade to sun partway down a hill, so you'd be flying down a hill and when you'd hit the sun, your skis would stop but your body would keep going. I took a really hard spill one time because of that, injuring my ribs when I landed across one of my poles. Also, the wax on my skis kept accomulating patches of solid ice, so sometimes it wasn't even the sunny/slushy parts that were stopping me cold, it was my own skis. Anyway, very very challenging. Next time I go out in these kind of conditions, I'm going to try renting waxless skis and see if that helps. Never say die!! Other than that, it was a fantastic day. Beautiful weather, a really fun group, and the usual apres-event trip to Kilkenny where we ran into Gloria's Heart Creek group. Thanks to all who came out for making it a very fun day, in spite of all the challenges with the snow! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-06: CCC - Water Colour Mandala Workshop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Create a personal Mandala while exploring different techniques using watercolour pencil crayons. In Sanskrit, “Mandala” means both circle and centre, implying that it represents both the visible world outside of us (the circle) and the invisible one deep inside our minds and bodies (the centre). \n\n Join Audrya Corbett for a playful evening of artistic creation. You are invited to bring a journal and personal images or objects to work from. \n \n Note you are responsible for booking your own spot for this workshop by calling Audrya at 245-1287. This was a fantastic evening and Audrya is a really great teacher... she told us a bit about Mandalas, showed us some examples, showed us some techniques (she made it look so easy), and then set us loose! It was really interesting to see all the different ideas and results around the room. In the end, I didn't end up with a Mandala, I ended up with an... um... pansy (go figure). Oh well... maybe next time. I started out trying to mimic a fractal, which didn't work out... but it kinda looked like a mehendi pattern so I tried changing it into one of those, which also didn't work out. My Mandala just wanted to be a pansy, I guess! \n -- Rhonda :)
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| 2007-03-10: CCC - Calgary Music Store Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Join me for a round-the-world (ok, just the city) tour of some of the more interesting music stores.\n\n We'll begin the day with coffee at Kane's Harley Davidson Diner in Inglewood.\n\n First music stop will be Recordland in Inglewood at 1208 - 9 Ave SE (262-3839). \n \"If you don't already know this place, prepare to be blown away as this is probably the BEST-kept secret in Canada. I have visited dozens of second-hand record stores across the Great White North. Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton and even that bastion of musical genius known as Montreal have NOTHING on this shop in Calgary. They have tonnes (and I really mean tonnes) of CDs from floor to ceiling, as well as old 45's, 8-tracks, boxed sets, VHS, DVD's and an absolutely MASSIVE room dedicated solely to old vinyl. All their vinyl is kept in plastic, and is quite cheap. If you're into 'older prog' this is the place to go. I can't guarantee that you'll find IQ, Glass hammer or the like there, but personally I've dropped hundreds of dollars in this wonder of all wonders.\"\n Next music stop will be Sloth Records at 1508 4 Street SW (265-6585 )\n \"Calgary`s finest selection of punk rock, hardcore, emo, and indie rock. We've also got you covered on all the ska, dub, hip hop, hard-to-find vinyl items and clothing you need.\"\n Third on the list - Megatunes at 932 - 17 Ave SW (229-3022)\n \"This little hip and happening shop is guaranteed to have that CD of the band --- you know the one, with the song and the guy? Heck, the folks at Megatunes are so knowledgeable that they know exactly who you are talking about, where to find it and when their next release is due.\"\n Megatunes is the premier supporter of local musicians, and is a sponsor of the Calgary Culture Club.\n\n Then, if you haven't had enough, we'll head on over to Hot Wax Records in Kensington at 114 10 St NW (283-0055)\n \"Combining the best of both alterna-music lovers' worlds, Hot Wax features the best (and worst) of the Calgary and area music scene as well as a large selection of used CDs. However, most of their merchandise is categorized in boxes and crates on tables throughout the store, so bring plenty of patience because it is those patient ones who are always rewarded with cool, cheap tunes to satisfy all their musical cravings.\"\n After Hot Wax, well... we go home. Unless it is late enough in the day to pick a place to go for a beer and inspect and discuss our goodies that we picked up through the day.\n Alan, Rod and I met at Kane's at 11:00 and promptly decided not to stay - it was extremely busy (and probably understaffed). We walked down the street and settled on Serendipity, which has a nice coffee shop inside their store. There was lots of room, good food, good coffee - a great start to the day.\n After fueling up we headed over to Recordland where Rod and Alan (who had never been there before) did a full-blown \"kid in a candy store\" routine. Angela called upon leaving the Symphony event and met up with us there. After purchasing that which could not be left behind, we moved on to Sloth. We didn't spend as much time (or money) there due to \"more focused\" selection but Alan did find one CD that was on his son's wish list, and I found a CD from a small Atlanta band that surprised me with its presence on the Calgary shelf.\n On to Megatunes and more \"kid in a candy store\". Megatunes is a really great store, and the local music selection is absolutely amazing. After Megatunes, we headed down the street and had lunch on the outdoor patio at The Ship and Anchor, soaking up some rays, enjoying the jam going on inside, and remarking on the parade of human spectacles on 17th Ave (was that guy really wearing a helmet with a pink mohawk on top made out of snow brush bristles??). \n My personal haul for the day included a polka compilation (Recordland), Dash Rip Rock (Sloth), a CJSW compilation (Megatunes) and a punk compilation for Marty (also Megatunes). \n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-12: CCC - Beginner Hawaiian Hula - 3 wks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due to an injured instructor, this class has been changed... it will be only two weeks starting March 19th and will be $20 instead of $30.\n Begin learning some Hawaiian hula moves, and put them together in a simple choreography (\"Hula Lady\"). \n Guests (non-members) may attend with special permission. Please e-mail me to discuss.\n
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| 2007-03-13: COC - COC Volunteer Info and Social | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-03-14: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - GREAT LYRICS Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00 (sorry, but to avoid interruption if you are later than 7:00, the door buzzer will be shut off and you won't be able to get in). We should have one CD of approximately 80 minutes of music (8 people times ten minutes of music). We will have a round-robin in which the first person will introduce their music, and then we’ll listen. After a short break, we’ll continue with the next person, and so on. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 6-10 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity!
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| 2007-03-18: COC - Dog Romp and Walk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-03-19: CCC - Drop-In Easy Aerobic Funk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Drop-in easy aerobic funk. We'll start with a bit of strength training (otherwise known as the \"I hate Rhonda routine\"), then we'll learn a few simple funk moves and put them to a few funky funk songs, and finish off with a bit of a stretch.
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| 2007-03-20: COC - Riverview Trail BACKPACKER TRAINING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I thought I was in big trouble this morning (with Lila) as the sky quickly turned from \"blah\" to \"flurry\" to full-on \"blizzard\" as we drove out to the trailhead this morning. Miraculously, five minutes after we arrived, the sky cleared and we had a wonderful, warm, clear sunny day. I packed 35 pounds again today and am pleased to report that my ribs held up to it just fine (see Mar 4 for what happened to my ribs). There was some snow and ice and muck on the trail today, but overall it was in pretty good condition. The biggest problem was all the fallen trees that were across the trail. We didn't have any problem with that today, actually, but it could be a pretty big problem for my beginner mountain biking event that I have planned for next month. I'll have to go check it out ahead of time to see if the trees have been cleared away! Thanks to all who came out - it was a fabulous day! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-24: COC - Hummingbird Plume Lookout - Dawdlers and Slowpokes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Since I'm going mountain biking tomorrow, I figured I would post an easy hike for today. I'd actually thought about doing a Chester Lake snow shoe because the conditions there are supposed to be really nice right now, but I thought nahhh.... too much work the day before I go biking (which I'm very green at)... so an easy hike - Hummingbird Plume Lookout! Well, I got more workout than I bargained for. With approx 6\" of wet, heavy snow on a good part of the trail, this was a really tough slog up. But, it was fun, we felt good, and we were glad we went. Thanks to everyone who came out - it was a great day. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-25: COC - Mountain Biking, and CCC India Day Festival | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Mountain Biking - Nose Hill Explorer (All skill levels) It was great day for the first COC ride of the season. After riding and exploring for about 2 hours we headed over to the Kilkenny to enjoy some fine food and cold beverages. For the beginners \"Welcome to the world of mountain biking\". Yes, mountain biking involves mud sometimes and today we got our fill...except for Anthony who somehow managed to stay relatively mud free. Thanks for coming out and see you on the trails soon, Marty CCC - India Day Festival (Multicultural Dance Show)\n India Day Multicultural show - Participating groups are Irish, Ukranian, Polish, Italian, African and various Indian groups. See Last Year's Event for more info - it's an amazing show!\n This event is FREE but we must get our tickets ahead of time.\n This show was very very good, although I don't think it was as good as last year. Last year the Kathak dancers were more mature, more skilled, more polished and absolutely spellbinding to watch. This year they were younger and less skilled, and (sorry to whoever made the decision) the sucky English love song that they danced to for part of their show should have been completely scrapped for some quality Indian music. Other Anglicized faux-pas (in my opinion) included the Chinese orchestra doing a simple North American western folk song rather than a Chinese selection which would have really shown what their instruments and musicians can do, and would have given us a better taste of Chinese culture. The Blacktip Feathers Drum & Dance Troupe were very good, as were the INCA Youth Group dancers and the Bhangra \"Gabroo Jawan\" dancers.\n Thanks to all who came out, and thanks to everyone for pitching in $5 to help me recover the funds from my mess up (of assuming the show was free again this year).\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-26: CCC - Drop-In Easy Aerobic Funk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Drop-in easy aerobic funk. We'll start with a bit of strength training (otherwise known as the \"I hate Rhonda routine\"), then we'll learn a few simple funk moves and put them to a few funky funk songs, and finish off with a bit of a stretch.
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| 2007-03-27: CCC - Music for Contortionist at Pumphouse Theatre | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valeska. Trances. Sausage. \n\n Valeska Gert - Cabaret Artist. She has her order, one through ten, which she will deliver in whatever order, or disorder, she chooses. Her order. Her mission: to show what lies beneath. Traditional views of beauty stand in the way. Imagine having little cabinet doors on your chest so you could show those whom you choose, what lies beneath. You cannot be overly concerned with the casing - you must look at what is inside the sausage too. \n\n What's inside can inspire, contort, or hurt. Come. Share it.\n\n\n\n More information at Pumphouse Theatre.\n\n Note that we have already bought our tickets for this event, but since it's at the Pumphouse it isn't assigned seating. If you want to join us, please buy a ticket, put your name on the waiting list, and e-mail me to let me know you've got a ticket so I can add you to the event.\n\n All three of us arrived at the theatre in plenty of time, but we got so caught up in yakking in the lobby before the show that we ended up racing in right at 8:00 to find the theatre jam packed with people. Joel spotted an empty table... dead front and center. So, we made our way over there just after the show started. I am SO GLAD that's where we ended up!\n This play was a monologue, the character speaking being dancer/actor Valeska Gert who was a performer in the early 20th century. The actor playing Valeska was Valerie Planche, a graduate of The National Theatre School where she received the Peter Dwyer scholarship. The contortionist was Angie Parkins and she was very very good... and the musician (stand-up bass player) was Brendan McGuigan, who was also very very good. \n But it was Val Planche who made this show. She is the absolute best stage actor I have ever seen and delivered the powerful and engaging monologue (approx 70 minutes) non-stop from the perspective of ageing Valeska who had \"trances\" during which what was going on in her mind was played out behind her by the contortionist. It has been so long since I came away from a show going \"WOW! THIS is why I go to theatre\" that I honestly can't remember... WOW! WOW! WOW! Thank goodness she's not my sister because I don't know if a mere mortal could survive walking in her shadow.\n I had a great time meeting Cheryl and of course, visiting with my great friend Joel. A wonderful, wonderful evening.\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-03-29: COC - Diamond T, and CCC Literary Appreciation Night | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Diamond T BACKPACKER TRAINING CCC - Literary Appreciation Night at Rhonda's\n Here's a chance to express your unique perspective on your favourite literary piece. Everyone will have 10 minutes to read an excerpt from one (or two) of their favorite works and discuss why it's a favourite. Any genre is acceptable from sci-fi short stories to classical poetry. If your piece is in a foreign language please be prepared to translate. \n
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| 2007-03-31: COC - Almost A Full Moon Night Hike - slow paced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In keeping with the usual tradition for my Full Moon hikes, the sky was overcast so neither sunset or moon were visible. However, we had a terrific group and lively conversation -- and views of city lights after dark were awesome! - Marg
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| 2007-04-01: COC and TOC April Fool's Events, and CCC - Yodelfest in Airdrie | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Snorkeling in Canada's Coral Reefs\n \nPre-Event Comments: - We may need extra weights for this. - Can we dive in instead???? With gear of course... - I am practising in the BVI, right now saw a ray and a sea turtle on the weekend - wonder what to expect when I get home? - Anybody got some water wings I can borrow?? - This will be my first time snorkeling Canada's coral reefs. Do I need any special equipment? - This would be scary! 500 NAKED people in a snowbank!!! - The Cambrian reefs are well worth snorkeling in. - Who signed me up for this??? - It shrinks in the cold.. remember that! - Definitely a beginner ;) - Too funny, better not forget the sunscreen! - Prefer back or side stroke! - I love it! I can't wait to not do this! - Will bring cat to control any fish. - Snorkels are for the weak, I'll be sporting scuba tanks to dive the vast, deep wonders of the great northern coral! Is a bathing cap ok? Oh ya, hey Rhonda is a cheque cool? - There may be shrinkage!! - Mr. Swan will arrive Naked, as befits my COC nickname... - Oh la la... is this the Canadian version of the Mardi Gras?! - I think I \"might\" be in over my head on this one!!! 'o) - Will wear bikini bottoms...if permitted...*giggle* - Wow, a chance to be frost-bitten, windburnt, sunburnt, & embarrassed all in one event! - Should I bring my dive knife? How 'bout scissors and a pair of dykes. (Dykes is short for diagonal cutters. See, those fancy scissors don't do a quick enough job on big fish-hooks, for my satisfaction.) - I hope this will count as an \"attended event\" to help keep my membership current. - Man, this is just my kind of dive trip! I wonder what kinds of fish we'll see;) - Remember... a hairy butt is a scary butt! Pets in attendance: - Rocky from Toronto - he loves snorkelling!!!!!!!!!!!! - Oz kitty - Archie-Farchie, my kitty who loves snorkelling - No dogs, but will bring a few rats. - Shasta from Atlanta - No dog, monkeys okay? - 3 Baskerville Hounds - Mayah - looking forward to her fave kind of swim - Almost a dog: a cat who hates snow! - Rowdy - Yellow Lab (stuffed) Apres-Event Comments: - For next year's event could we PLEASE partner up with tanning salon and/or beauty spa? That is, I found it hard to snorkel as I was either blinded by glaringly white bodies or choking on untamed body hair. - Thanks Rhonda for exposing me to the wonders of Canada's Coral Reefs. I never knew this even existed?! Wow! That was an exhilarating experience. I have attached a photo, which I captured when I surfaced to the top of the snow. To my surprise... the glorious Canadian reefs are real! Definitely worth a million, and thanks for allowing me to make installments. - It left me with an amazing feeling of vuja d�, the feeling that I had never been there before. Or was it that I had just never been there??? - I had a blast! What an event;) One more for the Log Book! Photo album from Dick Jetson of Atlanta, who believes there's no such thing as being too prepared (I've added a small sample of Dick's photos to our album): Dick's Album - Basics of Rolling Naked in the Snow - Nude Hiking - Get Naked for Peace When they got tired of snorkeling, some attendees indulged in some underwater hockey: TOC - Win A Date With El Rey\n Event Coordinator(s): Jennifer M, Stephanie A\n Participants: JennP, Rhonda from Calgary, PeggyWitt, Jennifer M, Matt E, Katherine, CalgaryJorinda, Wendy, Rose, kim, Marty S, Fluffy, Jason M\n\n \nThe silence is deafening - no really, it's just really quiet - as the TOC member body waits with bated breath to find out the winner of The Date with El Rey....But first an update, since I actually got to spend yesterday with the eligible desperate man himself, I can assure you that he's 100% committed to this event. Unfortunately inanimate objects were not eligible since those of us \"in the know\" (anyone who's been on an camping trip with El Rey) will know that he loves his AXE.\n\n It was a tough decision...there were so many great candidates.\nSpecial mention goes to Matt, who was really just looking to use El Rey for his truck...can we call Matt a \"truck slut\" now?\nA second special mention goes to Kim, who had the best \"Notes\" response:\n\n Notes: That he is Easy\n\n How did she KNOW? It must have been the fact that he ISN'T WEARING PANTS.\n\n We had two winners, but we want you to know that you are all winners for actually considering going on a date with El Rey and some of you even KNOW him and still agreed to go on a date. Since the dates went national (well, it got leaked to the Calgary Outdoor Club) we had to set him up with a special date to be held when he's out west this summer...the winner of the Calgary contingent is......\n MARTY S\n Marty entered a completely inside joke between me and him that had to do with hunting bears and using the bear fat to make lovely soap, but really Marty and El Rey are a match made in heaven. I hope Rhonda doesn't mind and I'm sure she can tag along for their date...\n\n However the moment you've all been waiting for: The Toronto Winner is:\n our very own JENN M\n\n Hey, she coordinated the event, so she got to pick the winner...and really, was that a sigh of relief I heard from the rest of you? Actually, she also wins for going on a limb and changing her medical concerns to \"Syphillis\" not realizing that changing it on one event will change your medical status throughout the whole website, giving Julian quite the shocking insight when he pulled up her medical record for Saturday's hike.\n\n Thanks everyone for playing and El Rey will be sure to give you a special thank you when you attend his next event - or when he gets out to Calgary this weekend...\n\n Just when we thought we had a clear winner and happy contestants, the TOC exec has received the following missive!\n\n Dear Coordinators of the \"Win A Date With El Rey\" event:\n Please be advised that I will be launching a civil suit against the TOC due to the obviously rigged outcome of this contest.\n In good faith I entered your contest, and I do believe that I was the best candidate to win your contest, being not only female (which, under certain laws of certain gods is the only legal union when the partner is a male) but also 1/8 sasquatch. You made a very forward thinking move in inviting sasquatches to participate in your contest, but I believe that was just a ruse designed to make you LOOK inclusive when in fact, there was no contest at all, and no opportunity for someone of the sasquatch race to win. This was a blatant grab at a date with El Rey for one of the actual event coordinators herself!\n Expect to hear from my lawyer, and if I don't get satisfaction through legal means, I know where you live and will come to Toronto personally to take my own justice in the ancient Sasquatch way (ie. I will poo on your front step).\n\n Sincerely, Rhonda from Calgary\n\n It seems that we may have a fight on our hands. I'm sure we can resolve this in a far and reasonable way...suggestions welcome!\n CCC - Yodelfest in Airdrie\n Miriam and the Mountaineers and Friends at the Bert Church Theatre in Airdrie. We're sorry that's all we know about the show... but COME ON... it's YODELING!!! Sure to be a great time - come on out!\n We have already purchased our tickets for this event, but if you still want to come along, you can get your own ticket. If you do that, just add yourself to the waiting list and let Rhonda know you have a ticket and she will add you to the event.\n Today was an experience like nothing else. There were performances in western (Miriam Dreher/Coulter and 14-year-old Jessica St. Dennis) and Swiss (Wildrose Yodel Club) styles of yodeling. The Swiss style was a lot slower-paced and harmony-based - very different from the western style that we're used to. Who knew!!?? They were really great. It was very cool to have Niel Gow play a few pieces on his alphorn (in full costume to boot!). I especially enjoyed the accordian-playing style of Alex Schlanka, the special guest of yodeler Miriam Dreher/Coulter. He REALLY got into it... I swear if he had a whammy bar he would have used it!\n Thanks to everyone who came out, especially David with his infectious enthusiasm (which, all of Calgary knows, was building for at least two months). \n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-02: CCC - Intro To Belly Dance - 3 Weeks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intro Cabaret-style belly dancing. Begin learning basic moves. No experience necessary. Lessons will include:\n Isolations - chest, shoulder, hip\n Tension Step, Midriff Breaks\n Hip Drops, Hip Drop Circle, Hip Drop Front/Back, Hip Thrusts\n Snake Arms, Wrist Circles\n Hip Circles - Single Hip Circle, Turning Single Hip Circle, African\n Shimmies - Lower, Shoulder, Football\n Learn through improvisation and a simple choreography
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| 2007-04-03: COC - Sulphur Springs/Elbow Valley BACKPACKER TRAINING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To all of you who backed out of the hike today (and you know who you are), you missed a wonderful day. Someone (who shall remain nameless... ok, it was me) got to yakking in the car when she should have been navigating and we ended up sailing right on past Station Flats. Once I realized what I'd done, we were almost at the winter gate, and when we got there we decided that instead of turning around, we would just go walk into Prairie Creek instead. It was a beautiful winter wonderland in there today, and yeah, I know, most of us are ready to be done with winter wonderlands, but it really was amazingly beautiful, and a great \"final fling\" with winter. We followed the Prairie Creek trail in and up and down and in for about four kms, then stopped for lunch. Instead of retracing our steps on the way back, which would have involved some slippery downhills that some of us weren't keen on, Jerry decided to lead us through the bottom of the canyon instead. I hadn't thought the creek was still frozen enough to do that, and in a few spots it wasn't, but we had a grand time bushwhacking, creek-whacking, root-whacking, ice-whacking and noodling our way back through the canyon. Once again I managed to lug my 35 pound pack the whole way. Jerry joined me in pack-loading, and Mike had a bit of extra weight. I think Lila will be ready for some pack loading soon too. This was a fantastic hike for West Coast Trail preparation for me because there was some up and down, a lot of root and rock walking, and so on. Once the snow is gone I'll probably do this again as a loop with Prairie Link and Powderface Creek trails. Thanks to Mike and Jerry and Lila for not bailing on me today - I had a wonderful day!! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-08: COC - Bragg Creek Provincial Park-Leisurely Walk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| It was absolutely gorgeous out today - way warmer than they were predicting. That was very pleasant and the sun was shining and the sky was blue... and the ground was SMOOSHY. I can't remember a smooshier ground... well, in a long time. We parked and headed out... we smooshed this way, then we smooshed that way. There were a couple of spots with hills where there wasn't enough snow for the ground to be smooshy and that's where Nat entertained us all with his winter hiking skills (welcome to Canada, Nat!). :) Thanks for coming out - it was a great time! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-09: COC - Prairie Mountain (afternoon hike) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-04-11: COC - Pool at Stix Billiards Pub | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-04-12: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quotes from the evening: - You're WAY easier on us than Ed was! - I like the stairs when they're flat - This really puts the \"suck\" in \"fun\"! We did four circuits - up the stairs and down the trail. I wore my fancy new Zamberlan hiking boots from MEC with some bubble wrap stuffed around my narrow heels for blister prevention. Absolute genius - cheers to John Goacher for the idea! Afterwards, Marty and I stopped for some ice cream at Dairy Queen and paid exactly $6.66 for two medium sundaes. I guess that just goes to show that eating ice cream after climbing stairs really IS evil! Thanks for coming out - it was a lovely evening and actually quite a bit of fun. :) -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-14: COC - Heart Mountain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This was a first scramble for all but Marty, and let me just start by saying that everyone else who did Heart Mountain today had a lovely time and can't wait to do more scrambling. This, however, is not my personal story. Instead, let me tell you the true story of what happens when an acrophobe goes on a scramble. I have an intense fear of heights. I was assured by a few people who've done Heart that I would be ok on it... no serious climbing, no serious exposure. Apparently these people do not have a proper appreciation for just exactly how intense my fear of heights is (and, you may rightly say, I did not have the proper respect for it myself when I undertook this adventure). Of the 10km total distance I was scared out of my everlovin' mind for approximately 4km of it and clinging to the frayed ends of my comfort limits for another approximately 2km. To anyone who remembers me crying on my first Yamnuska Scree Indulgence (cheers to Susan, Cam and Mehran), yes I did, in fact, cry today, and even hyperventillated for a little bit. To everyone who has told me that I should at least try scrambling before I write it off as an activity, I have met your requirement and proved to myself, and six lucky companions, why I should not scramble. Completing this scramble burns approximately 2000 calories. I burned about another 4000 just in sheer terror. In general, I am not able to get closer than 8 feet to any kind of drop-off, and am not able to watch someone ELSE get less than 8 feet to a drop-off without getting uncomfortable. If I do happen to get within the 8 foot limit, I get dizzy, my feet tingle, the world wobbles back and forth, I get butterflies in my stomach, and vivid visions of throwing myself over the edge. Incidentally, my good friend, Ben, 's wife is also afraid of heights and it's her butt cheeks that tingle rather than her feet. Specific moments of terror today included: - A complete inability to look behind myself at what I had just climbed - Unease when Marty would point something out that was in the view below us (looking across at Yamnuska and the other mountains on the north side was ok) - After leaving the first peak (ie. the upper-right corner of the \"heart\") and finishing the portion of the ridge heading south, there is a short section of traverse that is only maybe three feet wide with sharp drop-offs on either side. Here is where the first whimper was heard. - For the descent after leaving the highest point (SE corner of the route), I was unable to look ahead or to the sides as there were sharp drop-offs on either side of me, continuing on into an interminable distance. At times I was not able to avoid getting within one or two feet of the side/drop-off, and although I tried to focus on the ground directly in front of me, I couldn't help but occasionally look up at which point I would spot the long LONNNNNGGGG descent in front of me, flanked on either side by those stomach-lurching drop-offs. Months ago, I struck a deal with Marty. I would do a scramble with him and he would eat sushi with me. Because of my soft heart (or head) I let him off the hook a month or so ago and said I would still do Heart Mountain but I wouldn't make him eat sushi. By the time we reached the first peak today, I had decided that Marty definitely was going to have to eat some sushi and it wasn't going to be the \"beginner\" kind of sushi. He was going to eat octopus and salmon roe (eggs). By the time we reached the second peak, I decided that he was going to eat blow fish. Wish him luck - he's gonna need it. But enough about me... everyone else had a great time, including Lynn who did not actually do the scramble with us but who rather turned around early and did Heart Creek a couple of times, plus the first part of Heart Mountain while she waited SEVEN HOURS for us to finish this trip. Thanks to everyone for putting up with me today and I promise not to torture you with my presence on any other trip this far beyond my comfort and abilities. Thanks especially to Marty for talking (and pushing) me up, and then down, the mountain, for listening to my complaints (which, thankfully were few because I was too scared to talk), and for giving me his shoulder for the noted blubbering and hyperventillating. Honorable mention to Ahmed, Peter and Jerry for assisting Marty in pushing/pulling me up the mountain. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-17: CCC - Music Appreciation Night | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00 (sorry, but to avoid interruption if you are later than 7:00, the door buzzer will be shut off and you won't be able to get in). We should have one CD of approximately 80 minutes of music (8 people times ten minutes of music). We will have a round-robin in which the first person will introduce their music, and then we’ll listen. After a short break, we’ll continue with the next person, and so on. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 6-10 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity!
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| 2007-04-21: COC - Quaite Creek Trail to Jewell Pass | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This was a great little hike and one that we highly recommend to someone looking for an easier hike, or a good \"first hike of the season\". The hike from the Heart Mountain trailhead to the junction where Quaite Valley trail meets Prairie View and Jewell Pass is about 12km round trip. If you want more, you can go up and back on Prairie View, or on Jewell Pass, or head back and do Heart Creek as an addition. The trail itself starts at Heart Mountain and heads west on the Quaite Creek montain bike trail, which is a continuation of the trail that comes from the Heart Creek Day Use parking lot. The trailhead is just a few feet before the yellow \"scramble warning\" sign for the Heart Mountain trailhead. Follow the Quaite Creek Trail to the junction where this trail ends. Here you will find a very wide, gravel trail which will take you 1.6km east to the Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground. Beyond the campground, the trail once again becomes a proper trail which takes you to the junction for Jewell Pass and Prairie View. This would also make a great beginner mountain bike route. Anyway, we had a really fabulous day, despite some disappointment when we first saw the wide gravel trail, but after the campground we found a lot of snow and iterated our thanks to Marty, Veronique and Jason for breaking trail for the rest of us wimps up to the trail junction. Because of the deep snow, we did not continue on Jewell Pass or Prairie View, but rather, stopped and had lunch and then headed back. Marty made the first COC snow-woman. Half of us did Heart Creek as an add-on, and some did the requisite Kilkenny add-on as well. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-24: COC - Urban Mountain Biking - Edworthy to Bowness Park | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A great all Coordinator ride on a beautiful blue sky evening.
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| 2007-04-25: COC - Intermediate Inline Skating - Edworthy to Downtown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We seen deer, moose and two grizzly bears wrestling with each other...yes we skated past the Zoo. -Marty-
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| 2007-04-26: COC - Moose Mountain Trail Connector BACKPACKER TRAINING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I'm not sure exactly what the intention is with a \"Moose Mountain Trail Connector\" hike. That trail isn't noted on my Bragg Creek map, so I assumed it would be marked on the trailheads once we got out there. It was, but the connector trail was 1.7km long. Ed advised me that if I took the group on a 3.4km (round trip) hike they would throw me in the river and he would step on my head to keep me under water, so I decided I'd better use some of the other trails to come up with a longer day. We used the moose road to get to the connector trail, which we took up to do Moose Loop, which formed the bulk of our day. When we returned, rather than using the road again we used some x-c ski trails for a total of 12.5km. That is definitely the longest I've done with my 35lb pack so far and I'm proud to say I've yet to jettison any of my extra water. We had a very pleasant day... we listened to Laurie's knees creak all day (she insists it's her old-fashioned pack, but we know better), everyone heard my Tonsil Story, and we all had two stream-crossing adventures, one involving jumping across onto an ice bank with Isabelle catching everyone on the other side, and the other one involving climbing a couple of logs to get up on the bridge, helped along by Phil pulling everyone up with his hiking poles. Thanks for the great day!! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-27: COC - Spring Crocus Hike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What a fantastic morning! A rough start for one who managed to lock her keys in the house - shhhhh, don't tell - but none the less she was able to catch up with us using her super-sprint powers. The sky cleared and we hiked in bright sunshine throughout the morning. Nose Hill is loaded with crocus blooms - wow! Most of us finished up the morning eating sushi - a new experience for some. Welcome to new member Sarah who has just moved to Calgary and is originally from New Zealand. Thank you to everyone who came out! - Marg
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| 2007-04-28: COC - Sooper-Slowpoke Fluffy Beginner Mountain Bike on Nose Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We put the \"fluff\" in fluffy, well, except for Dave who was just out for the joy of the ride. Cheers to him for not giving a rip about the oh-so-unmacho title for this event - autism has its advantages. :) We noodled on up Nose Hill, and explored around quite a bit of the top of it, sticking mostly with flat easy trails. Jenny, with her new non-clamp-in pedals is happy to report that it was her first time riding this bike that she didn't fall. YAY!!! We'll be doing a few more of these this season - it's great to go out and gain some strength, stamina, and confidence on the bike without feeling bad (or pressured) about holding up a group of mondo-mega-macho keeners. Thanks for coming out - you all made my day! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-04-30: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-05-04: COC - Cyclist Social and Season Planning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The meeting was well attended by an enthusiastic cycling crowd. Thanks to Graeme for starting the pen and paper list and to Rhonda for deciphering the chicken scratch. I posted the complete list on the forum for discussion and future reference. If you would like your ride on the calendar please approach a COC volunteer to discuss co-coordinating and planning the event. -Marty-
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| 2007-05-05: CCC - Volunteer Meeting/Dinner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Check-in for the CCC's volunteers and members interested in attending. Q&A, and discussion about processes and policies if required. Have dinner and socialize with the other volunteers - it's a great opportunity to get to know other people from our team.\n\n Open to all CCC volunteers, and any active member (2+ events) who are interested in volunteering with us. What a great meeting! With almost double the number of volunteers in attendance from last year's volunteer meeting, 19 CCCers and Ken's mythical wife sat down to a short meeting to discuss CCC business and then a couple of hours of eating, drinking and being merry. We had a private room upstairs at Ed's restaurant and no one left hungry. This was a great opportunity to talk to and meet with other dedicated CCC volunteers. Thank you so much to everyone who came out - not just for your attendance but for all you do for the Calgary Culture Club and its members.
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| 2007-05-06: COC - Yamnuska Scree Indulgence | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What to do, what to do....? You're turning 85 today, so what are you going to do to celebrate? Well, if you're Ed, you're going to grab 15 friends from the Calgary Outdoor Club and go run the scree at Yamnuska. There was quite a bit of snow the last few days, so unfortunately Marty and Ed (and company) didn't get to do the Yamnuska scramble as planned ,but we all ran the scree and boy did we have a great day! Marg and Mike brought up some birthday cake and Marty and Rhonda brought the wine. After we hiked up to the cliff, we stopped for lunch, cake and wine, and then on to the traverse in front of the cliff. Rhonda, Cecilia and Erin enjoyed the traverse across the front of the cliff, especially Cecilia when she slipped at the narrowest point and began sliding down the mountain. Mike, who was playing around in the scree underneath, and Marty who was watching out for the newbies above, came to the rescue and saved Cecilia from certain death (or mocking). A brilliant day and a wonderful time. We're all honored that Ed would share his 85th birthday with us and we can't wait to see what adventure he chooses for 86! -- Rhonda and Marty
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| 2007-05-07: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the first time, I didn't carry my pack tonight. My thighs are too sore from Yamnuska yesterday! But, I made myself useful by taking photos anyway, and I did do the stairs 6 times with the gang. Then we had chocolate, which made it all better. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-09: COC - Backpack/Hiker Conditioning, and Volunteer Info and Social | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backpack/Hiker Conditioning COC Volunteer Info and Social
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| 2007-05-10: COC - Sulphur Springs/Elbow Valley BACKPACKER TRAINING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Well, we waited in vain for the tv dude and his Brazilian client today, but alas, they didn't show so we had to just do the hike without them. We had a lovely day, and although I found it very challenging - 12.something kilometers with some significant up and down - the biggest trip yet with my 35-lb-pack, and although I toyed with the idea of jettisoning some of my water weight before the end, I persevered and finished the trip with all the weight. I struggled physically today, but the weather was perfect, and the company was really great! Thanks to Anna for keeping me company in the back of the pack and complaining with me about all the @#!**&@$# hills! :) -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-11: COC - Inline Skating - Shouldice | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FINALLY it would seem that summer is upon us. Marty, Paul and I skated to Edmonton Trail while Connie, Ron and Mike continued a bit further before turning back and catching us at the parking lot. But the big news is... first PATIO BEER of the season!! After we met back at the parking lot, we went up to Moose Maguires, which we all enjoyed - we sat outside on their great patio with the heaters to boost the early season evening temps. Rhonda
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| 2007-05-12: CCC - Alberta Culture Tour: Antiques and Candy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sheena's Sweets and Such: \nSheena Small is a vibrant young woman with a developmental disability who owns and operates her own candy store in High River. And mmmmmmm do we love candy, so let's go check out Sheena's store.\n From Community Living BC: Sheena Small is a 19 year old Self Advocate who has been living her dream of owning a candy store. \"Sheena's Sweets and Such\" opened in September 2005 and this summer has seen business increase as tourists visit High River in Alberta.\nSheena was encouraged to dream and with encouragement from her parents, she has pursued her dreams. She applied for and received a Young Entrepreneurs loan from the federal government which has enabled her to open the store. Sheena currently receives support through Alberta's Persons with Developmental Disability program (PDD). The funding through PDD allows the Smalls to hire staff to support Sheena to operate her store and participate in community life. Currently PDD fund staff support half time or 24 hours each week in the store and the store also hired part time staff who work during the remaining hours that the store is open. The long term goal is that the business will be so successful in the near future that much of the support Sheena requires will be through the normal hiring business process.\n See Calgary PDD for more info about Sheena and her store.\n Antiques in Nanton: After Sheena's, we'll head down to Nanton for some antique browsing. Nanton has many great antique (and junktique) shops, which has been called The Antique and Art Walk of Alberta. Wow -- a scorcher today and a lovely day to noodle around in southern Alberta. The only disappointing thing about the day is that Sheena, the proprietor of the candy store, wasn't around. She had just become an aunt and had to decide between greeting us and seeing the baby... the baby won! Blast!\n We had a great time perusing Sheena's store and loading up on candy. We then proceeded down to Nanton where we had lunch first and then Stripey led us all at gun point to his favourite antique store which he announced was our starting point -- NOT NEGOTIABLE. \n Interestingly, the store he chose, Sentimental Journey, is not only the largest (and IMHO coolest) antique store in Nanton, it is also the place that was my personal mission for the day. Marty and I had been there eight months previous and I saw this set of bizarre and morbid teeth there -- they came from an orthodontist's office, and although they're not real teeth, they look real and the dental work done on them looks somewhat horrific. They look sort of like a souped-up set of dentures, but complete with gums and a metal hinge on the back so you can open and close them. They were $85 at that time, and anyone who really knows me won't be surprised to know that I wanted them... however, I talked myself out of spending the $85, and I have thought of those stupid teeth ever since. To my great thrill, not only were the teeth still there today, but they were now marked down to $60. Guess what I now have sitting on my bookshelf...? That's right, and yes, it is true that Sentimental Journey is now, ever-so-slightly, less cool than it was before when it had the teeth.\n Aside from the teeth, we had a great time exploring this store -- there is a main floor and an upstairs which is still divided into rooms and every room is an absolute joy of discovery of the neat, the old, the bizarre, the mysterious, the lovely and the just plain huh?????\n After Sentimental Journey, we went on to the iron shop and then to the trading post. After the trading post, my carpool returned to Calgary and Stripey's carpool decided to spend a bit more time in Nanton exploring the shops and probably searching for ice cream.\n Thanks, everyone, for coming out today -- it really was a great day!\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-13: COC - Mother's Day Hike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Despite ominous rain showers in the morning - hope prevailed - and a determined group set out for a morning of urban hiking. The trails were much slipperier than I anticipated - so beware on future hikes if it has rained recently. We jumped, swished, splashed, slipped, swung, and slid our way along a lovely urban trail through a wild and natural area that would lead you to believe you were actually out in the country somewhere.
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| 2007-05-14: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-05-16: COC - Iron Springs, and Inline Skating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermediate Inline Skating - Edworthy to Downtown - Slow/Moderate Pace Iron Springs EASY MTN BIKING\n This was a great ride and a beautiful day! Lana and I suffered (although it was all Lana's bike's fault that she suffered), and Connie (out for her second-ever off-road ride) has already surpassed my skill set and will be ready to play with the big kids soon. And the others - we have to wonder... why were they on an EASY mountain bike event? Oh yeah... it's because they enjoy our company so much!! Thanks for a great day, everyone! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-17: COC - Cyclist Social (part 2) and Season Planning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The meeting was well attended by an enthusiastic mountain biking crowd. I added the list to our original one on the forum for discussion and future reference. If you would like your ride on the calendar please approach a COC volunteer to discuss co-coordinating and planning the event or contact Rhonda at boss@calgaryoutdoorclub.com to discuss coordinating it yourself. -Marty-
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| 2007-05-21: COC - Backpacker Conditioning (Curling Club Stairs) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-05-23: COC - Backpacker Conditioning (Curling Club Stairs) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-05-25: COC - Multi-Day Backpacker Training | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marty, Ed and I set out as planned on Friday. We claimed a site at Paddy Flats campground and then hiked, fully loaded, the Riverview and Elbow Valley trails. Ed and Marty did a bunch of trail maintenance - clearing several trees off the path with Marty's fancy new saw. Connie caught up with us in the evening and Marty and Connie went on a futile search for ice caves. Better luck next time! I earned a few Princess Demerits for freezing my heinie off on Friday night - I don't know what was up with that, but I had my -7 bag (planned on having my -20 bag, but oh well... should have been ok), long underwear, socks, slippers, t-shirt, fleece 1, fleece 2 and my PARKA on and still froze. I had a really weird dream, too, early in the morning, which made it all worthwhile... I dreamed that I was driving down Shaganappi Trail really fast when I got a bad headache. I closed one eye and then started thinking it was dangerous to drive so fast with no depth perception - I should open the other eye. I couldn't open my other eye, though, so I thought maybe if I close both eyes and then open them both at once that would work. So, I closed my other eye and then I couldn't open either of them. I started to panic about driving down the road with my eyes closed, but no matter what I did I couldn't open them. Then I thought... \"wait a minute... I'm not driving down Shaganappi Trail at all... it's the Saturday morning of my backpacker training and I'm laying asleep in the tent and if I could just open my eyes and confirm that everything would be ok.\" Alas, I still couldn't open my eyes, but I did manage to reach out my left hand and touched the side of the tent at which point my dream ended. I have had lucid dreams before, but never one that I was able to control at all - this was pretty cool to reach out and touch the side of my tent to confirm that I was dreaming. Anyway, enough about me. On Saturday, the four of us set out to do Nihahi Ridge. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful hike. Ed and Marty did a bit more trail maintenance. Juanita caught up with us during our lunch stop and stayed with us for the rest of the day. We had a lovely camp-out dinner, celebrated Connie's upcoming birthday, and I did NOT freeze my heinie off that night (thank goodness - I don't need any more Princess Demerits!!). On Sunday, we left Connie and Juanita at the camp site while we went up to Moose Mountain. The trail was REALLY snowy and sloggy and it was quite chilly out, especially when the wind kicked up. I had begged permission to leave part of my weight (mmmm... maybe about 5 pounds) out of my pack for the day's hike, and then after we'd hiked (actually, slogged) for four kilometers, I begged permission to abort the hike and turn back. That was pretty much our intention, anyway, when we saw the condition of the trail in the morning, but it was me who finally cried \"uncle\" after four kms. We still had a great time - the slogging was pretty good West Coast Trail training, especially for Ed who's going to have to get used to having wet feet!! A very very successful training weekend. Clearly we've done our homework because we weren't missing anything important, had just the right amount of food, enough fuel, and basically everything went perfectly. We're so smrt. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-26: COC - Multi-Day Backpacker Training | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ... continued from previous day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-05-27: COC - Multi-Day Backpacker Training | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ... continued from previous day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-05-28: COC - Backpacker Conditioning, and Inline Skating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backpacker Conditioning (Edworthy Hill) Inline Skating - Edworthy to Downtown - Slow/Moderate Pace
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| 2007-05-30: COC - Riverview Trail, and CCC - The Secret Garden | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Riverview Trail EASY MTN BIKE We had some novices and some experienced riders out today and we had a great time. We went up Riverview, then down Riverview, then around Paddy Flat's Campground, then back onto Riverview for a bit and then done. No matter how hard we tried, or what we made her do, Connie refused to get any kind of bleeding injury today... all we managed were a few bruises. A great group and a great day. :) -- Rhonda CCC - The Secret Garden\n An adaptation of the classic children's novel, the Secret Garden. An original musical performance by young amateur performers from Wildwood School. Written, produced, and directed by resident teacher, Steve Martin. \n At 5:30 I am getting ready to head out the door for this event after the biggest blonde moment of my life. Marty was leaving for his mountain bike event when he calls me and says \"where's your car?\". After trying to figure out if I could have possibly parked it someplace else, including checking visitor parking, plus checking with my building manager to make sure she hadn't had it towed for some reason, I determined that my car had been stolen. EEEEEK!!!!! I phoned Angela and asked her to take over the event, and then Sibel to let her know I wouldn't be there. I e-mailed the group to let them know I wouldn't be there. I was on hold with the police to report the car stolen when Marty says \"your car wasn't here last night when I got home so I thought you were still getting groceries. the car must be at Safeway\". I couldn't imagine why I would have driven over to Safeway after getting home from Talisman yesterday instead of just walking over, but I asked him to go over and check - it was at least worth looking. Two minutes after he left, I remembered where my car was... I had gone to do an install at another client yesterday morning, then parked my car over by the LRT station to go downtown to work at Talisman for the rest of the day. D'OH!!! I'd completely forgotten about it by after work, and just came home on transit like usual. So, Marty drove me over to retrieve it and insisted that I had to confess what happened in my write-up, so here it is. *blush* And now I've had to pay the worst price for it... Marty says I'm not allowed... EVER... to razz him again about misplacing his car keys. \n It's 11:00 and I just got home from the play. This was easily the best Five Bucks I've spent in a long time... maybe ever. The kids' acting was really great... in a great kid-acting kind of way. The robin and \"Colin\"'s hysterics scene were my absolute favorites and to the boy who played Colin, I have to say you have more guts than me to do that on stage. Good on you. \n The thing about watching these kids perform is that it was similar to watching kids play hockey (really trying at playing hockey, not just farting around). I don't get a lot of exposure to hockey, but most of what I get is the REALLY GOOD hockey... you know... the NHL. It is only when you go and watch a bunch of ten-year-olds play their hearts out that you get to really see how much effort and skill goes into REALLY GOOD hockey. The kids who performed tonight, and the adults who supported them, from Mr. Martin, their teacher/director, and all the other supporters, worked their buns off. They were unpolished and so charmingly human - an absolute joy to watch. So much more so than the REALLY GOOD acting that we're typically exposed to. \n Sibel, let's make sure we take a group every year to see Mr. Martin's plays. It was really fantastic.\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-05-31: COC - Mount Burke - Slow but Steady Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This time I made it to the TOP of Mount Burke. Next time (in about three years), it will be Lila's turn to make it to the top. Thanks to a fun, interesting and entertaining group for coming out and sharing the day. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-06-01: COC - Sooper-Slowpoke Fluffy Beginner Mountain Bike on Nose Hill (and Beer at Kilkenny) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-02: COC - Sooper-Slowpoke Fluffy Beginner Mountain Bike on Nose Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-03: COC - Ribbon Creek - slow pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I love this club! For all the new things I get to learn and experience, the terrific people, and because there are always surprises. Today was no exception. First - what a great group! Next, we discovered that the round trip hiking distance is actually 22km - NOT the 16.4km that has been copied and posted over and over. Thank you to David for noticing that error! No wonder we were all totally beat by the time we were half-way back. Next, the travel distance is actually only about 200km, not 240km as is often posted. These days of high gas prices makes a difference in overall carpool amounts. A young moose right at the edge of the trail was a highlight of the day. Then - wow - I've never seen Ribbon Creek and Falls so full. It was a wonderful experience to walk alongside the raging river, and the falls were spectacular. After a rest stop at the falls we saw dark clouds forming around us and made a hasty retreat just in time before the thunder storm hit. Sure am glad we got off the trail when we did. - Marg
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| 2007-06-04: COC - Backpacker Conditioning (Curling Club Stairs) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-08: COC - Jumpingpound Loop MTB, and CCC - Calgary Farmers' Market | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COC - Jumpingpound Loop MTB, Slow and Moderate Pace, Plus Tailgate BBQ Yes, dad, I'm too clumsy for this kind of thing, and yes, dad, maybe I should start to act my age, but I'm not going to! Before we set out, Marty gave me a challenge... he wanted to see blood on my legs (not just mud) to prove that I'm a hardcore mountain biker. I didn't disappoint him. This didn't turn out to be Jumpingpound Loop MTB Plus Tailgate BBQ... it turned out to be Jumpinpound Loop MTB Plus a Trip to the Emergency Room. We cycled the first little section of trail together, and then split into the fast group and the Rhonda and Kelly group. Just before the middle of the trail (where there's an exit to the vehicles), I took a tumble off of my bicycle... a very gentle tumble (slipped off the trail, went over sideways, trippity-trippity-trip down a small bank, grabbed a tree with my left hand to stop my fall), unfortunately culminating with the brake lever of my bike impaling my right thigh. I mean, it IMPALED it. 5\" of brake lever in my leg. I looked at it and thought my leg was wedged in between a couple parts of the bike so I was going to try to un-wedge my leg, when I felt something poking out of my skin. I thought maybe I broke my leg (although I didn't feel like it) and then realized that it was the end of the brake lever poking out from underneath my skin. I extracted the lever from my leg and called to Kelly for help (ok, so actually I freaked out and shrieked to Kelly for help... something like \"Kelly... blubberblubber... help... Kelly... help... blubberblubberblubber...Kelly!!\"). I was extremely lucky that I didn't hit any major arteries... but it was still pretty gross with blood and flecks of fatty tissue and other pieces of me that belong on the inside scattered about on my leg and pants. Do NOT view the photo album unless you want to see a photo of this. Poor Kelly raced to help me, assessed my wound, and created a temporary tourniquet from my shoe lace, and then at my urging, raced off to try and find the boys. She walked up and down the road, yelling, to no avail. Returned to the vehicles and left notes and then returned to me and kept me company. Because the boys were doing a figure 8 with the trail, and I was right in the center of the trail, we waited there for about twenty minutes and then the boys arrived. Gave me a bit more first aid and helped me limp my way out the short 0.25km to where Marty had the truck waiting. Thanks to everyone for being so great. Kelly... thank you for taking such good care of me... you're awesome, girl. Aaron, thanks for the first aid. Glen and Phil, thanks for helping me down the hill (and for being short enough to do so). Jake, thanks helping get the bikes out. Rick, thanks for photographing the whole ordeal - I'm looking forward to seeing your photos asap!! Most of all, thanks to Marty for taking me to the hospital and spending the entire evening with me there, leaving me only for a half hour while the wound was being cleaned lest he hurl (sissy) from the sights and/or sounds. The doc froze my leg, cleaned the wound by squirting it with saline, and then they put polysporin and bandages on it. Because it's such a large and deep wound, he decided not to stitch it right away - he's leaving it open for four days for it to expel any crap that may still be inside and then I get to go back for stitches. I have to wear a knee-stabilizing splint for the four days - it goes from my hip to my ankle, so I'm really hobbling around. Like when I broke my finger, I have no pain... weird. However, the needles (freezing, tetanus and antibiotic IV bugged the heck out of me... especially the needle for freezing... OUCH!!). My bicycle has officially been named \"Christine\" (bone up on your Stephen King if you don't get the reference). This is the third time Christine has gotten me, and while unloading her when we got home, she gave Marty quite the gash on his leg as well. There's no doubt, I'm the number one COC-Breaker (TWO injuries, now, requiring a hospital visit). Ed has the solution, though - he's going to get me a portable padded cell. Marg thinks I should just have a travel airbag attached to me. Alissa says a giant plastic ball like a gerbil ball would work better - I could happily run around safe inside my big plastic ball (which Alissa will market as a \"Rhonda Ball\"). John and Sandy think I should just get myself a suit made of bubble wrap. Hmmmmmmm... the good ideas are just pouring in! From now on it's just \"Fluffy Bike\" for me, and every effort to keep the things that belong inside of me on the INSIDE and the things that belong on the outside, OUTSIDE!! -- Rhonda Update, June 11th: I am going to see my GP tomorrow. He advises to NOT have it stitched up at all because it will get infected. He says it is better to leave it open and wait for it to close/heal on its own. Argh! I have been looking forward to getting the stitches so I don't have a disturbing open hole in my leg, and also so I can resume activity. Well, I guess living with the open hole for a bit longer is better than getting an infection. How, exactly, did this happen, you may ask? Brake levers are not especially sharp or pointy, and skin is not easy to puncture. Well, I have a fairly large scrape below the hole on my leg. I wasn't going fast, but I believe what happened was the handlebars swung around quite quickly and the brake lever scraped up my leg underneath my capri pants. The angle must have been such, or perhaps my skin buckled, so that instead of continuing to scrape up my leg, the lever actually pushed its way through my skin. A very freak accident. If I'd been wearing longer pants it probably wouldn't have happened, and I had bike shorts on that were quite tight around my thigh a few inches above where the lever went in - I think they may have contributed to my skin buckling where it did, enabling the lever to pierce my skin. Want to see more photos? See my personal album. CCC - Brunch and Shopping at Calgary Farmers' Market\n We'll have brunch in the food court (lots of great vendors) and then do some shopping at the Calgary Farmers' Market.\n When you get into the market, head into the far right corner. Meet your coordinator at the edge of the food court seating area, in front of Simple Simon's Pies. We'll grab a table together.\n
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| 2007-06-12: COC - Beginner Inline Skating at Carburn Park | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-13: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - FEEL GOOD Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00. We will have two CDs. We will have a round-robin to introduce our songs first. The music will be “mixed” according to my opinion of how it flows best – your songs will not necessarily all be together on the CDs. We will listen during the music, taking a break for visiting, potty breaks and snack refills in between the two CDs. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 8-12 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity! \n
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| 2007-06-16: COC - Upper Kananaskis Easy/Slow Hike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Herons: 1 Grizzlies: 1 Moose: 3 (including one repeat) Sheep: 2 Hawks: 3 Deer: 2 Coyotes: 1 Very Large Porcupines: 1 Raindrops: 0 In full defiance of the forecast of rain, we headed out today for our easy hike at Upper K-Lake and enjoyed a pretty full day of hiking, noodling and exploring with nary a raindrop to be found. We started at Interlakes and headed clockwise. Stopped for lunch at the boat launch and then hiked to the big falls at Sarrail creek. At that point, seven of us turned back and Marko, Ann, Lina and Lisa continued to do the circuit. Hopefully they were able to make it all the way around - we stopped at the info center on the way back and the gal there told us that Hidden Creek may be impassable due to high water at this time. My poor, poor Bridget bailed because she didn't want to hike in the rain and I can't wait to show her the photos and rub her nose in what she missed. -- Rhonda PS... Marty wanted me to mention that most of the wildlife sightings were from the car, not on the trail. Specifically the grizzly and mooses...
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| 2007-06-19: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-21: COC - Baldy Pass - South Approach (Slowpoke Trip) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This hike today was just what I needed... or more precisely, just what my leg needed. I've gone out for a couple of walks, and 10km along the flat Upper Kananaskis Lake shoreline on Sunday since my injury on June 8th, and this was a good logical progression - a very easy hike, but still definitely a hike, with a bit of elevation gain and lots of uneven ground to test everything out on. The only bad thing is that my leg is healing so well, and I'm back at pretty much all of my activities (ok, not mountain biking!!), so the time of me milking this injury for something to talk about is coming to a close. True to my \"summer hike nazi\" ways we stayed together as a group today lest we encounter a bear (that grizzly that we saw on Sunday was actually not far from this trail). A great group and a beautiful day. Welcome to the club Anjanet - hopefully we'll see you out on lots more stuff (although I understand if you don't pick my slowpoke hikes anymore). :) -- Rhonda
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| 2007-06-22: COC - Waterton: Camping/Hiking Trip | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thanks for organizing the Waterston trip, it was a blast!! Shabu is still talking about the Crypt lake hike, it was a real challenge for him, but he is happy he did it again after 10 to 12 years. He says he is 10 to 12 years older, wiser & stronger !!! On Sunday we hiked Rowe Lake, he found it easy, I wonder if the hike was easy or easier than Crypt Lake!!! Thanks again to Brad for helping us out at the Crypt Lake hike. -- Shaida Friday: We did a long hike (17km) with something god awful like 900m elevation gain on the \"must do\" Crypt Lake hike. We started out with the 15 min boat ride across Waterton Lake. This was a great way to start off the morning. We broke up into a faster and slower group. Along the way we saw at least 3 waterfalls, lots of beautiful flowers and some great vistas. The speed demons left me in their dust. Ed was incredibly inspiring as he scampered up the hike ahead of a couple slow pokes like me. The ladder, tunnel and traverse were much less intimidating than the hiking books led some of us to believe. Crypt lake was beautiful with snow melting into it from all around. A small group led by Phil, who still had energy to burn, hiked all the way around the lake to the USA side. None of them had passports with them but fortunately there was no US border control to contend with. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we did not see any bears on this hike. We did however see some beautiful looking flowers like lady slippers, Alberta wild roses, and Indian paintbrushes plus a cool looking plant called \"Bear grass\". We all made it back to the boat with time some time to spare before crossing back to Waterton. Saturday: The early birds and keener hikers vacated the campground before 9am. Some of us took a little more leisure time to wake up and stretch our sore muscles after a strenuous hike the day before. A small group of us decided to work our upper bodies instead today. A short drive to Cameron Lake and we got to enjoy more beautiful scenery. We kayaked around Cameron Lake and enjoyed the waterfalls on the USA side. Back in town nachos and beer were in order. The rest of the day was filled with R&R as we guarded camp with beverages in hand. Sunday: The campground was deserted by 9:30am and just a few of us stragglers remained to clean up. We decided to do an easy hike to Crandell Lake. A couple adventurous people decided to actually swim in the lake fully clothed. You can ask Cindy R. or Juan for more details on why they decided to do that. The rest of us sane people stayed dry and enjoyed the scenery. It was a good time in Waterton. Other than a bit of rain and the odd wind gust (how many times did my tent hit me in the face??) we had lots of good weather. A note for some, remember to bring ear plugs next time as you just never know who your neighbours might be. Also, it is a really good idea to bring your own sleeping bag and tent with you....right Joe? -- Juliet Thanks Rhonda for a lovely camping/hiking trip to Waterton. I had a fabulous time and memorial experience. I learned a lot about other people. Ed is incredible man who is physically and mentally strong and out-hiked most younger people. He never seem to be tired because he paced himself throughout the hike so I nicked name him \"Eddy Steady\". Ed gives me a lot of motivation. I hope I am half as strong as him when I am his age. Unlike Ed, Marco is young and risk-taker who is wild and afraid of nothing. On Crypt Lake hike, I watched Marco walked to the edge of a cliff and setting up a tripod to take some pictures of the cliff and waterfalls. For Marco it was nothing and normal; for me I was terrified. Renata and Gord taught me various ways on how to tie knots and save oneself from falling off snow cliff. These are the only few people that I remembered by names; others are just as incredible. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I would recommend to anyone that never hiked to do it. A million thanks to you Rhonda for a great weekend. -- Peter Thank you for coordinating this hike ! one of my favorite places I have traveled. Spent thursday night sharing Lora'z tent since I seemed to have been soo excited I didnt bring my tent Sleeping bag or pillow. SHe helped me so that I didnt freeze and later on friday my friends brought out more of my stuff and theirs to help me out. Crypt lake and the weather were stellar. My tent was fasioned out of a very large tarp and I was surprising warm and not bothered by any bugs. Many fun memories and and stunning photos to keep bringing back to visit that amazing area. -- Joe
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| 2007-06-23: COC - Waterton: Camping/Hiking Trip | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-06-24: COC - Waterton: Camping/Hiking Trip | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-06-26: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-06-27: COC - Inline Skating - Edworthy to Downtown - Moderate Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Well It was against the wind there and the wind kind of died on the way home but a good skate from Edworthy to Eau Claire and back.
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| 2007-06-28: COC - Harvey Pass - Slow but Steady Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annette's favorite hike has joined the ranks of my favorite hikes as well - this was definitely a good (albeit long) one. Amazing scenery which completely changed several times - it was like going on five different hikes in one day. The stream crossing with the missing bridge was interesting - in both directions. A dicey balancing act on a high rushing stream on slippery and rickety deadfall. Hoo-boy - the fun (no, I'm not being sarcastic)! We saw some big fat marmots, a ton of mountain sheep and even a couple of mountain goats. Gayle was a fabulous pace-car, making my day soooo easy for keeping our group of 9 together, and doubled as a bear repellant to rival Karen H. We almost gave up before reaching the pass because of some snow higher up, but Andrew stamped his feet and threatened to hold his breath until we all went up and boy were we glad we did - that's why you DO a pass hike is to see the mountains on the other side!! The snow and climb weren't bad at all and at the actual top of the pass it was clear enough that we sat up their to have lunch #3. A fabulous group and an amazing day - thanks for coming out. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-03: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-04: CCC - Outdoor Literary Appreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Here's a chance to express your unique perspective on your favourite literary piece. Everyone will have 10 minutes to read an excerpt from one (or two) of their favorite works and discuss why it's a favourite. This is a casual and easy-going event - do NOT be intimidated and do NOT feel that you have to choose something HIGH BROW. Any genre is acceptable from sci-fi short stories to classical poetry to Dr. Seuss. If your piece is in a foreign language please be prepared to translate. \nNOTE that this event will be postponed if the weather is not good for sitting around in the park for the evening. An amazing evening with perfect warm conditions, no bugs, and a great sunset. Fantastic, eclectic collection of literary pieces to appreciate (as usual). :)\n Here's what we appreciated this evening:\n - Dave Barry: 1000 Years of Serenity Waiting for Customer Service\n - Wendell Barry: Whitefoot (from the Jan/Feb 2007 Orion magazine)\n - Helen Forrester: A Cuppa Tea and an Aspirin\n - Michael Jecks: The Abbott's Gibbet\n - Bradley Trevor Greive: The Book for People who do Too Much\n - Augusten Burroughs: Running with Scissors\n - Neil Strauss: The Game - Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists\n - John Keats: Ode to a Nightingale\n - Guy De Maupassant: Minuet\n - Robert A. Heinlein: The Door Into Summer
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| 2007-07-05: COC - Inline Skating on the Canal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-06: COC - Picklejar Lakes - Slow but Steady Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We came out today in search of fresh air, and I do believe we found it. It was a beautiful sunny day, very warm at times, but the fresh air offered much reprieve, expressing itself gently at times, loudly and vigorously at others. While we were lunching at the first Picklejar lake, the fresh air got so excited that it scooped up a mist of Picklejar Lake Water to sprinkle us with and as we traveled on to further Picklejar lakes it playfully tried to knock us over on the scree. Due to our happy chatter we were sadly (ok, maybe not sadly) unable to find the \"Bear in Area\" that we were promised by the sign at the trailhead. Thanks to a great group for joining us on this terrific day. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-08: COC - Hiking Tour (4 days) - Jasper to Canmore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Things don't always go as planned, but that's not always a bad thing. I had chosen a couple of hikes for this trip but one of them was a bear hazard (for only four hikers) and the other one had a bridge out. So, instead, our group of four chose our hikes on an adhoc basis. On Monday we did the 1km interpretive loop of Angel Glacier, and don't let the fact that it's a 1km interpretive loop deter you - it is spectacular! We saw three grizzlies - mom and two cubs - just a few meters from the parking lot, just as we set out. It was thrilling and frightening all at once and we didn't linger. Then, we proceeded to Wilcox Creek where we were to stay for the night, leaving Sibel's car at Tangle Falls for shuttle, and hiked Wilcox Pass all the way through (a first for Lana and myself, even though we've done in-and-outs on Wilcox several times). We were both disappointed with the descent from Wilcox Pass to Tangle Falls and from now on we'll probably stick with in-and-outs on the Pass. It was a first time for Sibel and Kevin and from all the snappin' going on (camera, that is), it seems that it didn't disappoint (although Sibel's poor quads weren't happy with the extra 200m descent to Tangle Falls which is that much lower than Wilcox Creek). We decided to take it a little easier for the second day, and fulfilled a long-time goal of mine to hike to Siffleur Falls which I know my family talked about \"back in the day\" and although that memory is faint I do remember it being spoken of fondly so I've wanted to go there. We easily did the 4km in to the first/official falls, and then proceeded on for about another 3km before turning back for a total of about 14km round. On the return, a miscalculation here, and a bad assumption there, and Lana and I became separated from Sibel and Kevin which took about an extra 45 minutes to rectify at the end of the day, but it all turned out well. On day 3 we weren't sure how Sibel's quads would hold up, nor my hips, nor Lanas hips and blisters (wow... are we a broken down group of old ladies or what... poor Kevin!) so again we took it easy. We headed up to Lake Agnes Tea House and then returned via Plain of Six Glaciers. We had spectacular weather and great views for all three days. We were very lucky, but our good luck was much more important to our companion cyclists than to ourselves! We're very glad THEY had great weather for cycling 300kms! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-09: COC - Hiking Tour (4 days) - Jasper to Canmore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-10: COC - Hiking Tour (4 days) - Jasper to Canmore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-11: COC - Hiking Tour (4 days) - Jasper to Canmore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-13: COC - Elk Lakes backpack | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This was a first-ever *real* backpack trip for myself, Marty and Joe. A first in decades for Ed. Not a first of any sort for our seasoned backpackers, Gayle and Tony. We had a FANTASTIC time, brilliant weather (although, at 34C most of the time, a bit on the warm side for me) and a truly amazing location. Kudos to Ed for putting it all together. We set off towards Elk Pass and due to an unfortunate (or fortunate) assumption (hmmmm.... what happens when we assume??) on my part, we missed the turn-off to Elk Lakes and continued on up to the cut line. We obviously made it to Elk Lakes, but we added on about 4.5kms of distance to the trip in. What happened was, just as we arrived at the intersection where we should have turned, someone said something to Marty, to which he replied, very confidently, \"That's not it!\". I thought the conversation was about the intersection, so, thinking Marty knows the area and was very adamant that that wasn't our intersection, I didn't speak up to say I thought it WAS our intersection. Turned out they were talking about something completely different. Oh well... we all agreed that the mistake was to our good fortune, as we got to see Lower Elk Lake, which was not on our itinerary. We ended up hiking 17kms in to the Petain Falls campground. The maps all show a camp ground at the far end of Upper Elk Lake but that campground has been decommissioned, so if you go to this area, just keep going and follow the \"Petain Falls\" sign, and then the subsequent \"Camping\" signs to get to the campground. The campground itself was quite charming, with five tent pads, a separate communal eating and fire area (with bear bins), and a very unstinky open-air \"bathroom\". Great view, except for any unsuspecting person on their way up before you've finished. I took to hanging my bandana on the \"toilet\" sign to alert people if I was currently using the \"conveniences\". From the camp site, you have a great view of Mt. Aosta, which has an amazing collection of \"peaklets\" all up and down the side of it. Marty renamed it \"Mt. Pokey\". Ahead of us was a sneak preview of the Petain Glacier and running beside the campground, the first waters of the Elk River. We shared the camp site with a group of four young Nova Scotians on Friday night, and two unfortunate Calgarians looking for a remote romantic get-away (who weren't counting on six COCs cluttering up their retreat), and the resident porcupine which we chased around both nights in search of the perfect prickly photograph. On Saturday we set out on a day hike to Petain Falls, which was absolutely amazing. Then, we set out for Petain Basin, which to hear the four who completed it (thanks to Ed for staying with me after I pooched out in the 34C heat) is a most spectacular and amazing hike. Ed and I are making plans to return to the area to check out that basin at another time. On Saturday evening we had an impressive and very short-lived rain shower that extinguished the very first fire I ever built on my own, five minutes after I made it. Blast!! Oh, well.... I will burn again! On Sunday we had a lovely hike out, missing zero intersections but taking no detours. Good thing, too, 'cuz about 0.5km from the vehicles, Marty blew a big hole in his left toe when his blister just couldn't hold on any longer. -- Rhonda From Marty, regarding the Basin: Petain Creek Waterfalls to Petain Basin (distance 4 km, elevation gain 520 metres). This strenuous hike/easy scramble gives access to either mountaineering opportunities or else a pleasant amble throughout the Petain Basin. There are amazing views of the Castelneau icefall and the top of the Petain Creek waterfalls. This is the most scenic and unique hike I have been on to date and a must do if you are ever in the area!!
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| 2007-07-14: COC - Elk Lakes backpack | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-15: COC - Elk Lakes backpack | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-16: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-19: CCC - Kyoto 17 - Japanese Food | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kyoto 17 has a menu that features sushi, robata-yaki, tempura, steaks, seafood, and chicken. Tatami rooms provide an authentic Japanese atmosphere for private dining.
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| 2007-07-20: COC - Backpack: Tombstone Lakes and area | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This was a fantastic trip! Great group, great destination, great day trips, and many lessons learned. Day 1: Day 2: Once past Elbow River we crossed a bunch more creeks and streams along our way. We gained and lost elevation several times and passed magnificent open spaces of wild flowers - such diversity and brillant colors! The trail finally arrived at a wide open meadow with several waterfalls & spectacular scenery. A lovely place! Some of the group went on to climb the summit of the actual pass while some stayed back to visit with part of another hiking group who were also waiting for the rest of their group. Some rocks were enjoyed, some photos taken, and oh my – (um, that’s not exactly what Judy said) – a large grizzly bear came up right over the rise where she was sitting. The bear said “oh, my” too and thankfully started walking in the other direction. Judy scrambled up over the rise shouting at me and blowing her whistle, while Rhonda was standing on the next rise shouting at both of us that there was a bear right behind us. Once all were gathered together again we watched the bear, who was also keeping his eye on us, as it continued on its way in the opposite direction. We also saw it “curb-stomping” something although we’re not exactly sure if it was successful, and dared not take any photos until we were far away. We made our way back to pick up Judy and my packs where they were left right at the spot where the bear came through. Lesson #5: Wear your whistle around your neck at all times – not on your pack which is lying on the ground nearby. Was perfect that Judy had it right on her in this situation – caught our attention when she started blowing her whistle to alert us that the bear was headed for her and us. Lesson #6: It’s good to have a whistle that doesn’t sound like a bird – and blow it in a way that doesn't sound like a bird. We agreed that might be a better way of sending an alert to the rest of the group. Lesson #7: Always keep your pack with you and your boots on at all times. You never know when you might have to leave the area in a big hurry. Also, I had visions of the curious bear walking away with my daypack, which contained keys, wallet, rocks, and other such important items. Lesson #8: I feel soooo much more comfortable in a group of 6 – with less than 20ft between us. And Judy was so pleased to have been completely finished her trip to the bushes just before the bear appeared. :) I learned also that a true friend will offer to carry your rocks back down the mountain for you. Group 2 set off later in the morning for an exploratory trip to Rae Lake. Unfortunately the trail was not easily found, so they had a little more exploration of the area than they anticipated. From the sounds of it they did eventually find Rae Lake and from all reports had an enjoyable hike and day. They saw Rae etched in the mountain – and there was also something about the wee, beady-eyed killer duck. As you can imagine, there was lively discussion around the campfire that night. Day 3: - Marg
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| 2007-07-21: COC - Backpack: Tombstone Lakes and area | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-22: COC - Backpack: Tombstone Lakes and area | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-24: COC - Shooting Pool at THE GARAGE Pub | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-25: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-07-26: COC - Welcome party for TOC, EOC, AOC, MOC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A great turn-out! Thanks, COC, for coming out and making our visitors feel welcome. Speaking of visitors (since that's what the night was all about), we had several TOCers and a few EOCers in attendance this evening. Lutz (MOC) hasn't arrived just yet. Welcome to Calgary, visitors, and we hope you have a great time while you're here! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-27: COC - Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What a rush! This trip is definitely worth doing. We did the half-day which translated to little more than one hour on the actual river. The full day would probably be the better way to go, although as one intrepid rafter shivvered right out of his speedo, we figured perhaps the half-day was enough. Our guide, Irick (sp??), was fantastic. He trained us and then yelled at us until we got the \"rowing in synch\" thing correct. He didn't have oars on our raft to correct our blunders so it was important that we do it right. We hope our TOC visitors had a fabulous time - we sure did. And thanks to Joel and Kevin for their help in fixing the little \"gong show\" I created when I copied an old event and didn't confirm that the outfitter was still located in the same place. All's well that ends well! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-28: COC - Beginner Mountain Bike on Nose Hill, and Backyard Beer Tasting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginner Mountain Bike on Nose Hill A Backyard Beer Tasting and BBQ Event
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| 2007-07-29: COC - River Float: Bowness to the Zoo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As it turned out, Lutz was our only visitor who made it on this float, but we all made up for the lack of more visitors by having lots and lots of warfare. Except for the Switzerland boat, of course. Once they did get a bit too close to a trigger-happy rafter who dumped a jug full of water into a Switzerland lap but for the most part I think we did a fine job of honoring their request to NOT be splashed. This trip was SO MUCH FUN... perhaps the best ever! Thanks to all of you who came out for a very very fun day, and thanks to all the photographers who helped capture the moments. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-30: COC - Elbow Lake Backpack and Rae Glacier Dayhike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michelle couldn't make it so at the last minute Phil took her place. Jenn found the fossil to beat all fossils. Elliott taught us all that we were just a bunch of hiking addicts who could find more balance in life by doing more ironing and watching some television. John didn't let anyone get a word in edgewise. Kevin burned down our picnic table with his archaic campstove and then came down with a cold on day 1 and was left to sleep at the camp site on day 2 as we day-hiked from Elbow Lake and then swung back to pick him up. Amanda spent four days in the backcountry only to cut her hand on the toilet paper dispenser at Moose McGuire's when we got back to town. Anyway, we all had a great time (except, perhaps, for Kevin). The weather was great. The visitors had a fun time exploring the Rae Glacier crevasses and taking a few trips down the dregs of the glacier on the crazy carpets. The camp site and general area were a thing of beauty. Thanks to everyone for coming out - a very memorable trip indeed! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-07-31: COC - Elbow Lake Backpack and Rae Glacier Dayhike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-08-02: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-08-03: COC - Miller Time | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mmmmmmmmm.... beer.... Thanks to Barry and Ron for showing up and making my day. They are two Megawheelians who I worked with in the late 90's. Pretty cool. Thanks to the rest of you for coming out, too - I needed the outing and was thrilled that so many of you were interested in such short notice. :) -- Rhonda
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| 2007-08-04: COC - Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In spite of losing our \"fast group\" (or should we call them our \"directionally challenged group\"???) early in the day, we had a fabulous time. The weather was awesome, and the hike was amazing. Mountains, rockfalls, waterfalls, moss... this one has it all. Too bad the \"fast group\" missed it, although it sounds like they had their own wonderful adventure heading, we believe, in towards The Forks. Once they realized their mistake, they turned around and headed back to the parking lot, and did a bit of a side jaunt along the lakeshore looking for us. We arrived about 45 minutes later and we were all happily reunited... except for Jillian and Catherine who'd met us at trailhead and headed out before we returned. Happy trails, -- Rhonda
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| 2007-08-05: CCC - Sci-fi film Sunshine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
\"Set the controls for the heart of the sun, ordered Pink Floyd in 1968, and this beautiful-looking new space adventure written by Alex Garland and directed by Danny Boyle does exactly this. It's a film with some stunning sequences and gobsmacking NASA-graphic visuals which are destined to be shown on giant Imax screens around the country. \nThere is a distinct possibility of going to the nearby Brewster's Pub afterwards to discuss the movie and whatever else comes to mind.\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-08-07: COC - Heart Mountain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I got nothin'. After the sheer terror I experienced doing this scramble with snow (see April 14) on it, I'm proud to say I wasn't much scared today, just nervous in a couple of places. However, \"enjoy\" would be too strong of a word for how I felt about this trip... I can say that for most of the time it didn't completely suck. Am I proud that I conquered some fears over the last time? Nah, not really. I think I would be just as frightened in the snowy conditions from last time. Although, I was definitely less scared than I would have been a few years ago when my \"comfort zone\" was a little tighter. But, since I didn't really enjoy the activity, there's nothing to make me feel like \"wow, it was really worth it to push my limits for this\". To re-iterate one of the things I said on April 14th, I have met the requirement to try scrambling before writing it off as an activity. I gave it the required \"second chance\" because it wouldn't be so bad without the snow (this is very true). For now, at least, I am done with scrambling. The steep up isn't so bad in some places - almost kind of enjoyable. But I don't care for the \"high up\" views - I like the mid-level views with stuff above and below me (I know, I know, it's me against everyone else in the world) and I DEFINITELY don't care for the steep down, especially with all the loose rock that constantly tries to fling me onto body parts that aren't made to be in contact with the ground. Again, it sounds like the rest of the group had a lovely day, and the company today was fabulous - a really enjoyable group (except maybe for yours truly). It was great to have Hong from Toronto join us (she's truly one of us now... altitude shmaltitude), and Will The Stranger who has been meaning to join our club but just \"hadn't gotten around to it yet\" (we met him at the summit). Signing off from my scrambling career, -- Rhonda
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| 2007-08-09: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-08-11: COC - Perseid Meteor Shower - Prairie Mountain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finally, after a three-year wait we got to do this again! We did it the first time in 2004, and it was awesome, although most of us weren't quite prepared for how cold it would get up there. 2005 didn't work out because of clouds/rain and 2006 didn't work out because of a full moon. This time, it was pretty cloudy all day. The hourly forecast showed the sky clearing in Bragg Creek at around 7:00 or 8:00 and then getting cloudy again around 1AM. We decided to take our chances and believe the weatherman. It was cloudy as we hiked up, with just a few smidgens of blue sky showing. When we reached the top, it was pretty overcast and stayed that way 'til after 10:00 but then stars started popping up and that's when I became hopefully that we'd actually see the meteors. There were a million stars out by the time we spotted the first unmistakable meteor making it's brief, firey shot across the sky. Marty and a couple others said that there were a LOT of meteors (about 12 or so) in the half hour from 3:30 - 4:00. Funny, I didn't notice any during that time! It was chilly and somewhat windy staying up top, but most people took my warning seriously and were pretty prepared for that. I woke up in the morning to about half the group still there, and as there were no discernable weak cries for help as we hiked down, I'm assuming that all who relied on the glow sticks to find their way did just fine. We watched the beautiful red sunrise and then hiked down. Thanks to everyone for coming out - I hope you had a great time! -- Rhonda It was a blast! the hike up was fun and lots to see, as was the hike down! The meteors were fun especially when as one streaked across the sky leaving its cosmic skid mark on the sky, everyone would oooh and aww and even clap out loud! The weather was good, and I am surprised to say I was nice and toasty in my sleeping bag, a definite for any future hike of this kind, as those without usually left due to being cold. Was fun and met some really great people, some of whom went out for breakfast the next morning! Have tones of pics so if anyone wants them just let me know! Actually it would be great to know the names again of some of the people I even took photos of! Was my first COC event, and I must say it was great to finally get out into the Mountains again and meet a bunch of new people! Plus it was my first ever real sleepover under the stars, you know without the tent being there too! -- JenWile
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| 2007-08-13: COC - Backpacker Conditioning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-09-02: CCC - Farmers' Market Brunch and Browse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| \n We'll have brunch in the food court (lots of great vendors) and then do some shopping at the Calgary Farmers' Market.\n When you get into the market, head into the far right corner. Meet your coordinator at the edge of the food court seating area, in front of Simple Simon's Pies. We'll grab a table together.\n Afterwards, browse and snoop the market to your heart's content. We can stay as a group, or if you want to break out on your own, that's fine too.
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| 2007-09-05: COC - Dodge Ball #14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-09-06: CCC - Dinner at Sushi Bar Zipang | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I was recently introduced to an authentic, fresh food, great services but most importantly is the price for a Sushi house. Sushi bar Zipang is tucked away in a much sought after neighbourhood in Calgary with great ambience that portrays the owners pride in the food and its origin. It is a small place that people generally would probably miss it should you try to look them up in the restaurant \"talk about\" world however I think it is more of a best keep secret by people whom enjoyed the place and not wishing it become too busy that regulars like myself will not able to drop by often. \n\n From the first entrance into Zipang, you will be greeted by a very friendly and traditional team whom really cater and make you feel relaxed. The tasting menu included your traditional Nigiri -sushi & Sashimi collection prices range from $1.20 - $3.50 /per piece, combo at $9 - $22 and varieties of noodles and donburi including a good selection of cooked food for those first timer. A favourite which is not on the menu is \"Spicy Salmon sashimi\" which the chef recreate with a twist to my delight and garnish with cucumber and the prices $5 / per dish.
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| 2007-09-09: COC - Healy Pass - Slow Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We had a glorious day for this hike with blue skies and fresh air. The first 8 or so kilometres of this hike is mainly in the trees with a steady climb. Then the trail opens up to Healy Meadows, a wonderland of mountain tops, small lakes and shrubs turning yellow and gold. Then when you reach the pass and look over in the opposite direction there is another jaw-dropping vista of Egypt Lakes. We had lunch at this picturesque spot. Most of us ended the day with dinner in Canmore. Thank you everyone for joining me on this rewarding hike. Laura L
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| 2007-09-12: COC - COC Volunteer Info and Social | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-09-15: CCC - Bragg Creek Performing Arts: The Chucky Danger Band | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TICKETS CAN NOW BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR \nBragg Creek Performing Arts \nwww.braggcreekperformingarts.com Check out their website for any details. The website leaves no questions unanswered. Click on the right-hand photo for their myspace site and listen to a few tracks. They are a Folk/Power/Pop/Rock band. See them perform live. The Chucky Danger Band won the 2005 PEI Entertainment of the Year and the 2006 East Coast Music Award for Best New Pop Recording Band. Here is some info:2007-09-01 \nSymphony Orchestra & Show Announcements\nWe are pleased to announce today 25 more public shows being added to our 07/08 winter tour line up. These shows stretch from now to March 2008, and will include visits to British Columbia, The North West Territories, Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. Among the highlights of these tours is a concert with the PEI Symphony Orchestra. \nIf you want to check them out with me before they are huge please BUY YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE off their website OR The Performing Arts Centre TICKET HOTLINE online or call 403 949-4114, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. YOU CAN ALSO BUY THEM AT THE DOOR FOR $22.00 \n\nAll ticket locations take Visa and Mastercard over the phone. \nTicket Prices Main Series -- adult single ticket $22 Season's Pass for Main Series - Four Shows adult $80.00. Main Series\nThe Chucky Danger Band - September 15, 2007\nColcannon (Australia) - November 24, 2007\nConnie Kaldor - March 8, 2008\nOscar Lopez - May 3, 2008\n\n\n | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007-09-17: COC - MTBiker of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We lost Joni to the hill on the first round up. I felt satisfied after two trips up that infernal new paved path. Smoo and Jayne must not like themselves very much because they stayed for a third time around. Ugh! ;) Thanks for coming out and sharing my pain! - Rhonda
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| 2007-09-20: COC - Italian Fine Dining + Urban Walk in Mount Royal | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wow-o-wow-o-wow. The food was wonderful. The people were friendly, that pretty much sums it up, but let me describe it for you. From the meeting site we made a bee-line for the restaurant as many in the group were hungry and eager for food. We sat down on a raised table that half of us could overlook into the very busy cooking area. We split ourselves into two groups of four. My group shared 3 kinds of appetizers and 2 entres. We ordered a real mix of food, and then made a delicious mess on each of our plates. Amazing. Just amazing. In fact, the food was much better than I had known before --- maybe it was the company that I was with. Rhonda said it was the best food she had ever tasted. I believe her, I felt the same way. Some of us had room for desert, so we lingered until about 9:00 or maybe 9:30. We had planned a meandering walk back to the vehicles. The evening was fresh with a recent rain. We were about half way back when the rain started afresh. I thought it was cool how nobody complained, we all just pulled up hoods and/or curled up shoulders and soldiered on (what troopers !) Suffice to say we did not have the picnic desert I had hoped we could enjoy after the meal. All was well, because Joanne distributed her homemade Oatmeal raisan cookies. Thanx to all for making the shared meal and the walks to and from into such a memorable evening. '-) Dave
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| 2007-09-21: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Surprisingly nice ice (compared to some recent events), surprisingly few people (the first 45 min.), and, not surprisingly, a nice company!
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| 2007-09-24: COC - Hiker of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-09-25: COC - Fall Colours in Sunshine Meadows - Slow but Steady Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunshine Meadows can rival Larch valley for the number and beauty of the larches, even with a lunch time snow storm. Easy meandering hike that takes you by several lakes, lots of larches and some amazing views especially when the sun peaked through. Definitely a photographers paradise. Carl the Sunshine bus driver is a pro with lots of information and he stopped for us hitching a ride on the road. A fun day, lots of laughs, snow, sun, larches, 2 ptarmigans (almost in their winter white) a mouse, many stops to admire the views and to end it all dinner at the Drake in Canmore with Char the best waitress. thanks to Rhonda for helping me through this event.
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| 2007-09-27: CCC - Calgary International Film Festival: Outsourced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Though the theme of jobs being replaced by robots has been a constant theme in films, jobs outsourced to foreign countries has become an increasingly more prevalent fear.\n \nJohn Jeffcoat’s first feature-length film tells the story of a novelty product salesman who avoids the axe by agreeing to go to India and train his replacements. This comedy focuses on the cultural differences and challenges in the salesman’s efforts to train new staff, and the changes in the way the job will actually be done. In a corporate world where tele and web-businesses are thriving, and new work environments mean some employees never even meet one another, this film has come along just in time.\n \nOutsourced had its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and received rave reviews. Since Toronto, the film has won numerous awards and accolades around the world.\n \nWe will meet at 6:00 in order to get in line by 6:15. Exact information on where to meet will be sent in an email.\n When the audience actually applauds at the end of a MOVIE, it must be good. The Calgary International Film Festival is quickly drawing to a close and everyone enjoyed a great comedy with Outsourced. Fortunately, we all got our tickets ahead of time this time so everyone got in. It was once again a packed house.
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| 2007-10-01: COC - MTBiker of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-04: COC - East Coast Trail Maybe/Maybe Meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-06: COC - Novice Mountain Bike on Nose Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-12: TOC - welcome social- meet, greet, play some pool | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From COC:\n Unlike my frenzied 24-hour-trip to Toronto last fall for our first “Runs With Scissors” RPS (cheers, Jason, El Rey Del Fuego – you’re the best) this year I decided to make a long weekend out of it, and it worked out great for Joel to join the fun, and Sam and Jason who were in town visiting family even came in for the RPS tournament! I flew in on Thursday night while Joel was still out visiting his relatives, so I tried to talk some of my TOC friends into playing hookey for the afternoon and hanging out with me, but alas, there were no takers. On my way downtown to get into some trouble, I was riding the TTC subway. We stopped at this one station where all of a sudden we heard a bunch of yelling for help (a man’s voice). Everyone started looking around and a few people got up and got off the train (which was stopped for the duration) to see what was going on. I stayed where I was until I heard him yell “I can’t breathe” and I thought someone was in medical distress. Armed with my rusty first-aid course, I thought I might be able to help. There was a small group gathering around and I could see a man – some grey hair – on the ground and more yelling that he couldn’t breathe. I thought he was having a heart attack or something until I got closer and saw that the older guy wasn’t the one yelling – it was the scummy looking younger guy who the older guy had in a headlock who was doing all the yelling. Long story short, what I pieced together is that the younger guy tried to mug the older guy and didn’t count on him being strong enough to restrain him (in the headlock) until the authorities arrived. Heh heh. The younger guy was yelling for help and squirming to get away – trying to get the sympathies of the crowd by claiming the old guy attacked HIM. He managed to do a whole lot of yelling for someone who “couldn’t breathe”. But anyway, I digress. I had no takers to hang out on Friday, so, I took Mel’s advice and went down to the Kensington Market, which is basically a really cool little neighborhood full of funky shops. I had a GREAT time looking around – Toronto really has some neat places to poke around in – and enjoyed the best Mexican food I’ve ever had at “El Trompo Restaurant”. If it had some mountains… um… some really GOOD mountains… nearby, Toronto would be a perfect city. Then, Joel made it into town so we took a stroll down Queen St. and had a really good Vietnamese dinner before going to Chalker’s for the “Welcome Party”. Being the guests of honor, we made sure to arrive at the Welcome Party on time (ok, 15 minutes late) where we enjoyed a star-studded social of old and new friends at their “clubhouse”, Chalkers. On Saturday, we went on a really nice little hike to Silver Creek and Scotsdale Farm which was a nice D2 hike to get us outside without pooching us before the big RPS tournament in the evening. On the way down to RPS on Saturday evening, Joel and I wandered over to “Wally’s Restaurant” on Dundas near Mel’s apartment and had the most enormous plates of Schnitzel we’d ever seen. I ordered the “Small Schnitzel” and ended up with a great big oval plate of schnitzel, sour kraut and spaetzel. Seriously – Joel and I could have shared this meal and had leftovers, but he’d ordered the FULL SIZE Cordon Bleu schnitzel. Yikes. On to the real reason for my visit… my second-annual trip to the World “Rock Paper Scissors” Championships with my “team”, “Runs With Scissors”. This event is an absolute riot – a nerd-fest to end all nerd-fests - perhaps even topping a Star Trek Convention (although I admit I’ve never been to one of those). My inner nerd fully expressed herself, competing enthusiastically, knocking out Scott, the boy-scout from New Jersey, and then being knocked out herself by a Toronto journalism student, and then stepping in to the necessary role of pimping out our Street RPS champion, Jenn, to try to win the unofficial prize for the night. Although Jenn did well, we did not take the Street RPS prize, but I enjoyed watching the enthusiastic warm-up routine of the young guys from New Jersey, Jenn and I got to grab Captain Morgan’s butt, and Joel and I both soundly thrashed the Crazy Bunny Man (Joel in competition and me in Street RPS). We got our picture taken with “Team Rock” (with our “Runs With Scissors” t-shirts on) and were impressed with the “Rocked Your Mom” team’s t-shirts as well. We bought Jenn’s way back into the competition when extra spots were opened up, but she got knocked out again and went back to where her true talent lies – as a Street RPS shark. See the TOC Write-Up and Photos. On Sunday, we knew we wanted to do something, but we didn’t want to have to get up too early, or be out too long since Joel and I had flights back to catch. So, Cynthia found the perfect solution – an event to Casa Loma. Lots of TOCers came out to join us and we enjoyed learning about this quirky place (”the former estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist and military man. An unabashed romantic, Sir Henry engated the noted architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a life-long dream – the creation of a ‘medieval’ castle on the brow of a hill overlooking Toronto.”). A huge thanks to all who contributed to making this trip a fantastic wonderful time, and thanks to Mel for letting Joel and I crash at her place. Be sure to visit the links on this page for the photos from the actual TOC events – I’ve only posted the Kensington Market ones here. -- Rhonda Event Coordinator(s): Stephanie A\n Participants: Stephanie A, JennP, Cindy B, Ihsan, Erik S, Jose Z, Rhonda from Calgary, Joel, David B, Julian L, Elliott, Pierre, Jason M, Justin H, Chris T, bearman, Mel Tan, Perkin, J-L
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| 2007-10-13: TOC - Silver Creek and Scotsdale Farm, and World RPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 World RockPaperScissors Championship!!!!\n Event Coordinator(s): Jason M\n Participants: Jason M, Stephanie A, Mel Tan, JennP, Bec B, Rhonda from Calgary, Joel, Samantha M, Jason M, Pierre\n\n \n\nRock Paper Scissors Championships 2007\n So the Legend goes as follows: One day, a certain volunteer by the name of Jenn M posted in the TOC\nforum an event that was happening locally, something that would have brought a little chuckle to the rest of\nthe forum dwellers. The link took us to a site advertising the upcoming Rock Paper Scissors World\nChampionships being held in Toronto that year. Rhonda, the beloved creator of the sacred Outdoor Club\nwebsite and Albertan (don’t hold it against her) was dared to fly to Toronto to cheer Jenn on if she (Jenn)\ncompeted in the Championships. Little did Jenn know that Rhonda was going to seriously take her up on\nthe offer, and the rest is history (that you can find Here.).\n\n Rhonda and the rest of us had waaaaaaay too much fun at the Championships that we immediately agreed\no do again this year, and this time, we would be better organized and ready for the debauchery that masks\nitself as the RPS Championships! We assembled a Team of players, 3 from Calgary, Maureen, Joel and\nRhonda, and 2 from Toronto, Jenn P and Jason. We created T-shirts for team ‘Runs with Scissors’ and\nalso made some for the groupies there to support us!\n\n We were a lean mean, fighting machine, decked out in the finest looking T-shirts this side of 49th parallel!\nWe studied our Gambits and mastered our strategies! A quick team huddle and we were set to take on\nthe world! And yes, the World is represented quite well at these tournaments, last year’s champion was a\nBrit, and this year he was dressup as a British Admiral. Other colourful characters included a Hulk Hogan\nwannabe, A Giant Rat that said he was really a bunny with a rat tail sticking out of his mouth, various Elvis\nimpersonators, Gladiators, Knights, Bukkake Girls, and the venerable Captain Morgan himself!\n\n Silver Creek and Scotsdale Farm - welcoming members of the COC\n Event Coordinator(s): Jason M, Perkin\n Participants: Rhonda from Calgary, Joel, NyxinTo, Charlene R, Isa Morin, Tom H, Cordelia, Perkin, Jason M, Nicole S., PeggyWitt, Ellen\n\n\n \nThe day started off at a chilly 11 degrees with a 30% chance of rain. But we still started off with some good positive energies as this was not cold enough to deter our Calagarian visitors Joel and Rhonda, someone even noted that a 30% chance of rain only means a 70% chance of no rain. And it was also great to welcome our new member Edwine to her first TOC event! And even as both event coordinators admittedly had ever been to nor done this hike, the day started off with everyone having a good 'glass half full' attitude. Thus none of our car pools got lost on the way to our Scottsdale Farm meeting spot ... even with one missed turn and a long wait at a rail road crossing. Our hike began on an easy yet steady pace as we went through the Scottsdale farm woods and cow pastures. While it seemed that that the full fall foliage colours were not yet at its full display, the fallen leaves on the paths and ground were quite striking and colourful. The trails started of easy enough and then later provided some moderate challenges as the terrain made consistent and sometimes dramatic scenic changes. Starting with country roads & pastures, we moved on to some slightly steep hillsides, got into a few rocky stretches, some dense hillside grasslands, some meadows, a few wet lands that required the crossing a few plank bridges & walkways and a quiet flowing creek surrounded by fresh fallen red & orange leaves. During the hike, we enjoyed hearing about the history of the other Outdoor Clubs from Rhonda and also learning about the kinds of events that the COC provides to its members. They also gave us some encouragement as wells as ideas for other kinds of events that we can run here in Toronto. All in all we completed 9 of the 14 kilometres of the entire trail with a quick lunch stop in a nice steady pace finishing the main loop trail in about 3 or so hours. Then it was back to the city to begin getting ready for the World Rock Paper Scissors Championship.
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| 2007-10-14: TOC - Explore Casa Loma with our guests from the Calgary Outdoor Club! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event Coordinator(s): Cindy B\n Participants: Cindy B, Jason M, Linda D, Iain, David B, Cindy, Jamie Roberts, Carla Blower, Rhonda from Calgary, Mel Tan, Peter S, JennP, Janis B, Joel, Libby, Rebecca L, Michael Anger, Loreta, Ray\n\n\n \nCasa Loma is without question one of the most spectacular locations in Toronto. We explored the buiding and its spectacular gardens with Rhonda and Joel, who were visiting members of the Calgary Outdoor Club. It was great to get to spend some time with them, and to hear their reactions to our Toronto events. After wandering around the castle, we wandered a couple of blocks until we found a pub where we could eat an early dinner and socialize some more. It was great fun. Thanks to all who joined us!
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| 2007-10-15: COC - MTBiker of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-16: CCC - Volunteers' Meeting | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This event is for current CCC volunteers to come out, meet one another and socialize, and for hopeful volunteers to get some information about coordinating events . \n\nThere will be no official club business discussed at this event, but if you are considering coordinating events for the CCC, or just want some information, come on out to meet the club's volunteer coordinator, Jorinda (and meet some of our current volunteers).
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| 2007-10-18: COC - COC Annual General Meeting and Social | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-21: COC - Rummel Lake - Slow Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We had a nice little group today, great weather conditions, and a great little hike. The trail was a bit slippery so some of us wished we had our ice cleats (some of the smarter ones had their ice cleats). There is a newly developed trail to Rummel which we discovered after aborting our mission to cross the treacherously slippery narrow ledge. To use the new trail, go left at the fork where there's a bridge on the left and a \"do not enter - avalance zone\" sign on the right. Follow the trail over the bridge and keep going. If you come to another fork - stay right and follow the yellow trail marker signs on the trees. Very nice. :) It was great the Kjell and Margaret could join us for a hike before moving to Angola. Wow! -- Rhonda
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| 2007-10-22: COC - Night MTB Adventure on Nose Hill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-25: CCC - Vigil | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vigil - Hilarious Black Comedy.\n Meet Kemp, a misanthropic grouch who comes to visit his ailing aunt – maybe more for her money than her company! As the weeks go by and his patience grows thin, they learn more about each other – and about themselves. A hilarious and oddly touching black comedy by one of Canada’s most loved playwrights.\n \"Seeing this play gives me two experiences in the theatre: laughing out loud at the outrageous characters, and feeling immense pride in one of Canada’s great plays. An impishly silly story with a great big heart.\" - Dennis (Theatre Calgary)\n\n\n Click for more info.\n
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| 2007-10-26: COC - Half Nihahi, and Douglas Fir Trail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Half Nihahi - Slow Pace\n A lovely day - and not very much snow or ice on the trail at all. We made it all the way past the cable hand-rail where we had lunch before turning back. Thanks to Bob and Marlene for joining us the day before their 45th wedding anniversary. I think Marlene had a \"first hike ever\" experience that she'll never forget and we wish Bob the best of luck when he climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro in January. -- Rhonda Full Moon Hike - Douglas Fir Trail\n This event was unlike anything I've ever done before. ;) Sometimes that's what it's all about - and is one of many great opportunities with the COC - finding others who share similarly unusual passions. We were honored to have in our company a representative of the global organization: \"Why Yes, I Do Frequently Burst Out in Song.\" It was a great group - and interesting outing - thanks everyone!
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| 2007-10-27: COC - Halloween Party!!!! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The party was a huge success!! At least 95 people were confirmed at the party! The costume prizes were awarded as: Sexiest female: Martine Sexiest male: Teri's Sonny doll Most disguised: Blake Best costume: Dustin Scariest costume: Wilf Thanks to all for coming! See you all next year!
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| 2007-10-28: COC - Valley Ridge to Bearspaw Dam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What a fantastic hike close to home! Thank you so much Ed for showing us the route and explaining a few highlights along the way. This one will definitely a repeater for me. However, choose a dry period before hiking this one - the trail today was very wet, muddy and slippery. Poles would also be helpful.
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| 2007-10-29: COC - Backpacker Conditioning - Be like the Energizer Bunny! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-10-30: CCC - Mysore Palace Indian Buffet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-11-01: CCC - Music Appreciation Night - BANJO Theme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arrive at 6:30PM for introductions and to get settled in. We'll start the music selections at 7:00 (sorry, but to avoid interruption if you are later than 7:00, the door buzzer will be shut off and you won't be able to get in). We should have one CD of approximately 80 minutes of music (8 people times ten minutes of music). We will have a round-robin in which the first person will introduce their music, and then we’ll listen. After a short break, we’ll continue with the next person, and so on. \n My apartment is small, and the atmosphere casual. We'll be sitting or laying around the living room while we listen. Bring a pillow or cushion if you like for maximum comfiness.\n Everyone must contribute 6-10 minutes of music for the evening. If the evening has a “theme” (listed in the title), you should (but don’t have to) bring music that fits your interpretation of the theme. Many of our themes are DELIBERATELY ambiguous for maximum creativity!
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| 2007-11-03: COC - Galatea Creek to Lillian Lake - Slow but Steady Pace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yes, yes I did forget to bring a spoon for my yogurt and end up eating it with a straw. Yes, yes we did build a lovely camp fire up at Lillian Lake to enjoy our lunch. Yes, yes Laura did butt-hike down a steep hill and tear a hole not only in her pants but also in the gluteus maximus underneath. Yaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!!! Hiking is fun! - Rhonda :)
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| 2007-11-06: COC - COC Volunteer Info and Social | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-11-07: COC - Hiking Toward The Birthday Cake | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hiking Toward the Birthday Cake -- Woo-hoo! The company was great and the hike enjoyable too :) This is an interesting route through Marda Loop and parts of Mount Royal. Unfortunately we had to cut part of it short due to time commitments and so we would have enough time for cake. Worth a repeat. Happy Birthday Rhonda!
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| 2007-11-19: COC - Backpacker Conditioning - Rhonda's Festival of Pain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-11-22: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-11-23: COC - Foosball / Blackfoot Inn / Sports Bar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dear Fossballers, thank you very much for coming tonight. It was a fun evening whether we won or lost... and OK.... winning is more fun! There were some very good players around. It is amazing how one can get into foosball for three hours and loving every minute of it. Plenty of opportunities for the sixteen participants to play, drink, eat and socialize :-) Thank for your great company. Have a brilliant week-end and keep smiling !
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| 2007-11-24: CCC - Metro Asia Showcase | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A trade show of Asian Fusian Culture: There's nothing quite like it!\n Metro Asia Showcase is a spectacular event-filled exravaganza blending Far East ancient world virtues with contemporary Western practices. We call this special experience Asian Fusion. The themes for Metro Asia Showcase 2007 are designed around four Chinese philosophies: Happiness, Health, Home and Prosperity. It offers something for everyone, with ongoing cultural events and over 120 exhibits.\n\n Experience the Orient Stage will feature cultural performances while educational presentations will be available in the Divine a Lifestyle Theatre. There will also be plenty to do, for example:\n\n - Catch a ride in Pedicab Lane\n - Interactive Sumo Suit Wrestling\n - FlorAsia floral design contest\n - Divine a Lifestyle Theatre topics such as Cooking, Feng Shui, Nutrition and Travels to Asia\n - Experience the Orient Stage performances: Dragon Dance, Kendo, Tai Chi, etc.\n\n This was quite a low-key but very enjoyable event. We started off at 10:30 with the dragon and lion dance, which was fantastic, and then walked around checking out the booths. There were a lot of travel and alternative health things, plus some furniture, food, textiles, etc. I bought some yummy Indian treats from the Calgary Sweet House booth. Look for a CCC Christmas dinner there to be posted soon!\n Thanks to all who came out, and welcome to our newbie, Phil.\n -- Rhonda
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| 2007-11-25: COC - Ptarmigan Cirque - Dawdlers and Slowpokes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ah, I'm so glad we made it out to Ptarmigan before they closed the gate. It was as beautiful as I remember, although barely enough snow for snow shoeing today. We actually completed the loop at the top, which I've never done before in winter. -- Rhonda
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| 2007-11-29: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-11-30: COC - Calgary Hitmen vs Spokane Chiefs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Well, The Hitmen lost 2-1 in overtime. Good game though. The 7/Eleven tickets we initially got were pretty good in the lower bowl of the Saddledome. Thanks to Hashim and his inside connections for getting our seats promoted to President's seats between the blue lines.
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| 2007-12-03: COC - Belly of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-06: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-10: COC - Belly of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-12: CCC - Dinner at Calgary Sweet House (Indian) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Established in 1980, the Calgary Sweet house is one of the first Indian Sweet Houses in Alberta.\n The Calgary Sweet House is famous world-wide for its Mithai (Sweets). They make all sweets at their store from only the choicest ingredients. Their Gulab Jamun, Jilabi, Koya Burfi, Milk Cake and Patissa are second to none.\n In addition to sweets they make a wide range of Namkeen (spicy snacks) like Chevrah, Sev, and Ghatiya. Most of their products are made from \"Chana Flour\" (Chick Pea Flour). Chana flour is very nutritous and is a good alternative for people who have allergies to gluten (wheat flour). For vegetarians, they have a variety of peas and beans as a nutritious snack.\n Calgary Sweet House invites you to try their renowned Butter Chicken, tasteful Samosa, full-bodied Chole and Tandoori- baked Naan. Other favorites include Naan Kebab, Lamb Biriani, Puri Chole, Daal Makhni and Tandoori Chicken.\n Come and enjoy their simple, market atmosphere with no frills or fanfare. The epitome of the perfect little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the Calgary Sweet House was a most excellent experience this evening. The small family-run business normally closes at 7, but they stayed open for us this evening and treated us to some first-rate Indian food. Seriously, folks... this was the BEST butter chicken I've ever tasted, and I've tasted a few butter chickens in my day. Beware, though... it isn't called \"butter\" chicken for nothing... mmmmmmmmm... butter....\n Some folks loaded up on sweets to take home after... and some folks loaded up on a few more sweets.... mmmmmmmmmmm.... sweets...\n Thanks to all who came out and to Jorinda for giving me her leftovers. Mmmmmmmmm... leftovers...\n - Rhonda
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| 2007-12-13: COC - Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval, and BOB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval BOB (Douglas Fir Trail)
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| 2007-12-14: COC - Roxboro/Stanley Park | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-17: COC - Belly of Steel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-19: COC - Douglas Fir Trail - daytime hike | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2007-12-24: COC - Skating at Olympic Plaza | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skating at the Plaza seems to be about socializing, rather than really skating. That was definitely the case today, as hardly anyone skated on their own and almost everyone went to The Second Cup after an hour and a half of skating. A really nice way to spend this Christmasy afternoon. Special thanks to Peter who suggested both the event and knew The Second Cup might be open!
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| 2007-12-31: COC - Ice Skating - Bowness Lagoon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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