Working on the Legs!

One of my goals for this weekend is to get onto the Grouse Grind. It'll probably close for the season soon (does anybody know when this happens?), so I'd better make it up there quick.

There are a few things I love about the Grouse Grind:

1. Passing tourists in flip-flops or dress shoes. Actually, passing other hikers is much more satisfying...

2. The satisfaction that I did it. I find it so hard to motivate myself to even get to the bottom of the mountain, much less the top! So when I actually make it up there, I'm super-proud and post my (not very fast) time to facebook immediately.

3. I heard it burns like a thousand calories. This justifies a feast and a couple glasses of wine with dinner.

4. There are grizzly bears up there!

5. Getting out into nature. It smells nice (like trees and dirt) and it's beautiful. Last time I went in the afternoon and watched the sun set from the top of the mountain. So gorgeous!

What are your favourite workout or nature activities?

Want to support a worthy cause and have a good time?

Who doesn't?!?!

Check out Bright Nights in Stanley Park: the miniature train guides you through the forest filled with over two million Christmas lights, animated displays and holiday music! All donations given at the event and partial proceeds from ticket sales go to the Burn Fund to help burn survivors and their families.

And the best part? The firefighters who are there, waiting to take your donations!

http://vancouver.ca/PARKS/events/brightnights/

On Your Feet

I'm currently compiling a list of some hikes & walks that are nice to do, and not too far from the city (Whistler is out).  

Here's what I've got so far:

The Grouse Grind:

No list of Vancouver hikes would be complete without this one.  "Nature's Stairmaster" isn't that what they call it?  Imagine walking up a mountain that's practically perpendicular to the ground.  Sound fun?  Well, I don't know if "fun" is the first word that comes to mind, but by the time you make it to the top you'll feel like you could do anything (maybe after a little nap).  The path itself is only a few kilometres long, but it feels like a lot more due to the severe incline.  If you're going for a lazy Sunday, admire-the-view kind of hike, go somewhere else.

More info here: http://www.grousemountain.com/Summer/summer-activities/vancouver-bc-hiking-trails-trips/grouse-grind.asp

Minnekhada Park

This park is gorgeous, and a good combination of admiring the views and getting a workout.  The High Knoll path is steep, but not too long to handle, and from the top you get a great view of the Fraser Valley, Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows, etc.  It's gorgeous!  This one is a bit further away, being in Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam.

More info here: http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/Minnekhada01.html

This list is by no means complete, and I plan on continuing to work on it, but if you have suggestions of great local hikes, send them to me or comment!

Happy August, Everybody!

This is now going to be the best summer ever:

I've got my new radio station, 100.5 the Peak, to keep me going at work. And they've just announced that the Sam Roberts Band, along with Mother Mother, will be playing at Deer Lake Park on August 3!

I've heard that Deer Lake Park is an amazing venue for concerts, even though I have never been to one there. What could be more delightful or picturesque? I can hardly wait.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, presumably at 10am (because that's when tix go on sale) and also presumably at ticketmaster, the seller of all tickets ever.

See you at Deer Lake Park on August 3!!

Lantern Lights!

The City of Burnaby is hosting the Night of 2008 Lights, a lantern festival at Deer Lake Park. This is a celebration of the beginning of Fall. There will be all sorts of entertainment set up for all ages to enjoy. There will be a community procession through the park and then a fire show at the end!

Head to Deer Lake Park on September 19th (Friday night) to check it out. You can find more information on the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts website: www.shadboltcentre.com.