My usual biking destination

Here is a picture of the usual destination of our small bike club (consists of three members but one is now away working in the bay area.)

Hiking Alps

I guess it's time for me to post a picture so I can continue to call it "Jack's Picture Blog." Well, the picture comes from my recent hike in the Alps, which I consider the most beautiful place I have ever been. This picture was taken near Valnontey in northern Italy. That was my lunch spot after a 1000M climb.

2500KM

Finally I reached my goal of biking 2500KM/year today, mostly through commuting. Commuting by bike is the best way for me to get some exercise and in the meantime reduces my carbon footprint a little.

Commuting also give me a chance to see things I normally don't by driving. Most memorable of all, I have seen turtles laying eggs, a red fox, a couple of blue herons, and a sandpiper nest on a pebble beach.

Another memorable thing to mention is chatting with my biking buddies at Champlain Lookout after a hard climb. The scene and camaraderie made it all worthwhile and the memory will last my whole life.

Snake and Me

This year I have had the most contact with snakes. While camping at Little Clear Lake at Frontenac, I must have seen at least 10 snakes, including probably a black rat snake on a small rock island in the middle of the lake. The most amazing scene would be witnessing a garter snake catching and then swallowing a live frog. My kids and I just stood there in awe.

Also, not long ago, while descending a steep hill in Gatineau Park, I think I killed a small garter snake by running over it with my bike. It was so small that I didn't see it until I was too close.

Battling the Gust

When I started my trip home, it was already gusting outside. Outside my office, the wind was so strong that I couldn't go down a slight slope without peddling hard. A few times I was almost blown off the trail. I passed a couple other commuters who obviously were having trouble as well. Luckily I turned south after about 12KM and the wind was no longer such a vehement enemy to me. :)

Fresh Snow Skiing

By the time I went skiing yesterday, the park had already about 10cm of fresh snow. The trails were not packed. The powder flowed over my boots while I glided. It was such a rare sight for me and made it all worthwhile.

The Skis Made Me

Right after he gets off the chairlift, Wesley promptly skis into a ditch. He then stays there and waits for me to rescue him. Annoyed after a couple of times, I tell him not to go into the ditch if he cannot get himself out of it. To that, he replies: "the skis made me."

Age Difference

Wesley and I met this gentleman on a chairlift. He's 82 years old. Wesley is now 3.5 yrs old. There is a 79-year difference between them. Amazing. I wish I'd still be skiing when I'm that old.