Elements of Erin 337

Much better weather this weekend for the Snow Shoe Grind.  Climbed to the top and a did a quick loop around the lower lake made for a great morning. Temperature was posted as -8C but it felt much warmer than last week without the pouring rain and wind. Stopped to take a photos of the Eye of the Wind .  Couldn't even see it last week in the rain and clouds Others on the trail this week. Sunny! At the top of the Snow Show Grind Completely frozen waterfall that was running last week.

Once again this year, my son is taking ski lessons each Sunday morning in January.  Although this makes for an early start for both of us, it is a great opportunity to get up and out on the mountain first.  This past Sunday was our first time up at Grouse Mountain this year.   The weather was less than ideal.  Raining at the top of the Skyride and 0C do not make for great conditions.  As I started to climb the Snow Shoe Grind, the weather did improve but visibility never really became and clearer.   At the bottom of the Snow Shoe Grind (SSG).    The great thing about an early start and poor weather...it makes for a very quiet trail.   Looking behind Looking ahead I am LOVING my new  MSR Snow Shoes .  They are perfect for the Snow Shoe Grind and the local packed and groomed trails. Icy directional signage  This waterfall was flowing pretty good in the warm weather

With my husband out of town for the weekend on a snow adventure of his own, I decided to have my own snow adventure. My son had his weekly ski lesson up at Grouse Mountain on Sunday and I need to do a long run. After trying to figure out how to fit it all in, I decided to substitute my long run for a snowshoe trek. I borrowed a pair of snow shoes from my neighbour and strapped them to my older pair of runners. It was a great strength workout given the hilly terrain. My HR only averaged 127 BPM and maxed out at 168 BPM. I am sure that if I knew the trails that I could have made it a more intense workout. I also could have skipped the stopping and taking photos. I think you will agree though, that the scenery was pretty spectacular and I didn't want to rush through it. The trail ahead at the beginning of the trek. Vancouver BC as seen from the top of Grouse Mountain on Sunday February 22, 2009. Self portrait. Had to take at least one of my red face and funny looking toque. ...