We know we have probably the most physically challenging activity that we have EVER attempted ahead of us.

To help us prepare for this our kids gave us a very unique gift for Christmas this past year.  A 4 week Snowshoe Clinic at Grouse Mountain.

We had been working out throughout January to prepare for both Machu Picchu and the snowshoeing.  Our first clinic date was February 7th.  We needed to arrive early the first morning to get our lift passes and to sign a “waiver”.   Hmmm….  that makes us feel a little uneasy 😉   We were told that as clinic participants we could get onto the gondola 30 minutes ahead of the general public.  We arrived at the mountain and are surprised to notice bus loads of people leaving the mountain ?????  Turns out this is a special weekend at Grouse.  The 24 hours of Winter.  The mountain has been open since Saturday morning.  Lots of tired looking people coming off the mountain after skiing or snowboarding all night.

We pick up our snowshoes at the rental shack and head to the meeting place.  We appear to be the oldest participants.  Ah we have been there before!!

After a talk on equipment, clothing and previous snowshoeing experience, we head out on the trails.  We have 3 leaders/instructors along with us.  The group very quickly separates into 3 groups.  The keeners who are young , quick and fit, the middle of the roaders who are a bit older or less fit than the keeners, and  lastly, me!!  I have called my group, “The Slow Old Ladies”.  For a time I have Gerry (one of the instructors) all to myself.  About half way through another older lady joins us from the Middle of the Roaders.  They are carrying on higher and farther, we are turning back and doing some loops that are a bit less strenuous.  I must admit that this is a very challenging activity, for me at least.  Also a huge eye opener to the difficulties of the elevation gains.

For the 24 Hours Of Winter they are having a snowshoe 5K race on the trail we are on.  We watch the participants running up the hills that we just struggled to walk up.  Wowza!!  The winner completed the course in 29 minutes.

I rejoined the local gym the following week!!  Doing hills and random settings on the treadmill.  Not a fast pace, but one that should help me next week.

We wake up on the 14th to a downpour and grudgingly drag ourselves out of bed.  We are pretty sure it is raining on the mountain too as the mountain report says 10 C at the top.  Oh well, we shouldn’t be cold with the activity.

A lot quieter on the mountain this week.  Heading out on the trails again, I still go at the slower pace.  It is raining heavily and find that my gear is keeping me pretty dry (except for my gloves).  I make it past my turn around point from last week!!!  This extra part of the trail included quiet a steep section, so I am pleased.  There has been progress  😉

Stu’s group returns about 10 minutes later.  They are all soaked through and cold.  Not Ontario cold, but Wet West Coast Cold.  No hanging around the mountain today.  Down the gondola and get that car warmed up!!  Used most of our energy up there today.  A lazy day with naps is ahead of us.

The gym is again on the agenda so that I can go even further next week!