Summer 2012

So there it is…. Boom! - summers over! On to fall. Where did it go and how did it slip by so fast? Seems like just a few days ago that we were wrapping up Race Weekend and already it’s time for the Army run (and Race Weekend 2013 is already looming!). In an effort to look back at summer 2012, I’ll post up a few pictures. Sadly a big chunk of the summer flew by doing work.

Checking the dataloggers
While interesting, the hours weren’t too appealing. It often took me a few days to get back on a regular schedule after a couple of night shifts just in time to get ready for the next night pour. But it wasn't all work sites... or was it?

Mt Adams
There were times I got to the woods but, apart from the climb up Bennies Brook slide with Mike this spring, the only serious hiking I did was up Mt Adams - again and again.... I count 6 trips up that mountain as the repair work on the firetower went full steam. We got a lot done this year to be sure. Stair railings and fencing complete, windows reinstalled, concrete footing cast, debris all taken down to the loading zone and even a little trail work! Sounds like a lot but indeed there were lots of people pitching in so "many hands..." and the trips always had a good social element on the hike up and out as well. Only a few projects left next year so it should be a lighter work load allowing for some fun hikes as well.

Heading down after a good days work
The one trip I did alone, I hauled 40lbs of concrete mix up the mountain. Certainly lots of time to be introspective during that walk. That day proved fortuitous though. After dropping my load at the summit and heading down, I ended up meeting the volunteers working on the firewardens cabin at the bottom. They have a somewhat easier task as they can drive through the old mine site and don’t have to pack gear up the mountain to get to their worksite. After a good chat with them they gave me a ride out through the mine which was a treat. Not everyday you get to see what’s going on in there as it is of course private property. Lots of activity as the owners are getting ready to reactivate the mine – if only to collect and ship out the tailings (which contain titanium… and are therefore quite valuable) that have been piled high for many years.

The "other" volunteer project getting a face lift
I did also manage to get out to see the UCI roadrace in Montreal. Always a good walk around the city on a bright sunny day as we chase (or are chased by) the pro teams.

Lunch time in the peleton

And there was time for a little al fresco music which is always nice.

photo courtesy BvT as they wouldn't let me take my camera in! Boo!
So summer wasn’t a total blur. Colder (and wetter) days have arrived now so it’s time to look forward to the ski season. A little work ahead of me to get ready for that. Perhaps a few hikes as well if I can find my blaze orange hat in the back of the closet. Onward!