Successful Marathon

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Athens (24 Celcius) - the Classic Marathon celebrated the 2,500 anniversary of the first run from Marathon to Athens.  I was in the 10 km race – expecting to walk my usual 2 hour pace when we were told the gates would be closed after 90 minutes….not many walkers in the race (mainly runners) so I had to pick up the pace – I’m delighted to say my unofficial time was 1 hour 20 minutes (official time will take minutes off as the start was over 100 m long with runners). The chip doesn’t lie!

We are still waiting for some of our Joints in Motion team to cross the finish line in the Olympic Stadium (under the Olympic rings) - I can’t tell you what a rush it was to enter the stadium, hear the screaming crowd and complete the race – Black Eyed Peas playing in the background (you will remember this was my torch bearer’s song) was just the icing on the cake, not to mention the lovely medal.  I did see 2 Nordic Pole Walkers so perhaps next time I’ll do the walk.  Training starts right away!

It appears the Olympics are over for me…what a year!

This evening we celebrated with a victory dinner and shared stories about why we participate in the Joints in Motion program for The Arthritis Society – very heartwarming and emotional.  With thousands of participants from over 89 countries we all completed our races – some in better shape than others.

I hope you all had a safe and cavity-free Halloween.  In Greece we turned the clocks back last night but I understand in Canada it will be next week…..I just keep gaining an hour!   Thank you to all who have visited Peter and made his recovery time less onerous.

Sunny in Athens

It’s a beautiful day in Athens – I’ve been to Sounion (Poseidon’s temple on the Adriatic) with the group and then I walked around the city – caught the changing of the guard at the Parliament Buildings (a child dressed in traditional garb was stepping like the guards – too cute. 

 Of course I joined the rest of the city for a gelato.  People are the same around the world…sunshine and Saturday means everyone is out for a walk and some window shopping.  It’s exciting to hear all the different languages and see the country shirts of runners for tomorrow.  

Poseidon Temple at Sounion, southeast of Athens, on the Aegean 

My Big Fat Greek Tour

Early day for touring  Athens, meeting other marathoners, seeing the Acropolis in all it’s glory; visiting the new Acropolis Museum (built over the ancient city foundations); stopping at the Expo pavillion (runners paradise of clothing, vitamins, new products etc); seeing the stadium where the marathon will end (we were all silent for some reason) – it’s a huge structure with marble stands – we will all enter that horseshoe and complete our race on Sunday. In the Plaka (marketplace) I found a Starbucks….culture clash with all the ancient streets (Greece is all coffee so a chai was great); I also attended the 2,500 anniversary celebration with a re-enactment of the Persian attack with the runner who carried the message from Marathon to Athens (“we conquered them”) in 490 BC, (message delivered, he fell dead).  Former gold medalists and race winners were honoured.  The spirit of the marathon was celebrated as well – very poignant.  So far, I’ve eaten all my favourite Greek foods….what will I do tomorrow! 

Enjoy the weekend!

The Acropolis overlooks the city of Athens

It’s All Greek to Me

Just barely made the flight to Paris, where I had my obligatory croissant and chocolat, before boarding the flight, with most of the passengers in Charles De Gaulle airport, bound for hte marathon in Athens.  We arrived safe – our hotel is the Royal Olympic, right at the base of the Acropolis and a few blocks from the Olympic Stadium.  Athens has changed considerably since I was a student here….it’s still beautiful and we have seen several Greek Gods.  We experienced delays as there was an air traffic controller strike in Paris and today is a holiday in Greece (celebrating  ”Just say no to Mussolini”).  Looking forward to having an original Greek Salad tonight.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back before going to sleep on Saturday.   

Leaving Home

It was difficult to leave Peter incapacitated when the fall colours on Rice Lake were so inviting and so vibrant….Hansruedi (Swiss pilot now leaving after his 71st visit) definitely enjoyed flying colours during his stay.  I am off to Athens, Greece for the 2,500th running of the marathon (from Marathon to Athens, surprisingly) - this  is my Arthritis Society fundraiser – thank you to all who have supported my cause – I hope I do you proud!  

Issues with the photo so standby and you will see what I am leaving today! 

BigFoot Lives

Peter “Big Foot” survived the two hour surgery to repair his broken leg and is home (supposedly) recuperating.  He is confined to bed rest as I leave for Athens, Greece (my Arthritis Society fundraiser) – I’m sure he would love to hear from you.  (pfe@elmhirst.com)  

The wind handled most of the rogue leaves tonight with a howling storm – just a prelude to Halloween, I bet.  

The dining room renovations are coming along nicely as we had much of the material ready to go.  The harvest table will be a nice addition as will the romantic banquette seating on the north wall.  Photos coming soon…

As difficult as it is to think about winter I hope you are considering Homecoming Weekend (right after New Years) or the Winemakers Dinner or the Snowkite/kiteboard weekend at the end of January.  So many reasons to come and spend time with us! 

We’ll be at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto on Nov 05 & 06 so please come and visit us!

Keene Pumpkin Festival

What a day!  Keene Pumpkin Festival was the place to be in the sunshine; the Frito Lay campaign offering two for one sightseeing flights brought new visitors to the area; several Gift Box packages were redeemed for flights and horseback riding (Gift Box credit cards are sold at Shoppers Drug Mart and other outlets); the local snowmobile club had a most successful evening with their annual elimination draw – Congratulations to Grace Godfrey, the last ticket remaining – she has the choice of cash or a shiny new ATV machine.  

I did manage to get a 10 km walk in (training for the Arthritis Society marathon in Athens next week) before the rain…..the hills seemed steeper…..is that possible?  

After Brunch tomorrow we will begin renovations in the Hearthside and Heritage Rooms….look for banquettes, a Chef’s Table (for diners who want to meet other interesting diners) and a fresh look all round.  The Wild Blue Yonder and banquet/meeting areas are still available and open for business.  Stay tuned for progress reports.

Friday Night Dinner Club

Great night of friends and tapas in the Wild Blue Yonder with the  local Friday Night Dinner Club.  Hansreudi (Switzerland) is back for his 71st visit; many of the group will soon head south for the winter and it’s the Keene Pumpkin Festival weekend….lots to celebrate.

It’s wonderful to see the Frito Lay adventure coupons coming in….thanks to all who chose us for their flying experience.

Rumour has it there are 6 tickets left for the SnowDrifters Snowmobile Elimination Dinner Saturday night.  Interested?  Call us and we’ll get you a seat.

Visit Keene on Saturday for the Pumpkin Festival – family fun guaranteed.

Autumn Colours

First tree I saw this morning…although it was cool, it was a great fall day for walking the trails through the woods or taking a trail ride.  Getaway for the weekend – get a massage, swim, workout, birdwatch from your deck, check out the view from the hilltop, dine with us or sit by the fire in your cottage and catch up with each other.  Ask about our Midweek Couch Potato Getaway from $399 for two persons, two nights with meals. 

Limited tickets available for the Saturday night SnowDrifters Snowmobile Club raffle dinner.  $100 per person.  

Home

After over 21 hours of flying we are home!   How wonderful to have survivor Brad Curle and other spouses greet us!  We were fortunate to see the autumn colours and a lovely sunset on our way back from the airport  - proving once again, you don’t need to travel far to see the beauty in life.  Good to be home!

Update on Peter’s limp…..following a quick nap Peter hobbled into Emergency – he is now sporting a walking cast on his right leg (awaiting the surgeons recommendation on whether to reset his broken fibula – it was broken at an angle and it is amazing the bone did not poke through – very lucky to have completed the journey through Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and back to South Africa).

Photo of the day…..My favourite photo of one of our adventure riders (Bob Anderson) on the safari jeep into Etosha Game Reserve, Namibia….there were no seatbelts.

If you haven’t yet booked for the Wild Women Weekend November 12-14 there’s still time to get your spa appointments and adventure session booked.

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