Today was one of those days that was really hard to believe it was just one day. One of the few times I’ve stayed in Vernon, but I have to say it’s raised the bar for single day travel adventures.
Day started with Independent Living Vernon’s Cycling for Independence fundraiser (see previoius post below). I rode and survived the 50 km bike trip to Lumby riding with Dustin, and raised $675 dollars though pledges. My family and friends really stepped up, and a coworker Ashwin had a “donate money and sign the shirt Chad will ride in idea” that also drew a significant chunk of cash. The only injury was a small cut on my shin that had to be pointed out to me, and funny sunburn on the top of my forearms. I forgot to sunscreen from my elbow pads to my hands. It looks pretty ridiculous!
After cleaning up, I returned to a viewpoint (in my car) and took 5 minute hike to a hilltop I noticed on the ride. I’m starting to “get” Vernon a bit more. I watched the sunset laying on my chest at Lake Okanagan yesterday. Had fireflies dancing at my window last night. Soaked in the scenery of the surrounding mountains and landscape while biking nearly 4 hours today. And then from this mini peak, I could see 2 lakes, a golf course, and dozens of wineries and farms (but not my parked rent-a-car which held my camera). After a half hour of just soaking it in, I headed to a pub we also past on the ride to eat dinner and watch the sunset.
Yeah… I could get used to this.
I hit a Staples to pick up a camera bag and a new headset, and then went back to my hotel to watch game 6 of the Sharks vs. Stars in the NHL playoffs. I used a traveling “800 tools in one” pocket knife to open the packaging. Apparently I was paying a bit too much attention to hockey, as a I put my finger on the wrong side of the blade and slit my finger instead of the package. Diagnose is in… I’ll live. Within a 2 hours I had 3 stitches and a dozen laughs with other patients and medical staff at the Vernon hospital.
Back from the hospital and the hockey game is in overtime. One of the greatest games I’ve ever watched… a 1-1 game that was proof you don’t need a lot of goals for a lot of entertainment. Each goalie made saves that were so unbelievable that even instant replay didn’t do it justice. Brendan Morrow scored the overtime winner in a moment of poetic justice, as he should have won the series last game but two of his three goals were called back robbing him of a natural hattrick. Sheer magical hockey … the home Dallas fans stood through all 7 periods (literally, they didn’t sit at all) and absolutely went MENTAL when the Stars won the game, and therefore the series. I’ll link it when I can find it online.
Today was awesome and full and a bit painful. Here’s to hoping for an easier Monday. I’ll sleep well tonight.
