Monday, September 07, 2009

Cabin Time!

Well we ventured up north this weekend for some quality nap/forest/Lake Superior/family/hike/DQ time. Yes Dairy Queen:) We had the best weather we have had all summer up there. With Lake Superior out our door it is often 80 in the cities and when you drive over the hill into Duluth you can see the temps drop...digit by digit until it is 60 at the lake front. I was happy that it was warmer and I was able to get in some good runs and bikes and ICE BATH's as well! Gotta love the lake for the best ice bath EVER.

We grilled, we sang, we hiked, we hung out, we napped and yes we went to DQ. Love the Two Harbors DQ where they are always serving the cones LARGE when you order a small. Ok not so good when you are already full, but nobody's complaining.

So here are some pictures, no training photos, these are more fun! I do have to show you some of the hzards of running up north, see this? I didnt get too close but it was humming:)


And the roots are pretty dang big, big enough that i have some really sore Peroneals from rolling on the roots. And this is a groomed trail, the one i was on for my long run kept me humble at about 11 min/mile as i tried to dance thru the OLD trees!
Swim time!




Hee we have our own outhouse!
See this is why i grew up playing racket sports. We spent ALOT of time in the ping pong house and at the courts, I am very good at killing horse flies mid point.






New bridge across the lagoon!
Lower Falls.


I am not a coach but this is good advice for ALOT of things, not just TRIATHLON!







This is at the putting course. I also know this is on the Gear West Du course. Gotta slow a bit when you see this and you are cornering at 25 mph.

And on a tangent.....We also had a memorial for Iona. We cremated her and tho we had spread a few ashes in the river and the Lake we wanted to bury her at the cabin.


We wrapped her in a "kerchief and put a tennis ball with her. We dug a hole and said goodbye.

It was good to get closure, and I feel ok about it. I still miss her and there are times I feel like a traitor loving Ruby so much. I wanted to post a goofy picture from the Ruby Cam but decided this post and this burial was about closure on Iona. My mom and I covered the site with dirt and we put a little cross there. We buried another dog "Mocha" there in 1984 and so I hope that Iona and Mocha are meeting each other somehow somewhere.

13 comments:

Marit C-L said...

What a beautiful tribute to your puppy - and YES, the two are for sure greeting each other, playing, frolicking, and generally having a wonderful time. I think two of my kitties may be up there with them as well.

I ALWAYS love when you post pics of Lake Superior...absolutely stunning. I know what you mean by crossing the peak into Duluth...just wonderful!

BEAUTIFUL!

TriGirl Kate O said...

Goodbye sweet Iona. Hugs, my friend!

Steve Stenzel said...

What a great trip! I love that bridge!

And what a sweet way to bury an old friend.

I posted my report from Sunday, and I noted where you can make fun of me for (guess what) swimming to the left. Have a great week!

Charisa said...

LOVE the cabin time!!!

Beth said...

Oh how awesome of a memorial for Iona! I love that you put a tennis ball with her. :) She was lucky to have you as such good humans. Love the pictures of the woods. What a perfect place to relax, train, and enjoy.

Herrad said...

Hi Julia,
Lovely post and photos, looked like you had a good time.
Felt I was enjoying it too.
Very moving tribute to Iona, like the tennis ball.
Love,
Herrad

Jennifer Harrison said...

Love that you had the memorial for Iona.
AND I LOVE that saying and red signs!! It is SO true!
Glad you had a nice time!! :)

Herrad said...

Hi Julia,

Please go to my blog and pick up your award.
Love,
Herrad

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Looks like a great weekend! Napping/grilling and playing are all great ways to spend a Labor Day weekend! Hope the wedding planning is coming along well!

LittleRachet said...

Awww. I'm sure Iona is in full wag mode knowing you finally have closure. What a special way to do it. :) Thanks for sharing that!

Rebecca DeWire said...

What a beautiful post and your memorial for Iona brought tears to my eyes.

Angela and David said...

Glad you were able to get closure and it's such a sweet memorial. Looks like an awesome vacation. And now I want some DQ.

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

beautiful pics! sounds like a great weekend... I'm glad you got to say the proper goodbye to your beautiful iona~