*August 12, 2011*

Our first full day on the Beautiful Pagwachuan Lake… Let me tell you a little bit about our piece of heaven:

early morning

– It’s an hour and a half West of Hearst, half hour East of Longlac and 7km off the highway. That probably means nothing to you… to make it easy, it’s literally in the middle of nowhere.

– The only means of hydro is through a generator and we can use propane lights at night. We use lake water to wash dishes and shower with and go to a fresh spring to get drinking water… it’s amazing! The not so amazing thing is the outhouse for a bathroom.

– There are lots of animals – including bears and moose. I’m unable to run while up here. Bear + Running do not mix because they’ll think your prey. I have ran once before but my Dad had to follow me in his truck as he was on the look -out.

– If going for a walk ALWAYS take bear spray and the bear bell to hook on you as a noisemaker. The #1 rule: if you see a bear DO NOT RUN… although how do you NOT run like hell? That’s one thing I’ve always wondered.

Knowing that I wasn’t able to run, I decided and came prepared to still get some workouts in. After a coffee and homemade muffin by our beach, I was ready to get my sweat on.

Today’s workout: Dodge the Chipmunk*

3×20 Jumping Jacks
3×20 Jumping Jack Squats
3×20 Knee kicks with arm pull down
20 Leg Raises (each leg – front, side, back)
3×20 Mountain Climbers
Skip 1 minute hard, 20 sec. rest – x7
3×20 crunches

don't judge k...

The above took me about 30 minutes and I kind of just made it up as I went along. It was awesome working out 20ft from the water but not so awesome that the chipmunks came running at me for a peanut every few minutes. They are cute as a button but kind of freak me out.

I also went kayaking for 60 minutes. Great workout and so much fun!

Within the 3 times I’ve been at camp, I have never seen a bear (yes, I WANT to see one!) Whereas last year my parents left early because the bears were so bad… as in coming right to the front porch bad.

On our trip to the dump, I was hoping to see one and decided I was going to bait one with chocolate if I didn’t.

PS: Yes, that’s true… hunters bait bears with chocolate; they love it! Unfortunately, they were a no show… but there’s still time. Fingers crossed!

What’s YOUR favorite place to visit!?

*August 11, 2011*

At 4:45am my wake up call goes off (this time my Mom). Again, with only three hours of sleep, I slowly climb out of bed telling myself how good I will feel for getting a decent run in. Especially before sitting in the car for 13 hours.

I dragged my butt downstairs to the treadmill and pounded out a good 45 minute run varying the incline and speed throughout. My time was limited and I wanted to get my sweat on and boy did I ever! After a good run and some quick stretching, it was time to get ready.

I was not looking forward to such a long drive although I was trying to focus on the destination and knew it would all be worth it. Destination —> the family cottage.

soo pretty!

Yes, I know… who in their right mind would build a cottage 13 hours away, right! My Dad, of course. It’s so beautiful though and the drive is totally worth it. My parents have made the drive many a times and have their set stops – which is only 3… yes, 3.

One necessity for a long road trip (that many other Canadians may agree with) is a stop at Tim Hortons. We make our first stop 2.5 hours in and thank goodness because I thought I was going to burst. I also listened to my mother saying -“Sabrina, why would you drink so much water this morning?” After a quick stop at Timmies and Subway to have lunch on the road, we were off again.

5 hours in, we make a second stop. I took full advantage and got out and did some jumping jacks and streched a bit. Oh my goodness, only eight more hours to go.

gotta move those legs!

I’m able to sleep a little bit but I think it was around Cochrane when I told my parents to just pull over and push me out. I can’t take it anymore… just throw me to the wolves! Unfortunately, they didn’t stop so I had to survive the rest of the drive.

lots of self portrait opportunities.... oh the joy.

What’s one thing that you always take with you when going on a road trip?
~Besides clothes of course.. I will ALWAYS have lip chap with me. I can’t go anywhere without it. Yes, I’m addicted but not as much now as I was in highschool. Before, I would always keep it in my jean pocket and it eventually put holes in my pockets. No joke!

Hello blogging buddies!! I hope you are enjoying your summer and embracing what we have left of this beautiful weather!! I’ve been MIA. Bigtime.. I know, I know. Like always. I was away…farrrr away. So get ready for some recaps with lots of pictures in the next few posts!
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*August 10, 2011*

After only three hours of sleep, I fly out of bed at the sound of the alarm. Knowing that hitting the snooze button is not an option this morning, I knudge G-Man and tell him it’s time to get up…

Before getting on the train to head to my parents house the tears start flowing (ahem – I’m a baby, I know… remember?). After the final hugs, kisses and G-Man wishing me ¡Feliz Cumpleaños¡, I climb aboard.

i really do have THE BEST husband EVER!!!

Apart from the tears, it turned out to be a good day (actually, I believe crying isn’t a bad thing.. I NEVER tell anyone to “not cry”.. ever). I had the chance to visit with family and go for a drink with some of my [amazing] girlfriends whom I hadn’t seen in awhile. Since I’m a craptastic blogger… I totally forgot my camera. Although there were times when I thought “Man, this would have been a good picture!”