Trail Series, Part 40 Running was never meant to be easy, so…read moremany runners choose a phrase to help motivate them. Some of my favorites include: "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch"; "I don't run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days"; "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start"; "My sport is your sport's punishment"; "This isn't sweat, it's liquid awesome"; and "Do it for the post-run snack". It was during a recent run along the Stanley Park Seawall Path in Vancouver, Canada, that I discovered a different motivational technique. Rather than repeating a single phrase to keep you going, how about excitedly striding from one motivational expression to another? You see as this trail winds itself around magnificent Stanley Park, it is replete with benches adorned with a seemingly endless number of deeply personal plaques that broadcast both remembrances and some pretty keen life advice. I stopped more than 150 times during my run and I'd estimate that I photographed only 50% of the benches that are available to enjoy. My favorite plaques include: "What a beautiful difference one single life made"; "To the world you were just one, to me you were the world" ; "She lived for those she loved, and those she loved remember"; "How small a part of time we share"; "People and places have touched me so, left a mark on my mind, heart & soul. Thank you Lord, it's been a great ride"; "Loving Masterchef who taught how to savor the flavors of life"; and "Just a Godly man who so loved his four wonderful daughters". This outstanding trail is approximately 6 miles long, flat, and entirely paved. It features numerous dramatic curves that create excitement to discover what might be revealed just around each corner. Those with mobility issues will find it extremely accommodating and a separate lane for cyclists creates a safe path for all outdoor enthusiasts. It is well traveled during the day, and although the buddy system is always recommended, it isn't necessary in this instance. And that's...Henry's Take. #trailseries #stanleyparkseawallpath

I really enjoyed walking along the Seawall and get a fantastic view of the Vancouver skyline. It's…read moreespecially pretty with the reflection of the skyscrapers and other buildings in the water. There are ducks, seagulls and we saw a blue heron there as well. There are rows and rows of daffodils and crocuses growing everywhere. Love the architecture and aesthetic of this beautiful city.

Rumble in the Jungle!…read more Three of us spent 8 days with a BikeHike adventure in Panama. This was a fantastic experience. Panamá has a lot to offer in a small package. We toured the Panama Canal by bike, took dugout canoes to an indigenous village, camped on a Pacific Coast island where we snorkeled, fished and Kayaked, rode bikes, hiked and zip lined in the mountains, and stayed overnight at our guides coffee farm in a cloud forest, while enjoying gourmet food. This trip was so well organized and the food and accommodations were great. Best of all - our guide, Rolando! A great guide and an even better human being. He took such good care of us and demonstrated how to run tours while treating everyone, clients, co- workers, and other vendors alike, like friends. This trip was rated as moderately challenging and that's an accurate rating. Because of how active this trip is you want to be in good shape. And don't forget SPF clothing and sun screen!

An Unforgettable Slovenian Dream: Biking, Hiking, and More-Pure Bliss with Bike Hike!…read morePrepare to be swept away on an adventure of a lifetime! The 8-day Bike Hike Slovenia trip in May was nothing short of extraordinary - a meticulously crafted journey that delivered an unparalleled blend of exhilarating activities, breathtaking scenery, incredible food, and deep cultural immersion. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into an adventurous dream. Our days were packed with diverse activities: vigorous bike rides on sturdy e-bikes, providing power-assistance for the hilly terrains and winding backroads, alongside well-maintained bike trails; invigorating hikes up alpine trails, including a challenging climb to a mountain-top lunch after witnessing daring cliff jumpers; and the sheer thrill of whitewater rafting on the dazzling, milky-blue (limestone) Soca River, complete with exciting rapids. We also enjoyed a scenic train ride through a mountain, a tranquil paddleboarding session on pristine lakes, and walks through charming towns. Slovenia itself is a marvel - a land of incredible natural beauty, characterized by its most outstanding green landscapes, oxygen-filled air, and spacious, immaculately clean environments; we saw no garbage or graffiti anywhere, a true testament to the evident pride and loyalty its people hold for their country. The scenery was truly diverse, transitioning seamlessly from the chilling majesty of the Julian Alps to the postcard-perfect serenity of Bled Lake and Lake Bohinj, then to charming chalets overlooking verdant wine country, and finally to the historic coastal city of Trieste before concluding in the Italian-influenced beauty of Piran. The cultural and culinary experiences were equally rich. We delved into history with visits to WWI caves and a local home museum that brought the era to life, complete with tastings of traditional schnapps, polenta, and goulash. Sweet delights awaited at a chocolate factory tour and tasting, and we gained fascinating insights at a bee museum lecture. Dining was a daily extravaganza, from hearty bean with sauerkraut dishes to lavish breakfast feasts enjoyed on hotel verandas overlooking lakes, vineyards, or alpine vistas. Evenings brought local appetizers, overflowing salads, and succulent meats and fish, culminating in an unforgettable Adriatic Sea open-seating restaurant experience with various appetizers, three exquisite fish courses, and delightful desserts. What truly set this trip apart were our guides, Miha and Juri. They were simply outstanding - organized, safety-conscious, and possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate and meet the needs of all 13 women in our group, often before we even thought to ask. Their local knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine care transformed an already fantastic itinerary into a seamless and deeply personal experience. This trip was an immersive, oxygen-filled, and utterly breathtaking escape. We felt invigorated by the abundant exercise, from climbing 100 steps to a church and WWI memorial to strenuous mountain hikes and thrilling bike routes. I could go on and on, but truly, the pictures speak volumes. This Slovenia adventure is a must-do that absolutely HAS to be on your bucket list. Bike Hike consistently organizes dream events, and this one was no exception!

Awesome time riding the North Shore with EcoRide! For those that don't know, the Vancouver North…read moreShore is a world famous mountain biking area and riding it was a huge bucket list item for me. Communication from Jillian in the week leading up to the ride was superb. Her husband Bill took myself and another rider for some laps down Mt Seymour, could not have asked for a better guide! Bill's knowledge of the trails was excellent, he was spot on letting us know about the different lines to take based on our comfort and riding ability. I also deeply appriciated his flexibility in choosing either a route with lots of climbs, or to do a shuttle and get more downhill time. The Norco enduro bikes he provided were really fun, playful, and did well going up and down the trails. They were flexibile in both our starting time as well as total riding time, which we extended to a third lap because we were having such a blast. They cater to riders of all abilities and I am certain anyone who wants to get outside and be active in Vancouver would have an outstanding time with them. Again, North Shore Vancouver is world famous for mountain biking, take advantage of it with EcoRide!

A friend and I went for a guided mountain bike ride in Squamish with EcoRide (Bill and Jill)…read moreyesterday. We had such an epic day. Bill did a great job picking trails to fit our level of experience and gave us an great experience to remember. Bill and Jill are full of positive energy making it a joy to ride with them and learn from them. The full suspension bikes we rode were incredible. Lighter than my commuter bike in the city, and pushbutton seat-height adjustment made mixed terrain a joy to ride. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a experienced rider visiting town and looking to experience Vancouver trails I would highly recommend getting in touch with EcoRide :)

Ever feel like the challenges of life are closing in on you? Sometimes it just feels like it is…read moreonly a matter of time before you succumb to those pressures and demands. It feels not so much a question of if, but when, you'll finally be consumed by them. And then, often by accident, life takes an unexpected turn and you are provided an opportunity to choose to push the eject button (that's been right in front of longer than you realized) and propel yourself into what feels like an alternative universe. A place that allows you to unplug from the breakneck pace of today's society, take a deep breath, and finally linger in the bliss of just being present. No chirping cell phones, no calendar reminders, no bills to receive, no health concerns to ponder, and no need to make plans for the future. An all too brief respite from what emotionally entangles you and seeks to rob you of your peace and your purpose. Without planning it, we fell into such a rabbit hole while floating down the River of Golden Dreams (its actual name). A little rowing (and a lot of just floating) later, we arrived at Green Lake and just allowed the wind to help us drift across glacial waters so green we felt like they can be seen from outer space. We dipped our hands into that water, splashed it around a bit, and pondered just how much time and attention it voluntarily sacrifices to the stresses of today. It whispered its response back to us, "None." So what to do if Green Lake doesn't happen to be in your backyard, and yet an escape is exactly what you need right about now? Good question! We're on this journey right alongside of you, so while we're pursuing our "Green Lake escape", we wish you good fortune in discovering yours! (In keeping with Canadian tradition, we were careful to pack an "Oh Henry!" bar as part of the emergency rations for us and our tour guide Peter.) And that's...Henry's Take. #celebratelife #justbreathe #wetadventures

Head over to Wayside Park where there's a tiny parking lot or a turnout on the side of the freeway,…read morewhich can be easy to miss. Walk down the path where you find a nice little park with people lounging and participating in water activities. We struggled and found ourselves in the village until we called to ask where exactly they were located. The rental cabin here is situated right on the end of Alta Lake with canoes, kayaks, etc. for rent. We signed a waiver, got a quick lesson, and were pretty much off with our kayak for $30 CAD/hour. They provided lifejackets, paddles, and even a waterproof pouch to store your things. If you're smart, bring a nice beer or drink along as they have cupholder in the kayak. Even though this was my second time kayaking, it's easy to pick up. Unfortunately, I am still terrible at it and totally lack the strength and direction to pull through. Thank goodness we got the two-person kayak, so I had help --lots of help. You can make it across the entire lake and back within the hour, which was all we needed.