From Robson Street to Rice Lake with an Olympic Visitor

I spotted her and her husband on Robson wearing Asics, gazing at a map of Olympic events.

I asked if either would be interested in a trail run, and she said yes.

The next morning, I picked her up at their B&B and we drove to Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. I pointed out the nearby Capilano Filtration Plant with pride while quipping, “that’s where our lovely water was purified by UV rays -- isn’t that fascinating?”

Rice Lake trail broke the ice perfectly, a smooth reprieve from the unforgiving concrete of Robson.

“The forest is gorgeous,” she said, “and the brisk air invigorating.”

We headed over to Circuit 8 trail where some mud and roots sought some new company. Muddy Asics and 30 minutes later we reconnected to Rice Lake and returned to the car.

But just prior the sun appeared through the trees.

“Thank you, sun” we said, as our faces warmed.

“And thank you, Son,” said the smiling visitor from Texas, who just happened to be my dear sweet Mom, and who was basking in the glow of a her first trail run – 1 hour and 11 minutes we won’t soon forget.