St. Nikolaus Lauf, Gluehwein and Christmas Lights

5 December 2010 - 10 Starters (- Pat, who arrived a tad late)

Report.  Pam reserves credit for the idea of the Nikolaus Run and Gluehwein.  10 eager souls showed up on my doorsteps to run through festive neighborhood streets, into the dark Capilano Canyon, along rooty, rocky and slippery trails and back. 

We split up in a faster and slower pace groups with 5 runners each. Nobody forgot their flashlights or shoes (don't laugh), Katie didn't wear a dress, Brendon and Reagan sported shorts and piggy was happy to stay in our warm living room.

True, it was a bit fresh at the start, but things warmed-up quickly as we made our way down the dark trails under a clear sky.

The faster group went up Mosquito Creek, across Mount Royal and into Capilano Canyon. They paid their respects to Grandpa Capilano, crossed the pipeline bridge then took an obscure trail along the cliff-edge when coming across a group of whackos (the slower group) out running in the dark. 

The slower group ran to and through Eldon Park, on to the Fish Hatchery Road, braved the technical trails of Chinook (where we too met a group of whackos out running in the dark), crossed the pipeline bridge and contoured the canyon following the Coho Trail.  Back on the Pipeline Trail and on neighborhood roads that were festively lit.  

Our post run get together was informal, yet very satisfying. The gluhwein was divine, as was the crackling fireplace, Christmas cake and ginger-chocolate cookies. 

Thanks everybody for coming out and making the 1st annual Nikolaus Lauf a success.

Participants.

Pat Barry, Jackie and David Montgomery, Katie and Brendon Longworth, Reagan White, Navid R., Rachel Fouladi, Ean Jackson and Sibylle Tinsel.