Oh, what a day we had today! I’m so excited to tell you about our day.

We started the morning with a fair bit of rain before breakfast which had the Princesses a little concerned.  I mean.  We KNOW that Princesses don’t melt but what to wear, what to wear?  As it happened, the morning skies cleared and we had mostly sun and temperatures reaching 29C.

Today’s challenge?  The Wall and Willowbrook.  Piece of cake.  Sort of.

We picked up Princess Judy (from Camp 2014) at her place and headed out on Judy’s recommendation – over the McLean Creek Road.  This is a lovely ride to the northeast of Skaha Lake that takes you into OK Falls from the east side.  It was only a minor diversion and worth the ride.  As it happens though – it became quite an event!  Happily chatting and pedaling, Princess Judy’s front derailer misfired and she demonstrated the MOST SPECTACULAR crash of the camp.  Let’s face it – it was the most spectacular of all time!  Rolling onto her left hip and shoulder she hit the ground, rotated her bike above her (imagine wheels in the air – completely upside down – a little like a turtle, really) managed a pivot on her back only to roll to right side, sparing her back derailer AND her iphone (so we found out later).  She sustained quite a gash in her finger on her left hand, but otherwise was visibly unscathed.  It was Cirque de Solei worthy – honestly.  A little battered, but not beaten – she pedaled on after a little antibiotic cream and a band-aid.

The Wall.  The Princesses were a little worried, but each handled the climb like pros.  The 2km climb is a little ugly but just when you’re through the switch backs, there is this last push to the top.  No sweat.  Princess Wendy S handled it like a champ, crushing the hill (and the monkey on her back) with ease.  Princess Singing Brakes Vicki and Princess Wendy P were the first to crest (I think because I was well back).  Princess Joanna was unbelievable the way she powered up to “See ya Later”.  See ya later is right!

 

Willowbrook – the reward.  Willowbrook is an area with multipurpose land use including agriculture, horses, and llamas and a few other unique animals.  We had to look twice at the Zebra.  Really!  Our lunch break was a great time to refuel, have a few laughs and rest a little before heading back.  Princess Wendy P demonstrated yet another use for a bicycle helmet.  Interesting!

Our ride home included a brief trip to Tickleberry’s.  Unfortunately, no one had an appetite for ice cream – but a return trip is scheduled for Friday – so it’s all good.  A remarkable pace line back along the lake to Penticton was reminder again why working with others to accomplish a goal – can be such a lovely thing.

A little yoga therapy with Rose at Reflexions followed by a little retail therapy at the Bike Barn topped things off nicely.

The Princesses were proud of themselves today but not more than I was.  They saw the challenge and faced it head on.  It was truly a wonderful day.

LiveSplendidly!