When I say its been a while, boy has it ever. The month of August flew by and since summer hit it was the busiest one yet. From the new clinic opening, races and prepping to move I've been non stop. I did get a little exploring in there as well but not near as much as I would have liked. I hardly realized that a full month had passed and I hadn't so much as written a word.
Where to begin... Well the Tely 10 was the last Sunday in July. This year was the first year I ran the race solo without any of my friends standing by my side at the start or finish. This year was the better of the three. I demolished all three personal bests. I finished in 1:33:00 and beat both my 5 & 10K personal bests! It was a good year. I’ve taken running to a whole new level this year and thus far it has been the most rewarding. I’ve gone to some awesome places, met some great friends and challenged myself in ways that I never thought possible. In fact I am participating in my first half marathon at the end of this month in St. Johns. Excited is an understatement!
Where to begin... Well the Tely 10 was the last Sunday in July. This year was the first year I ran the race solo without any of my friends standing by my side at the start or finish. This year was the better of the three. I demolished all three personal bests. I finished in 1:33:00 and beat both my 5 & 10K personal bests! It was a good year. I’ve taken running to a whole new level this year and thus far it has been the most rewarding. I’ve gone to some awesome places, met some great friends and challenged myself in ways that I never thought possible. In fact I am participating in my first half marathon at the end of this month in St. Johns. Excited is an understatement!
The beginning of August brought me to Bay Roberts to ride one of my favourite hiking/walking trails called Madrock Walk. It has some of the most beautiful scenery on the Avalon- in my opinion! It is an easy trail to ride if you are a beginner or you can make it as difficult as you want. At the end of the trail there is a cafe called Madrock Cafe conveniently enough and it has the BEST homemade bread and toutons on the go. The staff is also super friendly and the prices are great. The trailhead is located towards the end of Water Street in Bay Roberts- Its hard to miss. On a sunny day this trail is the place to be.
Madrock Walk "Hike" in Bay Roberts, NL
During the month of August I also got to visit one of my favourite little lunch spots in Cupids called Cupids Haven with my best mate. The Haven is a four star bed and breakfast, which opened the summer of 2005; previously it was the home of St. Augustine’s Church. On the main floor of the Haven there is a Tearoom, which is a great little spot to grab some lunch and a cup of tea after a morning of blueberry picking on Burnt Head Trail. They have all kinds of specialty tea's or just a regular cup of Orange Pekoe depending on the mood you are in. They also offer a variety of homemade dishes and have weekly specials. If you were so inclined you could call ahead and have them prepare a picnic lunch for you take with you while berry picking or just exploring Burnt Head Trail. I myself prefer to go near the end of August or early September depending on how well the blueberries are ripening. Regardless it is a sweet treat!
And so before I knew it mid August was upon me and I only had a few weeks left before the big move across the island. I was fortunate enough to get in some small hikes with some great gal pals, lots of ice cream, a day at the beach, two more races and a fabulous day in Petty Harbour with two great friends.
Lets talk about Petty Harbour here for a moment; It has so many great not so hidden treasures. My girlfriend and I were originally heading out to an early lunch at this new cafe we had heard about called The Watershed. Nestled in the heart of Petty Harbour and right on the water, The Watershed Cafe is one of the nicest I have been to in and around St. Johns- not to mention some of the best scenery around. Now if you are unlike myself and like the crazy rush of the city, you may find Petty Harbour a little quiet BUT if your looking to feel a little isolated and not travel too far away from St. Johns, do yourself the favour and take a few hours to head out to the Harbour. The watershed offers all kinds of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, ice coffee, cappuccino and so much more. You also have the option of eating outside if one should choose to do so.
Also located in the heart of Petty Harbour is the Mini Aquarium, which has fun for all age groups. If you're like myself and love all creatures than the touch tanks that the aquarium offers will be right up your alley. The have starfish of all sizes, a few varieties of crabs and other sea urchins for you to touch and play with if you choose to do so. I will say: watch out for those crabbies, they can be so mean!
Lets talk about Petty Harbour here for a moment; It has so many great not so hidden treasures. My girlfriend and I were originally heading out to an early lunch at this new cafe we had heard about called The Watershed. Nestled in the heart of Petty Harbour and right on the water, The Watershed Cafe is one of the nicest I have been to in and around St. Johns- not to mention some of the best scenery around. Now if you are unlike myself and like the crazy rush of the city, you may find Petty Harbour a little quiet BUT if your looking to feel a little isolated and not travel too far away from St. Johns, do yourself the favour and take a few hours to head out to the Harbour. The watershed offers all kinds of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, ice coffee, cappuccino and so much more. You also have the option of eating outside if one should choose to do so.
Also located in the heart of Petty Harbour is the Mini Aquarium, which has fun for all age groups. If you're like myself and love all creatures than the touch tanks that the aquarium offers will be right up your alley. The have starfish of all sizes, a few varieties of crabs and other sea urchins for you to touch and play with if you choose to do so. I will say: watch out for those crabbies, they can be so mean!
So here we are and its almost mid September. I’ve arrived in Corner Brook, started school and have already completed a pile of new adventures and activities. Living on the west coast of the island is like living in the middle of nature’s playground. All of the best hiking, camping, biking and all other outdoor activities seems to live here. There is never a dull moment. With that said there will be lots of new entries and adventures to write about!
Until next time!
-E
Until next time!
-E