Uphill training

Yesterday we put some weight in our backpacks (approx. 10 lbs.) and went for a 5 hr hike up Mount Tolmie and down the other side... on to Mount Douglas, up the road and down the Irvine Trail which was quite rocky & steep....the hiking poles were very useful.  Luckily there was a breeze to cool us off and a pit stop for an ice cream at the 7-eleven helped as well. Every hour or so we stopped, took the packs off, and took our shoes & socks off to air our feet, changed into dry socks.  No bad after effects today & slept well last night.

6 hr walk - training

Yesterday we went for our first 6 hr walk....started at Sayward Rd and walked for 3 hrs along the Lockside Trail to Cy Hampton Park and then returned.  The terrain was flat, the sun was shining, and we discovered two accesses to the water that we hadn't seen in our cycling days along the trail.  Stopped very hour or so and took off our shoes & socks and had a snack. Had our backpacks but not fully loaded.   It wasn't too bad at all.  Derek has sore ball of one foot today & Gayle is a little sunburnt on one arm.  Saw two squashed garter snakes on the road and two herons fishing on the seashore.  The trail was busy with cyclists.

more training

Sunday 26th June

Had to do another 4hrs walk for our training ...consecutive days...this time up Henderson Road through UVIC and along Gordon Head road to Feltham...through Lambrik park to Kenmore...to Majestic and then up Ash road to Gordon Head again and back home via the same way going...total time 4hrs
Fortunately, no aches or pains so far.....

more training

Saturday, June 25th

A long walk downtown Victoria and back along the waterfront via Fisherman's Wharf ( stopped for soft ice cream) past the breakwater along Dallas road.  Watched 3 massive cruise ships coming in.  Continued along Dallas road to Cook street.  Up Cook street to Fort and then back home along Richmond.  Total time spend with half weight in our backpacks = 4 hrs.

preparing for our trip

we are now training by walking lots and doing exercises to strengthen our body for the long hike