2011.1.31 - Fixing the bed

Yesterday I almost broke my back when I attempted a Fosbury flop to the bed, by missing only a few inches. The result was sore lumbar vertebrae would probably last for weeks or months. And I had to replace the broken foot board tonight. The picture is the bed after the fix. The board is actually a piece of MDF for desks I bought from Home Depot. The color is not exact but similar.

2011.1.30 - Hike the Ken Reid CA

Went hiking at Ken Reid Conservation Area today. One hour good walk for 6km around the small park. Great weather!

 The dogs are always crazy about sticks.

 I like the tree shadows on the snow covered farm field.

After the hike we had a meeting at Tom and Laura's house about the QEII.

2011.1.29 - Rouge Park Tobogganing

 Station Gallery in Whitby has programs for kids, and I found a few photo opportunities outside the gallery. It would be interesting if I had a little more time to take a few more pictures.

 Went to Rouge Park for tobogganing. However my boy didn't like the workout climbing up the big hill. So, we went hiking after a couple slides. The closed section of riverside trail wasn't too difficult for us, we had a lot fun actually.

2011.1.28 - Discover the winter fun

20% off all snowshoes at Atmosphere. Almost all the winter outdoor activities are associated with snow. Without snow, the winter would be so boring. Earlier today I check out the Playitagain Sports, they have a pair of nice used xc poles for $15. But they were too long for my height. Otherwise I would have bought them.

2011.1.27 - Easton Cottontail Rabbit

Found in my backyard. They are pretty common.

2011.1.26 - Night hike @ Seaton Hiking Trail

It was quite a good hike. I guess I'll do it again a few weeks later while winter still here. The first half part of trail is rolling hills, and the rest are mostly downhill and pretty flat along the creek. Everyone on the trail was keeping up very good. We finished the 10km hike at average speed about 4.5km/hr including some short breaks. I kept my headlamp off almost all the time, without the lamp, you can actually see much more. One time we were off to the wrong trail and found a fresh killed animal, we couldn't identify it because only hair left. Tonight's weather is awesome.  About -4ish, no wind. That was great!

2011.1.25 - Collision repair

When people go to body shops and get their cars fixed, they don't know how the jobs are done. Some cars supposed to be totaled but many of them are fixed and go back to the road. Bumper benders are probably ok but when you have a major damage to your car, you need a honest bodyman and make informed decision.

2011.1.24 - Ice Box is here

I guess I'm crazy. Why I spent $200+ on just a few pieces of plastic? If I can't build a decent igloo with this "igloo tool", I would be running naked on the frozen lake.

2011.1.23 - Oshawa Civic Complex, the Dome

The Dome holds a few tennis courts, 2 badminton courts, and nice 200m rubber running tracks. It's good to be inside when it's too cold to do exercise outside.

2011.1.22 - Hike the Rouge Park loop

I was going to hike the park anyway, so why not put up an event. It was a good 10km walk through the park, typical valley kind of terrain. It's always good to be outside, isn't it?

2011.1.21 - Friday night skating

Brought my boy to skate at Iroquois Park Sports Centre. Located at small town of Whitby, IPSC is Canada’s largest municipal sports and recreation complex. It's a shame I don't know how to skate. I don't mind tumbling around, just need a good coach to start. :)

2011.1.20 - Intro to Scuba Diving

Went with TOC for a introduction session at Scuba 2000, Richmond Hill. I wasn't expect how much fun I had under the water. The pool wasn't big, and only 10ft deep. But when you under there, you are free as a bird. My cell phone worked well under water although the photo quality is not quite good. Anyway, bad picture is better than no picture, right?

2011.1.19 - Snowman

This morning I drove by this lonely snowman standing still on the side of hwy7 while I was listening to the CBC radio talking about Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

2011.1.18 - Canada Geese

It's interesting how they travel. You probably can see the geese anywhere year round. Being a biologist must be fun while could be frustrate when you just can't figure out how things work out.

2011.1.17 - Sports night

The church my wife goes to holds a sports night every Monday. We can play a number of games like badminton, basketball, volleyball, or exercise qigong. I always like active ways to connect people together, that's how a healthy community should be based on.

2011.1.16 - Snowshoe the Boyne

 Went snowshoeing with Judith's group. Seven of us finished Boyne and Primrose Loop (12.6km and 4km/hr moving average). Great weather, a little bit on the cooler side (I guess it was around -15c, when there was wind, felt like -25c.). Thanks all!

Between Primrose and Murphy's Pinnacle

Michael is taking a shot of Murphy's Pinnacle

The old TTC bus - Super Burger

2011.1.15 - Snow day

 We had a nice snow fall this morning. So I took my family to the Greenwood Conservation Area for a little walk, along with our toboggan. 

There are a few nicely built mountain biking bridges in the woods, I should visit them in the summer. Tobogganing with snowshoes is not a good idea but flying down the MB drop is even worse. My bottom can still feel the bang at night.

2011.1.14 - Morning lights in the backyard

To me, Friday it's the beginning of a new week. Every once in a while, I'll take today off for a 3 day overnight trip. However, today is not the case. Anyway, I can already feel the renewed energy flowing through the morning sunlight. The snow is so pure and beautiful, man the winter is too short, so get off your butt and embrace the freshness before it's gone.

2011.1.13 - Following in the footsteps of the group seven

 I have to thank Sue and Jim Waddington for having such a great session tonight. I've always been inspired by the paintings of group seven. Since '60s and '70s Sue and Jim have spent most of their vacation time following the footsteps of the group of seven, finding the sites where the artists painted. So we can follow them through their trips into the wilderness, revisit the sites where the artists got their inspirations.

A. Y. Jackson: When I'm making a sketch, I try to emphasize the things I want and ignore ... But what you always strive for is an intensification of nature. ...

When I go camping, enjoying the beauty of the great Canadian outdoors, I do make my version of intensified nature which I think is somewhat reflection of intensification of myself. That is one of the reasons why I love it so much.



Web links FYI:
http://www.groupofseven.ca
http://www.willisville.ca 
http://www.nfb.ca/film/canadian_landscape
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118326498207902

2011.1.12 - Bad experience in a service shop

Usually I fix my own cars, that's the benefit (or downside, sometimes) to be a mechanic. Well, from time to time I have to visit other shops for service like wheel alignment, emission test, etc because our shop doesn't have the equipment. Today, I went to Car House for e-test to get my sticker renewed. After e-test I found my emergency brake is not working any more. I went back and ask them did they notice that they just broke my emergency brake cable, but all they did was denial. I'm a mechanic, sometimes shit happens. Parts could fail at anytime, it only means you're having a bad day when it happens in your hand. However, refusing to admit it is not a man thing to do. If they were able to tell me what had happened (I guess they guy who drove my car depressed the release pedal a little bit too hard, not his fault), I wouldn't bother to ask them for the responsibility. Bad service at least, that's all I could say.

2011.1.11 - My work boot

Having them for almost 3 years and still working for me with a few broken parts. Didn't have any accident related to them but some of my coworkers did have a few blood shedding experiences. My boots probably don't remember how many tires they kicked, how many times they covered in who-knows-what fluids, and how often they tripped upon dangling air hoses. Hail to my old trusty boots!

2011.1.10 - Workplace

After lunch, our bodyman took a nap. A few years ago he used to work 60~70 hours a week to support his family but now he couldn't do it anymore. The years of hard work ruined his health. The garage is a harsh environment for us but we have to take it to make ends meet. I consider myself lucky because many people working in auto repair shops working strenuously long hours for peanuts and don't have time to enjoy the great Canadian outdoors.

2011.1.8/9 - Camping out on the McCrae Lake area, again.

 Went winter camping with TOC. My finger tips performed better this time, hopefully they will stay put thorough out the season. I'm trying to become a comfortably lighter backpacker. Ideally for winter overnight camping it should be around 25lbs all included. Areas need to be improved are clothing systems and gear arrangements. Cooking system is also need to be lightened and precisely controlled.

2011.1.7 - Honda Civic Cracked Exhaust Manifold

At model year around 2001, Honda Civics are famous for cracked exhaust manifold. Because it is integrated with catalytic converter, the parts cost is high. A new one from the deal is about $1,000. We usually weld the crack, usually around the necks or oxygen sensor holes. The job takes 1.5 hour more or less depends on the conditions.

2011.1.6 - Sitting on the Red Light

Your brain goes blank when you sitting on a red light, eyes wide open, hands on the steering wheel, foot on the brake.

2011.1.5 - Heber Down Conservation Area

 Stopped by Heber Down Conservation Area this morning. You can always find peace of mind in the woods when no people around.

 Stairs to the top of hill near Devil's Den pond.

The little pavilion on top of the hill.

2011.1.4 - Snowy morning

There was light snow. On the way to work I stopped by the Seaton Hiking Trail at Forest Stream parking lot. I  walked up to the lookout and took this picture. I like the dramatic effect that HDR technique poses.

2011.1.3 - Morning, woods

The morning was clear. It's always exciting when the sun lights up the blue sky. The tremendous energy from the sun is our true God who makes everything possible.

2011.1.2 - HDR Photography

First try on HDR (high dynamic range) imaging. It looks weird but I like the effect.