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That time we came face to face with a bear
Thanks for all your comments in yesterday’s post about the Lake Tahoe Ironman being cancelled after my husband signed up for it, trained his heart out, and only to be disappointed by the outcome. Ironman rectified the situation, which I have to be honest about – am shocked, really. Ironman is known for never issuing refunds, but they sent out an e-mail yesterday giving athletes options for other races for a discounted price, or signing up for Ironman Lake Tahoe 2015 for free or nearly free.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances which lead to cancelling Ironman Lake Tahoe on Sunday, my husband and I still managed to have a decent trip before it was called off. Our drive up took a little longer than usual, mainly due to traffic – but once we got close to Tahoe, the road cleared out.
During our stay we rented a room at The Inn At Truckee. The hotel itself is a little outdated but overall we had a great stay. Our room was basic, but it was spacious, clean, had an updated bathroom and dog friendly. Even though the hotel is off the I-80 we didn’t hear any highway noise throughout the night.
The Queen Room we rented included a fridge, a fridge, microwave and bonus: cable tv and free wi-fi for guests. There wasn’t a hair dryer in the room, so I walked down to the front desk and they let me borrow one for the duration of our stay. It’s great going to Ironman events like this, because we get to explore new-to-us cities, since we are new to California and this is our first time out in North Lake Tahoe. My husband and I don’t have cable, so we both love indulging in a bit of television when we’re on vacation. The Inn At Truckee was in close proximity to many shops and restaurants, so we walked anywhere if we needed to pick something up. Continental breakfast is available in the morning from 6:30am – 9:30am in the front lobby. There isn’t too much of a selection, but the fact that it’s free to guests is a bonus which we really appreciated.
However on our second night, we had a bit of unexpected company when we went outside to hop in the car and grab a bit of supper. It was dusk when we left the hotel, and we exited the side door of the hotel. This is when we came face to face with a bear. I’m surprised that my natural instinct was not to scream, but simply boot it back into the hotel, I suppose fear silenced me. Luckily we were close to the door and got back inside quickly. We were no more than 8-10 feet from this black bear, hanging out on its four paws rifling through the garbage can. The bear was as scared as we were thankfully, so it took off when we ran. The Guy mentioned our bear sighting to the friendly woman at the Inn At Truckee front desk, and she said it’s common this time of year. Holy smokes, we definitely got a freight, that’s for sure.
For comparison, the bear was at this garbage, and we were were on the path that leads to the side door shown.
The day before the race, The Guy needed to head back to Squaw Valley where the Ironman Village was, to pick up a few essential items and tour around the expo.. This is when I decided to finally dive into one of my Taste of Nature bars. These little bars were given to us as freebies at the BlogHer conference in July, but they contacted me shortly after to see if I wanted to receive more and possibly review them. They’re delicious, Canadian, and all natural (organic + gluten free too). So I brought a bunch with me to enjoy over the weekend. Since I gave up Paleo, the majority of my snacks still are clean, and mostly paleo friendly. So this was nice to bring with me, along with my unsweetened dried mango, and raw nuts. I’ve seen them both sold in stores in the USA and in Newfoundland, Canada when I went back home to visit. I can talk more about them if you wanted, in another blog post.
Alfie was being a little villain, barking at everyone in sight. Luckily most people found him cute.
Of course he’s only quiet when he’s in my arms and lemme tell you, it’s kinda difficult taking these pictures from a BlackBerry, holding a ten pounder in your arms. I have skills. Here’s a look around the Ironman Village, and Transition areas:
Alfie the rule breaker.
I’d like one of these two shirts. Preferably support crew.
The bikes all set up in transition, the day before the morning of the official race start, then cancellation.
Alfie and I hanging out in a massive ol’ chair in Squaw Valley Resort, where transition 2, and the finish line was.
He’s smiley, until you speak to him. Angry schnogg.
Athletes meeting.
I don’t think this truck has wings.
Walking back to the car, we spotted a paraglider coming down off one of the ski hills at the Squaw Valley Resort. Not something you see everyday.
This was also the time the smoke was at its heaviest, late afternoon in Squaw Valley – you couldn’t see too far ahead due to all of the smoke.
We had only arrived the night before, so The Guy decided to drive the Bike Course as it was known for a lot of twists and turns in the road. Shortly after I took this picture, The Guy ran over a squirrel. He was so upset, and I know this is morbid of me, but I couldn’t help but laugh when he said he’d have to pass it on his bike and knew that he was the one who killed it. I always seem to laugh at the most inappropriate times. I swear, I had to hide my face from him in the car because tears were streaming down my face from silently laughing. Poor little squirrel.
So what’s The Guy’s plan now that Ironman Lake Tahoe got cancelled? Find another race, ASAP. How about you? Did you get screwed with the Kings Fire at Lake Tahoe this weekend? Friggen’ arsonist.
Thinking Out Loud Thursday #6
I’m not sure what has me in a funk this week, but my bad day turned into a bad week, unfortunately. As much as I like to keep my blog positive and try not to dwell on the not so nice things going around, sometimes it’s nice to hear a blogger talk about how everything isn’t always perfect. Because it’s not.
I had a major dental procedure done on Tuesday and again this morning which I think is the primary cause of all my grief this week. My teeth are sore, I’m feeling miserable and one of my new fixin’s feels like I have this huge cavity when I bite down sometimes. I immediately called the Dentist when the local anaesthetic wore off, but he seemed to convince me it’s normal for my nerves all up in there to feel sore. If it’s the same in 2 weeks, we’re going to discuss it again. Says he. Luckily I have a sympathetic husband and he brought home all sorts of soft foods for me to eat, which I thought was kind. Chocolate pudding, Alphaghetti, Chicken soup, bananas and mashed potatoes! Keeper.
I’m exciting for the numbing to wear off my mouth, because later on today I’m driving to San Francisco to attend a POPSUGAR Select event, are any of you going?
Anyway, since that’s all out in the open and it’s been a few months since I did a Thinking Out Loud Thursday post, so I thought I’d jump back into it once again.
1. When I arrived back to California, The Guy greeted me with roses, food and drink when he picked Alfie and I up. You know he missed us when!
2. While I was in Newfoundland, I stocked up on three more pairs of mirrored sunnies from Ardene. I love their 3 for $15 deal. I can’t justify paying hundreds of dollars for sunglasses, since I always seem to SIT on mine. I don’t know how it happens.
3. My first day back to California, Jessica and I headed out to Mountain View for a blogging meet-up. I got this massive sandwich — sandwiches for days even, with sweet potato fries. It wasn’t all that good to be honest.
4. I think Alfie is happy to be back in California!
5. One of The Guy’s old coworkers from Canada moved down to the area with his wife (Mary Pam) and child. His wife and I know the same people… (get this)… in NEWFOUNDLAND. I mean, come on world, how much smaller can we get? So awesome. Mary Pam, her baby and I hung out for over four hours earlier this week! We had so much fun and I found a new-to-me place in Sunnyvale that sells the most delicious iced coffee I’ve had in my entire life. So much so I’ve already been back to have it again. There goes another three bucks!
6. Missing these sweet faces already.
7. I won a Nintendo Wii U from the BlogHer closing party #McDBlogHer! I love you McDonald’s. It arrived when I was in Newfoundland, so luckily The Guy was home to accept the delivery.
How has your week been? Any plans for the weekend?
Alfie’s transition from Canada to California
When I attended BlogHer’14 a few weeks ago in San Jose, I couldn’t help but gravitate towards the Pets Add Life booth that was set up. I spoke with the women who worked there a couple of times, and they mentioned that over 75% of blog readers have pets, most of them being dogs. Which got me thinking, I rarely talk about Alfie on the blog.
He’s literally smiling for the camera. Love when he does this.
I thought I’d talk about his transition from Canada to California as I’ve gotten questions about Alfie’s big move to the USA. To be honest with you, when people ask me if Alfie has adjusted well from the move, I don’t know what answers they’re looking for. There wasn’t a moment where he flicked a switch and he was a different dog.
If anything I would assume he’s much more happier down here in sunny California. Going from being mainly an indoor dog (yes his business too) with only 700-800 sq feet to run around in, to getting up to four walks a day with me and over 1500 sq feet of a nice town house. One can only assume that is a much preferred lifestyle on his part. He’s definitely a smiley pup, always has been – I can’t get over the fact we’ve had him 4+ years! He still acts like a puppy, given his size.
Think’s he’s King of the Castle with two beds (one is old, other is brand new and he LOVES his beds)
He had a fairly easy adjustment if I do say so. Not once was he confused or act out. He did manage to pee inside by accident but that’s purely my fault since he’s used to going outside every 3-4 hrs and in Canada he went whenever he wanted as he was an indoor dog (to a specific designated pee pad area).
It’s exhausting having so much fun all day long.
He’s a pretty chill dog when he’s around us. When he sees movement, whether it’s a leaf blowing in the wind, a child running, or a person sitting on a bench, that’s another story. He thinks he’s king of the castle and I’m pretty sure he barks to hear his own voice, or to try and scare people. It doesn’t work.
For the sixty hour drive in the uhaul coming down to California, he definitely didn’t want to be put into his crate but he obliged and I took him out and sat him on my lap where he slept on occasion. It was a tiring trip for him too since there weren’t any specific rest periods. My husband and I were driving non-stop swapping seats with one another trying to get to California as quickly as possible. It was tiring.
We are lucky he was able to come directly with us as he’s so tiny and can fit into a carrier. If we had a larger dog in sure I’d be far more scary for him to be shipped down and left alone waiting for us.
I’ll huff and bark under my breath for belly rubs.
I’ve been keeping up with his obedience training at home. He’s pretty wicked at the sign language, but he’s too smart for his own good. He knows when to put on a show for me, and when I try and calm him down when he’s viciously barking at people outside, he won’t listen to me until I pick him up and shield his eyeballs like blinders so he doesn’t see people passing by us. Most people get a kick out of him, but there’s times when I’m embarrassed as some strangers aren’t so friendly with him. They’ll either bark back at him (I know. What the hey), or give me glares like my dog is going to attack them. I swear he’s not.
We take him everywhere we can with us, especially on weekends. He loves going in car rides, and sometimes hops into The Guys car in the morning, right into the passenger seat thinking he’s going for a ride somewhere. Here’s Alfie & I out on a hike a few weekends ago in Los Gatos.
I kind of want to teach him to drive, next. :)
He’s a happy boy, and we love him dearly.
Too bad he hates selfies.
Questions for you:
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
What’s your favourite type of animal?
Do you like having Alfie featured on the blog? Should I do more?