Races in the Rain

Have you ever been the track? Where the horses race? In the rain?

Well, I've been to the track, where horses run but never in the down pour we experience over the weekend. While our friend had never been to the races and had asked if we'd go with her. So despite the rain we headed out.

During the race season at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, every Sunday is dollar day. Meaning parking is a dollar, the entrance is a dollar, the program is a dollar, beer is a dollar and I bet you can't guess how much the hot dogs are... yep, you're right a dollar. When we arrived a guy was on his way out and handed us the program, so we saved a dollar to bet later.

There is a cover section on the bottom floor where you can purchase food and place bets. Placing bets is the best thing about going to the races. And even better if you have no idea about the horses or know what the odds mean. Plus, most of the data that is provided does not account for the track condition, which was squishy at the very least.

My first bet was to show, meaning I was hoping for my horse to come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd - which it didn't. Then we bet on a race at Santa Anita track, or that was the plan. Our friend forgot to tell the clerk that she wanted the Santa Anita race so her bet was placed for the next Golden gate field race. Oops. We notice in the program later that it tells you to check your ticket before you leave the counter, just for this reason.

J went for a Perfecta or Exacta or Straight Forecast (UK). A bet placed on two horses but they must cross the finish line in exact chosen order.

We lost our bets, like many others. But we had a fun time, and that's what really matters.

A day at the Pool

I've seen the Kitsilano pool. I sat in the bleachers south of the pool, but until yesterday I had never actually touched the water in the pool.

This salt water pool opened around the second week of May and cloese in mid-September. You can purchase a pass or just drop in anytime for under $5.

The pool is one of the longest in Canada and offers beach like access along with three slides. It is heated to 77 degrees and offers a snack bar.

The city of Vancouver offers a total of 14 pools (9 indoor and 5 outdoor) but by far, Kitsilano pool has the best views of the beach, the mountains, and don't forget about people watching.

photo taken by Joel Wener at 10:30pm.

BMX

During my jaunt to southern California in late June my friend Hugh invited us to the track. Well the BMX track. He recently decided to get a BMX bike and get riding with his friends after spending a few sessions snapping photos. So this time I'm the photographer.

So here's Hugh (black jersey. silver helmet) in all his glory.

Then the fancy riders came out to show out their aerial skills. Check out the tutu.

I tried following the red rider around the track to see if I could snap him still while all else blurred out. What do you think? How'd I do?

This rider did some amazing moves. But I learned that when BMX riders race they actually try to minimize the air time because the more pedal rotations they can get in, the faster they go, the better their chance of winning. So that's why BMXers will push the back tire down over the little bumps.

Also did you know that BMX is an Olympic sport this year? Yes really. One of the girls at the track was on the team. She participated at the Olympic BMX trails in San Diego (well Chula Vista) where Mike Day rode an amazing ... check it out. The course is a replica of what they will face in China.

Ten Days until the Olympics begin!!

Pick a Paddle, Let's Row

Kayaking, canoeing and dragon boating are big sports here. Basically if you can do it on water, Vancouverites know how and best of all love to teach other.

This weekend not only is the Crohn's and Colitis walk (which we sponsored a friend and did the 5k walk), the Greek festival but also the 20th Annual Dragon Boat Races, which prompted me to head down to False Creek Community Centre to watch one of the boats practice for the upcoming races and snap a few photos of other water related items and activities.

(my dragon boat photos seem to be having some issues loading)

Click here to see dragon boat festival photos.

Big Booters

So after a foot injury eight years ago, I put away my cleats and shin guards and haven't played since. But a few weeks ago J and I ventured out to watch a friend play in a rec game out on the university fields.

I brought my camera thinking I would entertain myself with shooting photos and I did. But with our friend's team losing, it got me thinking about playing again. I talked with Gill and it turned out that there was a spot open. So four of us headed out to kick around a ball to see how my foot would hold up.

Three weeks ago I played my first game in eight years. And my foot was fine but my right groin muscle was strained. I spent the following week stretching, wrapping it with a heating pad and massaging it. Last week, we tied earning the Big Booters its first point (yes, we were in last place).

But tonight, we connected more passes which resulted in more goals. You guessed it, we won. Our first win of the season 3-2, with two more games to go. Hopefully we can move up the standing list before the team heads into playoffs.

Now I need to find new boots as my old ones are cracked and two cleats have snapped off. Plus, a new pair of shin guards and a new ball would be nice to. It's nice to be back in the game.

Flying High at Jericho beach

We ventured down the sand and found colorful tents scattered along the shore and bright canopies zipping across the sky.

Kite surfing. It's a hot sport and as it turns out there was a kite surfing camp in session.

But the kites weren't the only things in the sky... this beautiful bird circled above us before perching in a nearby tree.

There was plenty to look at as many families strolled the walkway, taking Mom out for a day in the sunshine. Happy Mom's day.

Today was the opening day of MLB spring training. Do you know what that means? It means that the warmth of spring is near. For the players most are soaking up the seasonally warm weather of Florida and Arizona. Ah, to be in weather warmer than 40 degrees... Aside from the warm weather, the colorful array of flowers and the chance to finally take a bike ride without my insides freezing, spring is the beginning of Baseball season. Oh, the peanuts and sunflower seeds, the hot dogs with ketchup (of course), and cotton candy. Yes, I love that flavored candy floss.

I dug out my Cubbies hat and sported in honor of their opening match against the SF Giants. Thankfully, the Cubs had a great opener and I was happy to call my friend who's a big Giants fan and gloat, just a little.