The Big LAST Tour Stop, Powell River!
I’ll work backwards slightly as I try to capture the amount of things already in the books for our short time spent in Powell River thus far. Bear with me, as the list is long and full and we still have 2 days to go here in Powell River folks!
Saturday had us cross our final Ferry from Vancouver Island to the Mainland (though it feels like we are on an island as it would take many hours of driving north, then west, then south, to reach here from Vancouver). Be that way, we made the crossing in just over an hour from a wet day of running, filled with more bus love than you’d think we could take in.
My (honorary aunt) Glynnis and hubby Tom, hop scotched us for the afternoon, cheering us on as we ran by. Glynnis even ran with me for 3 sections! She also worked tirelessly, to tee up many opportunities on our final day running through Qualicum. Unfortunately, we had mileage still to cover, a 3pm Ferry to catch, so were unable to stop and speak at the numerous functions she had secured. Thanks for all your energy, your tenacity because you too believe in this and being another in a looooong list of “Local Hero’s”. We love you Glynnis!
Catching the 3pm Ferry, we promptly fell asleep (check out Steph), as the night was going to be long with a months-in-the-planning Fund Raiser dinner, Brenda, Andy, Rick and Shaunah (a team member whom we finally met), had organized! These three (plus countless others), put hundreds of hours and pulled many “friend favours”, to organize a tasty pasta dinner (and desert tray we were glad to be running off), silent auction and music fit for Royalty at the Town Center Hotel. Thanks to you all, for your incredible support to coming home, in Powell River!
The long list of other sponsors for our weekend events included: Save-On Foods, Modern Windows, Starbucks, Pacific Coast Airlines, Underwriters Insurance, BC Ferries, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort: Spa and many others.
Our fellow Knucklehead female member Jeanette, painted an original, which left us speechless. I can’t wait to post a photo for all to see her creative genius and the perfect way she captured the moment along the #3 Highway, last May. Thanks Jeanette, your spirit has touched us deeply with your heart and your talent.
Earlier, we were even surprised by Laura (our Run Director) and her 2-cutie pie daughter’s, Brianna and Amelia down on the docks, with hugs and kisses so large; we almost fell into the water! They were amongst another LARGE “posse’ of family and friends”, intent on welcoming us in like, (I know, I know, but “Old friends” is really the theme continual). Steph’s uncle Richard even made the journey to share in the arrival and to run in the First of many, “Powell River/Run For One Planet Earth Runs”!
Andy, Rick and company, marked and cleared an absolutely world-class trail-run through 2nd growth forest the town is currently negotiating to purchase, for a “legacy of nature” for Powell River. It was mind blowing, as our lungs took in the rich oxygen from tress older than time, and connected us forever with this incredible place in the woods. We were thrilled to be cheered in by our newest R41P cheerleader, Tia and her Mom Gloria, as we ran through the forest with everyone who joined for the 5 & 10 km loop in the woods!
Local Hero’s abound here in Powell River and we feel incredibly grateful for their belief in us, what the tour has succeeded in spreading and are excited to begin a long relationship with this inaugural run for the Earth here.
The run culminated with a celebration in the field, where main sponsor, Save On Foods and other’s supported the post race with veggie dogs and other delectables! It was so much fun to speak with everyone at the first “eco-fair” and envision next year’s event with a field full of runners and eco-participants! Thanks to EVERYONE who decided to be there, your support is HUGE! Small steps truly add up!
The 2nd half of the day had us steal a quiet spot by the water, to brainstorm with friends, Bernice and Frank (our other team mate in the photos and video department) and newest road member (because of visits), Rob “he’s quite the fellow” Kelly. Everyone was bringing ideas together for our talk at Epic! Thanks Rob, B and Frank, and Amber, your collective thoughts and creative input made it happen for Steph and me. We will be ready to share the year with everyone at Epic because of YOU!
And no celebration day would be complete without the in-famous “back yard BBQ”!! Brenda Shelton, (our amazing, ask for anything and get it, Tour Manager and reason we were here), set up a feast. Along with brother Rick (our car clearing Knucklehead), they hosted an intimate group with some cold one’s and grub fit for, you guessed it, Royalty! We even pulled out the Bachi balls with the kid-lets and ran some laps around the house (again, getting our road weary butts whipped), to cap an incredible entry into Powell River and make memorable memories, with old friends and new!
Thanks everyone, for a life memory weekend!