November 2013

While some locals pick the off-season to vacation in sunny climes, November is the perfect month to rest up for active winter days. Red Bulls and vodka at the lake turn into red wine and dark chocolate by the fire. Sound tracks go from Daft Punk to Ludovico Einaudi. Hedonism makes way for reflection.

Every time I update my resume or write a cover letter I have to admit that I’m surprised at the work involved. My mind goes blank on what to say and how to say it let alone what I’ve been doing in the last years. It feels like the first time I rode the Haul Back T-Bar… I’m a tad overwhelmed, feeling a bit self-conscious, and knowing I just need to dive in as the outcome is well worth it.

The last time I ran a half marathon I pounded pavement on the streets of Ottawa, running past parliament buildings with 15,000 others surrounded by city skyline. When I crossed the finish line, I said I’d never run that far again.

And yet, here I am on a warm October morning running along the Elk River with 398 others for the Fernie Half Marathon. The view, unlike Ottawa, is much more beautiful, a whole lot fresher and there’s no city noise. Only snow-capped mountains.

This is how a half-marathon should be.

An integral part of the Fernie Museum’s new exhibit is a feature introducing visitors to five historic figures from Fernie’s past. In the group are a politician, an explorer, a European immigrant, a youngster and an artist. The artist - Grace Dvorak (nee Arbuckle) spent her childhood in Coal Creek. She married Frank Dvorak and raised three children in Fernie. Grace was fascinated by history and kept her memories of Fernie and Coal Creek alive through her poems. Grace passed away in 2010.