Notes from Bastion Ross: Auld Lang Syne

Dear Bastion

The last month has been one for the ages, hopefully not to be seen for a long, long time to come. 2006 has also been memorable in a lot of other ways other than wind, rain, droughts, earthquakes, etc. There has been weddings, births, passings, graduations, comings and goings in our little community, with some good times had and records set in the past twelve months. There was Steve Osadiuk's victory at Victoria, the great day at Cedar, Norm's win at the Momar, Stefan heading off to Turkey, we lost a Ferry and everybody watched some eagles for a while.

We bid a fond farewell to 2006 this Sunday night and welcome a brave new 2007 in on Monday morning (as a public service I've included the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne). In that spirit our New Years Run and Dip is going down at 10:00 am at Westwood Lake. We gather together for a social run of the lake finished off with an optional dip into the lake. Plenty of coffee, hot
chocolate and cinnamon buns available for everyone afterwards as we catch up on all the great things we will accomplish in 2007. The weather looks good with no chance of ice on the lake. In past years some people have reported meeting God after a headlong dive but a quick dash in and out should be no problem at all.

And why do we do this, you might ask? The principle behind all dips and swims is the same. It is a way to create a clean slate for yourself. A rebirth, and all births are by nature painful as a method of opening our minds to new realities. If we didn't have a clean slate there would be no
hope for the future because we would be stuck with a huge staggering load of emotional and spiritual baggage as the years rolled by. So do yourself a favour and participate in this golden opportunity to shed your burdens and make 2007 the best year yet.

Next Sunday, January 7th is the annual AGM at the lounge in Earls. A social kicks off at 5:00 pm and the AGM starts at 6:00. Afterwards the social will go until the last person drops. Free appies and a drink provided. It should be a good way to unwind before the work week starts
again.

The Island Series is starting on January 14th in Saanich with the third race, our own Cedar 12 K happening on February 11th. If you can help out by volunteering there are positions available such as parking or registration which can allow you to still do the race. Then there are road
marshal and food jobs that are great for those who don't want to race.

Email me or Robert Cross at robertcross@telus.net to sign up.

As we head into the new year it is time once again for me to remind people to pay their dues for 2007. Fees are the same as always. $10 for individual membership and $15 for family. You can pick up membership forms at Frontrunners or you get one online in the Membership section of the Bastion website (just scroll down a bit.). The address is http://www.bastionrunning.ca . You can also pay online there via Events Online. Its quick and painless and the way of the future. If you go with the hard copy forms, you can pay your dues at Frontrunners, give it to one of the Executive or you can mail it to;

Bastion Running Club
P.O. Box 2004
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9R 6X5

Party Smarty,
Ross