Orcas Island Visit

Eric, Carmen, and I had a wonderful visit to Orcas Island this past weekend. We got to spend some quality time with the Myles-Era family! It was also nice to be there for Ronna's 40th birthday.

This picture of Westsound was taken from our hike up Mt Turtleback.

Aww...my sis and my hubby.

Carmen likes the ocean. I love how her ears are blowing in the wind in this pic.

The One That Didn't Get Away

Carmen had a great time on the trip, but gave us a scare when she took off after a huge rabbit colony on our Mt Turtleback hike. We were able to find her after about 15 minutes of searching (her nose still in a rabbit den). You can't really blame her...it was like putting a child in a candy shop! We just love her so much and are glad that she's happy and healthy.

Victory at Kringle Kross!

I had an exciting race on December 30th at Kringle Kross in Seattle's Magnusen Park. In Europe, the cyclocross season goes well into January. In the States, it ends mid-December. Kringle Kross was created in the spirit of European cyclocross! I knew there would be a smaller turnout since the race was after the Seattle Cyclocross Series and near the holidays. Well, that smaller turnout and the fact that I felt really strong allowed me my first win in the women's Cat 3! After the race we all enjoyed Belgian waffles and frittes (fries) and took Carmen to the huge dog park near by.

Brandee on the podium! Notice our Norwegian Cowbell trohpies.

The race started "Le Mans style", meaning we had to run out and back to our bikes. I'm the furthest one in the distance in green.

This picture shows one of the barrier sections with Belgian flags.

Our teammate Jason's daughter Andrea, won at Cyclocross Nationals (in her age group of girls 10-12) in Kansas City this fall. She now gets to wear the stars and stripes jersey. I had to have my picture taken with this little force to be reckoned with!