It has been a really enjoyable summer so far. We have had some great weather up here in B.C. and have been able to do a lot of outdoor activities.

When we first got home in May there was still 5 feet of snow at the base of the ski hill. It was warm out so we hiked up to the top of the ski runs with our sleds and slid down. It was quite an adventure and unusual to be sledding at that time of year.

As the weather has warmed up, my wife and I have spent most of our time camping, fishing, mountain biking, and hanging with our daughter; it has been a lot of fun watching her learn so many new things.

A couple of weeks ago I drove my atv -- which you can see in the picture -- into a puddle about about 4 feet deep and had to walk home to get my truck to tow it out. Probably not the smartest thing I have done ... but it was fun.

Now the training is really starting to pick up for this season. I've already started skating to get ready for Nashville's camp and I also have an Olympic camp for Team Canada at the end of August.

Dan Hamhuis
July 2009