Boating on Lac Leman

During the Summer months, life in Geneva revolves around Lac Leman. Last year, that meant many evening swims after work or picnics with friends. This week, we had the opportunity to enjoy it in a new way, via boat.

A few months ago, Geneva’s version of Groupon, BuyClub, featured a deal which I couldn’t let pass: 2 hours of boating on the lake. The package included 2 hours on a boat large enough for 8 people, the option to tube and a bottle of champagne. Renting a boat is typically quite an expensive proposition, especially in Geneva, so securing this deal at 60% off the regular price was perfect!

As it was a popular deal, we had to wait two months before we could use the voucher. The wait paid off as Wednesday night could not have been more perfect. After a full week of rain and cool weather, we were blessed with sunshine and 85 degree temperatures as we each left our offices Wednesday night. 094 At 6:30, ready for some relaxation, we met our boat on a dock near the Jet d’eau. Our group took their offer to bring our own snacks and beverages seriously, bringing multiple bags of food for the boat trip and our BBQ afterwards.

096Within minutes of leaving the dock we cracked open the beers and wine. We were all ready for a mid-week break.104167

We couldn’t get over how lucky we were not only with the weather but also how clear the views were. We were able to see the snow topped peak of Mt Blanc from the boat.

111 103 This was one of those discount vouchers that certainly didn’t disappoint! The boat was large enough that everyone could comfortably lounge on either the stern’s padded seats or towards the captain up front.

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While some of the group spent most of the adventure chatting and catching up, the rest of us quickly dove into the water for swimming and tubing on the banana.

169 174 191 231Tubing is so much fun, but wow I forgot how sore it leaves you the next day! The guys and girls took turns on the banana tube which was far harder to stay balanced on than a large circular tubes.

All too quickly our boat headed back to the dock just as the sun was starting to set. 267 118 121Luckily the evening didn’t end when we stepped on the dock as our next destination was a lakeside barbecue to celebrate Ed’s birthday.  The rocks along the lake were packed with other people grilling but after a short walk we found an open area perfect for our small grill and our spread of food including veggies & dips, crackers & cheese, olives, fruit, chicken & sausage for the grill, Greek salad, and imported Oreo cookies! Bo and I definitely want to buy a small BBQ so we can do this more often!

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The evening ended with fireworks to celebrate the beginning of Fete de Geneve, a month long lake front celebration.

It was definitely the perfect Summer evening!

What’s your favorite? Water Skiing? Wake Boarding? Tubing? Or hanging on the boat? Mine is definitely either water skiing or tubing!

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Happy First Day of Summer

I hope you all enjoyed the Summer Solstice, also known as the 1st day of Summer or the longest day of the year!

We started the day with a sweat. Around 9, Bo and I each headed out for our respective long workouts. Even though we didn’t work out together it makes waking up on a Saturday that much easier when there is someone to provide extra motivation. Bo headed out for a 50k bike ride while I headed to the lake for a long run.

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After focusing on speed lately, transitioning to long run mentality has been difficult these past few weeks. I spent more time checking my Garmin yesterday than normal but it paid off as I kept perfect splits for 11 miles. My goal pace was between 9:50-9:55 and I kept an average pace of 9:51! My goal for the Berlin Marathon is a sub 4:30. If I can maintain this same pace as I increase my mileage than hopefully that goal can evolve into a sub 4:20.

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After quick showers we met up with a few of our friends for an afternoon of sunshine at the Wakeboard Center.  A great area for an afternoon on the lake the Wakeboard Center has a great mix of options including 2 bars, restaurant, stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, in addition to space for relaxing on the beach, floating dock and rocks. We preferred it over Geneve Plage as it had far less kids and entrance is free.

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We ended up hanging out the beach for seven hours mixing up sun and relaxation time with two swims and a wakeboard session. While I didn’t wakeboard the wives hopped on the boat to balance out the boat and watch our husband’s wakeboard on the lake. It was so much fun and definitely makes me want to go sometime this summer even though I’ve never wake boarded before!

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After so much sun, fresh air and a few glasses of wine it was difficult to rally but after another round of showers and some much needed aloe we continued the fun with dinner and drinks in between taking in the Fete de la Musique, an annual music festival in Geneva. Unfortunately the only picture we took all night is a blurry one.

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How did you celebrate the longest day of the year?

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Silent Saturday–Chamonix Trail Running

I am so thankful for crazy, wonderful friends here in Geneva who are willing to wake up at 7am on a Saturday and drive 45 minutes to Chamonix for 10 miles of trails, sunshine, running, gorgeous views, and après run beers! Feeling quite blessed and am in a far better physical and mental state than last time we were hiking in Chamonix!

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