Monday 16 September 2013

Harvest Time

The hard little apples are glowing red in their tree. I could be fooled into thinking they are sweet. But I know it is not so. They are crisp and lovely, but so very tart.


Not everyone minds. My neighbour from the forest is teaching her children how to harvest the apples.


Mother watches, listens and smells. She is standing guard over her fawns.


The fawns can safely enjoy the harvest. I'm glad to share this bounty.














Table

Table Mt. Trail
Wells Gray Provincial Park
approx. 670 m gained, 6.5 hrs return

Have patience, this trail climbs through the forest for a long time before rewarding you with it's alpine. After leaving Phillip Creek behind, there is only one place to lap up some water. Be sure to bring a water bottle. There were no other pups or humans on this trail, but there were some squirrels and birds. At the top is a long walk through hot meadows with very little shade on a sunny day. We stopped 150 m/2km from the summit. If you go, remember you will need 8 hours of daylight so you can get down the road before dark.

Battle Mountain, Phillip Mountain and Caribou Meadows


150 meters more to the summit, for another day


This is the big flat table part of Table Mountain.


One pooped pup crosses Phillip Creek on the last stretch before the parking lot.

Monday 9 September 2013

Joss Mountain Fog

Joss Mountain Trail
Three Valley Gap, BC
about 750 m elevation

This trail winds steeply up and up through a beautiful forest with lots of huckleberries. There are not many places to get water, so be sure to bring some along. There are open meadows for running and rock piles with pikas. At the top there are ptarmigan. If you find these things irresistable, bring your leash. While the humans always celebrate the great views at the destination, I enjoy the journey. When the destination arrives, I can have a nap!



Saturday 7 September 2013

Lucky Dog Down Time

I consider myself to be the Lucky Dog. And while it is true that I love to go hiking in the mountains and paddling on the lakes, I do enjoy some down time as well. When the last long golden days of summer come silently sneaking into view, you can find me at the cabin, enjoying some down time.





The Sun, the Shade

Raft Peak Trail
Clearwater, BC
approx. 3 hours return

The drive here is an adventure in itself. The hike is very steep through meadows filled with ground squirrels, but the trail is not long. At the rim, you can wander where you like. Watch out, though, because some parts of the trail have slipped off the rim. It's a long ride to the bottom! All day long the sun shines full on this naked mountain. Be sure to take some water. If you have a lot of long shaggy fur, you may want to wait until fall to hike this trail. At the summit, I found a nice cool piece of shade underneath an overhaning rock.





The Long and the Short of It

Long Hill
Wells Gray Provincial Park
about 6 hours return

A huckleberry hike up to the meadows, through a shady forest with streams where you will find a few dogs and their humans. Across the meadows and past Shiela Lake you will hear marmots whistling. The way up Long Hill is steep with rocks and boulders. Try not to be distracted by the ground squirrels!