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!

Searching

Philip Lake Trail
Wells Grey Provincial Park
up 350 meters then down again
About 2 hours

We started on the road less travelled. It was bumpy, steep and narrow. I usually like to hang my head out the window on this kind of backroad, but not today! Today the shrubby alders were trying to climb in through the windows, slapping my face as we drove past. I tried to look through the front window, but all I could see was the sky. As the truck rocked and rolled on it's slow grind upwards, I laid back my ears and clung to the seat. When we arrived at the trailhead, I was relieved. The hike is pretty and we had the place to ourselves. At the lake I was distracted by a particular scent.

 

It was hard to place the sweet herby aroma. I continued to explore the shrubby lakeshore.

Eureka! How could I forget? It is huckleberry season.

 

Sweet!

Tale of Two Trails

Moul Falls Trail
Wells Grey Provincial Park
short and sweet

This trail is an easy 30 minute hike to a pretty waterfall. If you are careful, you can get to the base of the waterfall to enjoy a refreshing mist shower. It is a joyful thing on a sunny summers day!

Clearwater Lake Viewpoint Trail

Wells Gray Provincial Park

steep and sweaty

The trail begins at the boat launch and wanders along the lakeshore before heading uphill to the viewpoint. You can expect to be about 2 hours. After you leave the lake there is no water, so bring some with you.

Cabin Critters

There are plenty of neighbours at the cabin in summer.

A Guest

I have met a new friend. I welcomed her into my home. I entertained her with tennis balls and squeaky toys. I shared a bully stick with her. I offered her a bowl of freah water and some kibble. We played chase and we napped. Her name is Juliete. She is lovely.

"It is the east, and Juliet is the sun"