Lost in the Snow

O.k. I must admit I am getting a little worried about our beautiful building, the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre. Here is the most recent view of the south side.

Thanks to Joyce M. for the photo, all images are greatly appreciated.
Here's a similar angle from last August, except of course, from a much lower viewpoint!

Hope those trees survive!

Up to the Roof

Here's a view we haven't seen yet: the Wilderness Centre from the back (south) side - showing the height of snow!

Thanks to Steve for the photo!

The total snowfall at Mount Washington Alpine Resort has already exceeded last year's amount, and is on track to surpassing the highest level of snow ever recorded in the 32 year history of the Resort.

In the winter of 1998-99, 1836 cm (60') of snowfall was recorded at Mt. Washington. The weight of snow that year collapsed the roof of the Forbidden Ski Lodge, at the other side of Forbidden Plateau at Wood Mountain Park. The remains of the lodge were then torched by vandals, bringing a sad end to a place where many locals had first learned to ski. Most winter activity is now concentrated at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Ascent of Rum Doodle

Two stalwart adventurers (plus photographer) appear to have made the first ascent of a new mountain in Strathcona Park!

The peak has an alternate name: SPWC (a bit of a giveaway is the 'peak' peeking out through the snow in the foreground)

Thanks to Tim Penney for the photo!

The original Rum Doodle was made immortal in W.E. Bowman 's book 'The Ascent of Rum Doodle' , known as "one of the most famous and celebrated books of mountaineering literature" . No less a personality than Bill Bryson described it as "the funniest book you have never heard of ".

Snowy Panorama

I was recently sent this view from Mt. Washington's nordic ski trails showing Raven Lodge to the right. The mountain panorama in the background includes Mt. Albert Edward & Mt. Regan .

The Wilderness Centre building is in the photo too - toward the left, with the Park trailhead sign to the far left - but you can hardly see it due to the snow - the base now over 700 cm!

Thanks to Don C. for the photo!

Dragon's Lair

Photographers snowshoeing up at Paradise Meadows are having fun with compositions of the Wilderness Centre buried in the snow - here's a view of the building looking like a 'Dragon's Lair' - where mysterious creatures might be hiding!

Thanks to Chris Carter for the photos!

Here's one of his stunning panoramic compositions from the Paradise Meadows area - 'Battleship Lake with Snow Waves'.

Chris has his photo prints for sale at Raven Lodge, the nordic ski lodge at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, adjacent to the Wilderness Centre.

Went back to the mountain - & my building was gone...

More fresh snow up at Paradise Meadows & the Forbidden Plateau area !
The word is, that there is more snow this year, than at this time last year....so it may be lingering again until  July in the meadows.

Thanks to Tim Penney for the great photo!

100 Years Ago Today...

Strathcona Park became the first Provincial Park in BC!  The Strathcona Act passed through the Provincial Parliament on February 2, 1911 and received Royal Assent and became law on March 1, 1911.

Strathcona Wilderness Institute is once again planning the summer programs at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre up at Paradise Meadows, and  there will be some special elements relating to the Centennial.