Today was the first day that the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre was open for the summer 2010 season, and visitors came from near & far - from the Comox Valley & lower Vancouver Island, but also from the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, and Australia.
Dozens of people stopped in to the Centre, including Valley photographers Chris Carter , who will be guiding a photo outing in the meadows Sept. 12, & Tim Penney, who captured some great creative images: snow shapes & tree silhouettes, still reflections on the lakes, perspectives inside hollow trees and many more. Toward the end of the day, a couple stopped in who looked very familiar - no wonder, as I have seen many of their presentations & read many of their books - Colin & Julie Angus! check out their amazing world-wide adventures at their blog.
Of course lots of hikers don't stop for maps or info but head straight for the trails - so the latest updates are that the boardwalk loop is mostly clear , there is 2' - 5' of hard-packed snow in places along the west side of Lake Helen Mackenzie & lots of snow beyond the lake, with up to 10' of snow at the Rangers Cabin on the way to Hairtrigger Lake. Thanks to all who stopped in with updates.
We heard blue grouse today, as well as golden-crowned & white-crowned sparrows, hermit thrush, olive-side flycatchers, ravens - of course whiskey jacks were also reported along the trails. We also saw a brown furry creature near the roadside on the way up - is it possible that it was a Vancouver Island Marmot??
Jet FM visited for an interview, and the Wilderness Centre July programs are featured on Island Nature magazine - check it out!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
CDMC Trip to Albert Edward
A few members of the Comox District Mountaineering Club attempted a hike up Mt. Albert Edward for Canada Day: their report is at the CDMC website Trip Report . Although the weather deteriorated, ultimately thwarting their efforts, it sounds like they had a great time!
Sunday's 10 a.m. guided hike starting from the Wilderness Centre will likely be all around the boardwalk and possibly as far as Battleship Lake, says the volunteer guide who checked out the meadows today. "Snow seems to be melting fairly fast, so I went up to Battleship Lake... there is a fair amount of snow but it is doable... but only if people have fairly sturdy footwear," she advises. So bring your hiking boots, and hope for sun!
Sunday's 10 a.m. guided hike starting from the Wilderness Centre will likely be all around the boardwalk and possibly as far as Battleship Lake, says the volunteer guide who checked out the meadows today. "Snow seems to be melting fairly fast, so I went up to Battleship Lake... there is a fair amount of snow but it is doable... but only if people have fairly sturdy footwear," she advises. So bring your hiking boots, and hope for sun!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Happy Canada Day!
It's a rainy Canada Day here in the Comox Valley - but it must be summer somewhere...
The Paradise Meadows boardwalk & trails are not yet free of snow - according to the guide for next Sunday's July 4 hike at 10 am , there is "still a lot of snow in places". The hike will probably be around the boardwalk at a leisurely pace looking at plants & flowers and enjoying the views, and will likely be under 2 hours . Hiking boots are recommended to keep your feet dry in the snow, and be prepared for changeable weather i.e. warm clothing & rain gear. A further update will be posted Saturday. There will be lots to see for the Lichen Walk Sunday at 1 pm though - lichens are interesting all year round!
The good news? "...no bugs yet!"
The Wilderness Centre building at the Paradise Meadows trailhead will be open Sat., Sun. & Mon. July 3-5 from 9 am - 4 pm with maps, books, refreshments & information. Stop in & say hi!
The Paradise Meadows boardwalk & trails are not yet free of snow - according to the guide for next Sunday's July 4 hike at 10 am , there is "still a lot of snow in places". The hike will probably be around the boardwalk at a leisurely pace looking at plants & flowers and enjoying the views, and will likely be under 2 hours . Hiking boots are recommended to keep your feet dry in the snow, and be prepared for changeable weather i.e. warm clothing & rain gear. A further update will be posted Saturday. There will be lots to see for the Lichen Walk Sunday at 1 pm though - lichens are interesting all year round!
The good news? "...no bugs yet!"
The Wilderness Centre building at the Paradise Meadows trailhead will be open Sat., Sun. & Mon. July 3-5 from 9 am - 4 pm with maps, books, refreshments & information. Stop in & say hi!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)