Scenes From A Hike – September 4, 2021

Went for a nice hike on a forestry road that led us to the shore of Monroe Lake in the East Kootenays of British Columbia. The trek was 3.21 miles or 5.2 km. A screenshot of the route is below, in and out via the same route.

The scene below is indicative of the scenery along the road.

Once we reached the lake, there was a footbridge and an old dam, now in various stages of deterioration.

It is also the mouth of a creek, pretty much dried up as we are at the end of the season. Most creeks and rivers out here are snow and rain-fed, meaning they tend to dry up, or they are spring-fed, which this one is not. We have seen this creek higher up in the mountain in the past, but it was late October and there was runoff.

We continued to the right on the map and discovered some well-worn elk trails that we will explore later. We turned back and took the left spur to some amazing scenery. We have done this path before this and knew what we were in for. We have also kayaked through the meadow, a post I will put up once I finish playing with the video.

We also know about how to relax. A conveniently placed bench to look at the landscape.

And of course, it is not all about the scenery, let’s not forget the foliage and critters. In this case an interesting mushroom and some pretty butterflies.

Just A Picture

Have to keep my streak alive, while being exceptionally busy. It’s that time of year isn’t it. Took this shot at a stop on the way up to Gardiner Dam, north of Lardeau, B.C.

See You Next Year

It’s that time of year. Off to our Calgary home for Christmas and then to Mazatlan for New Years. We will be in Mazatlan until April. I had to take some shots just before we left. It’s such a beautiful place.

Just A Photo

A shot of our “almost” complete backyard. Loving the look and the view, especially the reflections off the rocks on the mountain.

Sailing Kootenay Lake

Not much wind, not much to do.  Had a full cockpit so didn’t raise the jib, likely should have.  Love the views.  Our SV is a 25 foot O’day from 1979.  Loving it.  Sorry it is on an iPhone so a pretty narrow shot.

Pilot Bay Lighthouse – Kootenay Lake, BC, Canada

Took a walk up to the Pilot Bay Lighthouse.  Easy trail, slightly uphill and well worn.  The lighthouse is wood and was used to note the entrance to the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.  It has not been used for many years and is the subject of a historical preservation society.  The light was visible for 30 miles in each direction on the lake.

Pilot Bay Lighthouse
Pilot Bay Lighthouse

This is the view of the lake from the top of the lighthouse.  Spectacular views everywhere in this part of the world.

View Into The West Arm Of The Lake

Weekly Photo Challenge: Orange

This week we have Orange.  Interesting choice.  I took this sunset photo on Kootenay Lake in September of 2014.  The pictures do not do it justice.

IMG_2149 13IMG_2148 13

Flying To Vancouver, BC

IMG_1372Loving flying over the rocks.  I took this in early July of 2013.  Lots of snow.

Traveling British Columbia – Horseshoe Bay

June 2014, we are off on the next installment in our quest to become sailors..  But…first we have to get where we are going, meaning ROAD TRIP.  What a beautiful way to get where you need to be, a drive from Calgary to Vancouver.  Outstanding scenery, enthralling drive. I won’t bore you with a whack of mountain shots and head right to the point of entry to our sailing, Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver.  After a lengthy drive, involving an overnight in Revelstoke, BC.  We spent the night at  the Day’s Inn.  The hotel was okay, pretty much normal for this brand.  We headed out for a quick bite and tried a place we had never been to on our past trips, Zalas Pizza and Steak House.  Food was pub fare and good, we would definitely try it again n the future.  Spent a quiet night, then up and at em for the next part of our journey

We arrived at the terminal, only to find that the ferry was full and we would have a two-hour wait until the next one departed.  Tough place to spend a few hours with views like this.

That's Where We Are Going
That’s Where We Are Going

We have to take the ferry as we are heading to the Sunshine Coast.  It is on the mainland, just like Vancouver, just inaccessible by road.  The sailing school is located over there, Gibsons, BC.  Still, we have a few hours to kill.  Off to lunch.  The terminal area is a trendy place, with multiple shops, a marina and many restaurants.  We chose Bay Moorings, a good choice.  The food was good, reasonably priced and served by efficient and friendly staff.  A great lunch, much enjoyed.

Then we hit the ferry.  They definitely cram them in on these boats.

Sardine Can
Sardine Can

Next up, the expected shot from the ship out to the ocean.

Looking out into Howe Sound
Looking out into Howe Sound

And then we were there.  a quick drive into Gibsons, parked the vehicle and there, right in front of us, a piece of Canadian TV history, Molly’s Reach.

Molly's Reach

Next post, we introduce you to Gibsons, BC, where to go, where to stay, what to see.  At least, where we ate, where we stayed and what we saw, then some sailing.

To Sail Or Not To Sail – BC Edition

Gospel Rock Panorama - Gibsons Landing, Sunshi...
Gospel Rock Panorama – Gibsons Landing, Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada (Photo credit: Daniel Peckham)

And we are off.  Road trip from Calgary to Gibsons, BC, via Vancouver through the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Then we sail.  Four days of lessons on a 36 footer in Howe Sound, then a more road trip up the Sunshine Coast.  From there a ferry to Vancouver Island, then back to Vancouver and home.  Building more memories, the most important thing in life. Hope to post a few quick posts along the way.