Carolyn's Flight of Fancy

Amazing Race Canada 2014 Audition Video

2015-02-26T05:20:00.001-08:00

I am not one to give up! Nor is Peter.. Yes, we tried again for Season 3 of the Amazing Race Canada. Unfortunately, we didn't get in, again. Darn! But I am sure we will try for it again.

Anyways, here's what we did for this Audition. There is a surprise at the end that Peter thought up of.. definately a bit different then what you would expect.j I am sure you will love it!!!! I love the ending actually, it was fun even though it took a bit of work to put together. Thanks Peter for putting it all together and for continuing to be my Amazing Race Buddy.

Posting Break

2015-01-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day with the Caledonia Ramblers

As you can see, I haven't posted for a bit. I have been feeling much more inspired to work on the Caledonia Rambler's website, rather then mine. I am not sure why, perhaps I think I am not as important at the hiking club. I mean, I'm just a person. But then I remind myself that people do like to hear about my crazy adventures. I also know that you shouldn't force post stuff if you aren't inspired by it. The hiking club and it's website is so much a part of my life and I want to work my hardest at it as it is such an important club/website to many. I can see myself doing that for many many more years. I am definitely passionate about it as many who know me can attest to.

I think for now I'll not worry about posting here until I feel some inspiration again. I haven't even really been taking as much photographs as I was in the past, though I do feel the need to take some on club trips for the club website to promote the club's activities which I feel is important.

I do have a big adventure planned this year, the Inca Trail in Peru and also traveling a bit in Bolivia, so all is not lost! I don't know, I just don't want to feel forced to post if I am not up to it. I hope you understand. I will keep this open for future posts. If you miss my stuff, a lot of my photos and stuff does end up at www.caledoniaramblers.ca.

I hope you don't mind, I actually feel flattered that people would want to hear about my adventures.

Carolyn

Dad. my Inspiration!

2014-12-04T05:00:00.001-08:00

I had to say a final Good-bye to my awesome Dad near the end of November. He was the one that inspired me to love the outdoors! He was a good Dad... going to miss him.

I will do a writeup later today or in the next few days about him as I am typing this up insanely early in the morning, but here's the obituary that I wrote up for him.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oceansidestar/obituary.aspx?n=freimuth-ibis-fred&pid=173364829

~Carolyn

Hiking in Jasper on the September long weekend.

2014-11-09T16:52:00.001-08:00

I planned to lead a club hiking trip to Jasper on the September long weekend. But that fell through. It's one thing to lead a day hike, but another thing to organize a weekend one. I reserved a spot at the Whistler's group campsite way back in Spring, and paid the small $20 deposit. It would be a great cheap way for the club to enjoy the park!

But alas, due the rainy weather forecasted, I didn't have enough people interested and I had to cancel the club trip almost at the last moment.

But not to fear! Fellow club member, Uta, who wanted to go on the trip, STILL wanted to go on the trip, even if it was not part of the club. Even though I had just biked through there in August, I was excited to return.

We drove out on Saturday morning, stopping by some rivers, including one in Valemont, to see if any Salmon were spawing. We spotted some in Valemont.

Afterwards. we continued on to Jasper. As it was still raining, we decided to keep dry at the Jasper Park Lodge. It reminded me of hotel in the Shining, for some reason.

We stayed at the Maligne Canyon Hostel, which was more in our budgets. Next morning, we decided to do a hike up the Opal Hills. I haven't really done much hiking in Jasper. Opal Hills was not too hard for me, in only one hour of climbing, we reached the glorious Alpine!

Despite the cloudy day, we didn't see much rain and the views were still spectacular. We could see part of the long winding Maligne Lake below.

We hiked off the trail until we reached this great viewpoint.

We could see the Bald Hills Mountain across the lake. That's another hike that I'd like to do one day.

We hiked back down another loop. This is a great hike and I recommend it if you like to do some hiking in Jasper National Park.

When we reached the bottom, we looked up where we just went up.

We then did some more hiking East of Jasper.

Here is the Maligne Canyon hostel we stayed at. Nice affordable accomodation, though I was chilled. I didn't know that I could have used my sleeping bag. I will remember that next time.

Next time - Checking out Edith Cavell after the Angel Glacier incident a few years back.

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Back to Jasper

2014-10-14T16:51:00.003-07:00

Skywalk

Two days up to the Columbia Icefield, only one back down to Jasper!

While camping overnight at the Icefield, I decided to bike back to Jasper rather then ride down to Lake Louise. I hadn't reserved a seat on the bus from Lake Louse to Jasper, and didn't want to chance it. It turned out to be a good decision.

The weather was awesome as I left. Not too hot, but not too cold. Going back was easier as the winds from the glacier pushed me along. I watched as the Icefield disappeared. Going back up Sunwapta Pass the other way was so much easier, it was much shorter then coming up the other way. Though going from Banff to Jasper, the hill that heads up is much harder then going South.

I made good timing getting up, I didn't even have to hop off my bike. Now it was time to enjoy going down the big climb that I had worked hard at getting up the day before. I was careful to not go too fast as I had been told someone had been going down a hill fast and hit a hole and was killed after falling off his bike.

Lots of wildlife today

I stopped to check out the viewpoints along the way. Even with my many stops, I was making very good time as it was mostly all downhill. Got to love it!

I rode right past Honeymoon Lake Campsite. I then decided that I could easily make it to Jasper in one day. I did stop over at the Sunwapta Falls Restaurant to have a bite to eat and some real coffee.

As I rode into Jasper, I decided to camp at Wapiti rather then at the Whistlers. I did check the neat hiker biker site at the Whistlers later, as Wapiti didn't have that. But I did get the hiker/biker rate. Wapiti means elk and the campsite was full of them! Whatever you do, don't leave ANY food around. I learned the hard way, not to overlook anything. I had to also watch out for the bears too, they like free food just as much!

While camping at Wapiti I met a nice couple from Arizona who were camping beside me. They were going to be hiking Edith Cavell, but got rained out. It was a good thing I went straight to Jasper as the weather went bad and it even snowed in the Icefield! I hanged around town and the pool to keep warm. After two wet days camping, I stayed the last few nights at the hostel, to keep dry. Good thing I kept the reservation!

I was supposed to ride the train home, but it turned out to be a bus instead. I also found out that Via Rail prefers bikes in bags, so I didn't have to pay extra for a box. I just took the pedals off, and moved the handlebars in. They put it in the same compartment as a wheelchair. The person with the wheelchair almost didn't make it on the bus! That's because it's not wheelchair accessible like the train is. Via Rail was almost going to send a cab from Prince George (5 hour drive) to pick them up as there is NO wheelchair van/taxi in such a worldwide tourism place such as Jasper National Park! Luckily they lifted him onto the front seat instead. Still....

My 'Train' home

My bike is in where the man is sitting inside

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Onwards to Columbia Icefield

2014-09-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Up to the Columbia Icefield

Next morning, I woke up and packed up after eating my breakfast. I said goodbye to all those whom I had met at the campsite and headed on my way to the Columbia Icefield. As the day before, I was only going to be riding 50 km. It would give me plenty of time, to reach the Icefield and give me extra time afterwards to explore the area.

Again, the weather was very good, not too hot, but not rainy. I took my time riding towards the pass. I met a cyclist from Boston along the way, who was headed to Jasper. He had a home built chain gard on his Breezer bicycle.

Cyclist from Boston

This shot looks familiar, but taken on this trip

Celebrating the great views..

But I still have this climb up Sunwapta still

As I did the previous time, I felt that I would get up Sunwapta Pass faster by pushing the bike up. I averaged 5 km do just that, which I think is good. I find going up that steep of an incline is hard on my knees and back, so it's just easier to walk it. I made it up within an hour.

Distractions along the way

This shot is for the Amazing Race Canada.

At the top I rested at the new Jasper Skywalk. For $25 I could have walked on it, but nah. Maybe one day, when hardly anyone is on it. It is located at the old viewpoint which is not accessible by cars anymore, you can only get there by a shuttle (or a bike)

An Amazing Race Canada Publicity shot was taken here

What I could see through barrier.

It would be impossible to see through the black barrier around the skywalk while you are driving by, but I could just make it out on my bike.

Jack, from Columbus, took my photo

After the Skywalk, there was some sweet downhill and more headwinds from the big glaciers. It makes it harder going anywhere, but I was in no rush to get to the campsite.

Along the way, I got some motorcyclists from the USA to take a photo of me by the Columbia Icefield sign...One of the cylists was named Jack.

Photo finished, got to push bike back to road

The reason I remember him, he told me never to say "Hi Jack!" at the airport. Yeh I know, bad joke, but that's truly how I remember his name. I don't remember the other guy's name.

I then rode to the Icefields Centre where I met other cyclists and a person who was so fascinated that I rode all by myself. I ate an expensive lunch as I didn't feel like cooking and then headed to the campsite to set up camp. I bumped into more British Army guys who were being trained to walk on glaciers. I had met some the last time I came through on my bike, with Jim.

Before heading to bed, I had time to go walk up to the Columbia Icefield and also to take some amazing evening shots of the area. The next morning, I would decide what to do next, head back to Jasper or continue on....

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part IV - Destination: Honeymoon Lake

2014-09-03T18:32:00.003-07:00

Road to Honeymoon Lake Campsite

After spending the night at the hostel in Jasper, it was time to head out down the Icefield. I said my goodbyes to the Adventure Cycle group and headed towards Jasper to stock up on food. As I only planned on riding 50 km to Honeymoon Lake, I was in too much of a rush to leave.

I decided to ride only 50 km as it is all up hill and I didn't want to push it, though I could. I just remembered how challenging it was the last time I rode it. Of course, if I was up to it, I could continue on to the next campsite.

Looks like a Volcano in there

The weather was nice that day, but not too hot. As the scenery was spectacular, I stopped a lot along the way to take photos and enjoy the views.

I had a lunch break at this view point and chatted with people from the US. I offered to take a photo of the both of them with the view in the background.

This also sort of looked like a Volcano

I reached the Honeymoon Lake campground by 2:30 pm, but I didn't feel like riding further. So I found the same spot that I stayed at when I rode down with my riding buddy, Jim. I even pitched my tent in the same exact spot!

I then rode down further a bit to explore one of small lakes nearby.

Lake just down the road from Honeymoon Lake

Arnica

Back at the campsite, I visited with a couple from Edmonton who were headed to Calgary. This was one of their favourite places to camp in the park. I then napped, had dinner, watched some people canoeing, and explored around the lake a bit. It was a bit laid back. This is the life I tell you! I like the feeling of not having to rush to do stuff.

Honeymoon Lake

I waited until the sun went down to catch another good sunset shot here.

Watched some people canoeing

Before you know it, it was time for bed. I was all eager for another day of adventure riding to the Columbia Icefield.

A long fun weekend at Murtle Lake Provincial Park

2014-08-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Now for something completely different - Canoeing adventures at Murtle Lake

British Columbia is full of beautiful quiet places to enjoy nature that are not accessible by a vehicle. Recently, I got to go on a Caledonia Ramblers hiking club trip to Murtle Lake Provincial Park. Murtle Lake is located 100 km South of Valemont, on Highway 5. It is the largest non-powered lake in North America! All the campsites and trail heads are only accessible by canoe or kayak

There are many campsites scattered about the park, and they are only accessible by canoe.

After driving from Prince George to Blue River, we stayed at a hotel for the night so we could leave bright and early for the trail head to the lake. When we arrived to the trail head parking lot, we loaded all our gear onto carts. We would be portaging them 2.5 km to the lake. Many people also portage in a canoe, but since we were a bigger group, we decided to rent them at the lake.

While waiting for the Park Ranger to come and hand us over the boats we had rented, trip leader Brendan gave a briefing of the upcoming day.

Murtle Lake is a busy lake, especially on a BC Day long weekend.

Then the ranger came and we got our canoes. It was time to load them up. I packed really light, with a backpacker frame of mind, but I could have brought a few more 'luxury' items. I must remember that next time.

Soon, we were on our way. We had to canoe 2 km out of the lagoon into the actual lake. Brendan was worried that the lake would be choppy.

But as we entered the lake, we found it much calmer then the lagoon. Of course, the lake conditions could change at any time. But we lucked out and it was in our favour the whole way!

After canoeing for 2 hours over a distance of 10 km, we arrived at the Strait Creek Group Campsite. There are quite a few other group campsites around the lake, but this was the closest one to our planned hike up Wave Crest Peak, that we planned for the next day. Yes, as this is a Caledonia Ramblers HIKING club, there's got to be the mandatory hike of the trip!

Next morning we left very early to start our hike up the Wave Crest Trail, in order to beat the extreme heat. It actually wasn't that hot going up as it was when we canoed into the campsite the day before. But it still was very humid. There was going to be some thunderstorms, our trip leader, who also happens to be a meteorologist predicted. (And he was correct, we spotted some up top and in the late evening, in the distance, but we never got wet) It was still so hot, that my bag of M&Ms was a bag of liquid chocolate and nuts.

Apparently the sign is very tasty to animals

After 4 hours of climbing, we made it up to the Alpine. We stopped for some lunch by a cairn. While there, we all signed a trip log that was left there.

Lovely Alpine!

What's Nancy up to by the snow?

Nancy wants an August Snowball Fight

After lunch, we took some photos and planned for the rest of the trip to the end of the trail. That was, until one member saw a brown spot on the ridge below. A Grizzly bear. We all ran back where we came from, well, except for, I did the silly tourist thing and quickly took a photo of the bear who was actually going away from us. Even though there was 7 in our group, it was best not to stick around.

Looking closely at the photo at the campsite, we noticed a cub in the shot

Bear was in the photo before we knew it was even there.

That was the end of the hike. Brendan thought that it would be better if we head back where we came from. I wouldn't let that stop you from going up into the Alpine though. I would recommend carrying some bear spray, not hiking alone, and keeping an eye/ear out on the surroundings. The Park Ranger did actually warn us about there being a Mother and cubs on the ridge, so seeing them wasn't a complete surprise.

We arrived back at the campsite at a good time. Lots of time for dinner and talking about the excitign day on the trail.

Next day, we headed back to the docks to drop off our boats and carry our gear on carts to the vehicles. Again, the water conditions were mostly good. After loading our vehicles with our gear, we drove out to Blue River and had a big celebratory lunch. While enjoying some dinner I 'lost' a chocolate bar that I had just bought. It turns out that it was on top of Brendan's head! Gosh, did I really fall for that? I had even looked under the table suspiciously. I might as well mention that I thought they heard me wrong when I ordered lunch. I had ordered a burger with cheese, but then they brought a chicken with cheese, so I naturally thought that it was mine. That was, until my burger came. Oops!

After the jokes on me, it was time to drive home. We all really loved this trip, and we want to go for a week next time, as it's so beautiful! If you like to canoe and camp, Murtle Lake is a great lake to do just that!

Brendan, wrote a really good trip report with more fun stories, and you can read it now at http://caledoniaramblers.ca/trip-report-murtle-lake/. There is also a lot more photos to look at from me and the other hikers on the trip.

Please note: If you are interested in canoeing or kayaking Murtle Lake, it is recommended that you have tandem loaded canoe experience, as it is not considered a beginner's lake. The lake conditions can change suddenly.

Next Time, more biking in Jasper...

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part III - Time to head out on my own

2014-08-06T14:19:00.001-07:00

Time to myself (sort of)

After spending a few days with my friends at Mt. Robson, it was time to head out towards Jasper. As I already did the hill a few days before and the morning looked gloomy, I decided to have Mary-Jo drop me off at Moose Lake. It was raining along the way, but by the time we reached the lake, it had stopped.

All set to go to Jasper!

After setting up my bike, and after saying my goodbyes, off I headed to Jasper. While I stopped at another rest stop down the road, one of the friends that I spent time with at Mt. Robson, stopped to say hi. I spent the rest of the day leisurely riding, trying to avoid the rain clouds following me. It tried to rain near Jasper, but didn't amount to much.

After arriving in Jasper, I hanged around there for a bit, before riding up the hostel by the Whistlers. After camping for 5 nights, it was really nice to sleep in a REAL bed!

While there, I met up with some Adventure Cycling tourists who were going to be riding the organization's first ride in Canada.. well one of two first rides in Canada as there is also one back East.

Guess what that is?

While they were prepping for their epic trip, I was doing the same for mine. That evening I had dinner with Wendy, whom I spent time with in Mt. Robson. It was nice to have someone to hang around with in Jasper!

Next up: Riding the Icefields, or more like to the Icefields and back.

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part II - Mt. Robson with friends

2014-07-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

We biked and we hiked. Then we hiked and biked more!

In my last post, I was riding towards Mt. Robson after being dropped off just after Mcbride, by my friends.

When I finally made it to the Robson Meadows campground, Mary-Jo asked me if I would like to ride another 14 km return trip to the Mt. Robson Visitor Centre down the highway a bit. As I felt like 65 km wasn't long enough for me, I joined them. After visiting the centre, we rode down to a river and did a tiny bit of geocaching. I was lucky enough to find it before the others! On our way back, I also found another geocache along the way. Haven't lost my touch.

On the 18th, we decided to go for a ride out East. The day started out promising, but by the time we rode over 20 km, it started to rain. Then one of the friends had a flat. By the time we had figured out how to change it, it was pouring, so we headed back. While riding, two semi trucks passed each other up the long hill and nearly clipped one of the riders. Usually the trucks have gap to move over.

Watch out for the trucks!

Back at the campsite, we then decided to do a little hiking. Our plan always was, bad weather - hike, good weather - bike. We headed out to go to these falls. (I had given my friends an extra pair of hiking boots ahead of time so I could do some hiking, but without having to carry them on my bike)

Robson Shadows Campground

Break along hill out of Mt. Robson

We hike for a little bit, but due to time constraints, we had to turn back. It was time for dinner in Valemont. As it was my birthday, dinner was paid by my friends. What a great way to spend a birthday, spending time in the mountains with friends, while doing youthful activities.

Hiking to Kinny Lake (photo courtesy of Wendy)

Washed out trail to Kinny Lake (photo courtesy of Wendy)

Relaxing and enjoying the view after a day of fun activities (photo courtesy of Wendy)

Check out the view from the cabin (photo courtesy of Wendy)

I forgot to mention that on the day we had to change a flat in the rain, a cyclist from Quebec came along and helped us. He later visited us at the campsite. He was thinking of sharing my site, if it was raining. But it wasn't so after chatting with us for a little bit, he headed off West.

Cyclist from Quebec

On the last day I spent with my friends, we tried to hike up to Kinny Lake, but it tough going with all the flooded areas of the trail. We made it pretty close though. Afterwards, I hanged around the cabin prepping for the next day's ride while my friends or most of them, rode to the Visitor Centre and back again. Every time we've done that ride during this particular trip, almost everyone had a flat due to all the wires on the road. I checked my tires to see if there were any wires in it. Thankfully not! Thank you, my awesome Kevlar tires, the only way to ride!

I could have ridden to Jasper and back by myself, but this was a nice breakup to the trip and it was a lot of fun doing stuff with my friends.

In the next post, all about Jasper....

2014 Bicycle Adventures - Part 1 - Escaping the heat

2014-07-28T14:55:00.002-07:00

Time for some more riding!

This year I decided to stay closer to home. I originally thought of bringing my bike back down to San Francisco to ride to the Mexico border, but since I decided to go to Peru next year, I wanted to save as much as possible. I actually have the money for the Peru trip, but I want to keep as much as possible in the bank so that I can buy a plane ticket when the time is right.

Anyways, I decided to bike first to Jasper. I normally help out on Tour De Jasper, but since it was cancelled this year, I wanted to ride there independently. I found out my friend, Mary-Jo, was heading out that way during the same time. She's also a Tour De Jasper rider.

The first small leg that I took was 65 km to Purden Lake. I left a day earlier then planned, so I could spend a full day at the lake in the blistering heat. I stayed at the Private campground as it had showers and I could pitch my tent right beside the lake.

Vestibule keeps me cool!

A swim in the lake is real close!

I arrived early to beat the heat, and hanged around all day going in the water and reading a book given to me by my writer friend, Vivien. It was a pretty hazy day from all the fires, the sun was very red. But it was much better out here then in the city, which was almost pitch black during the day at one point!

The next day, I decided to ride over to the Provincial Park and check it out. While there, I met up with a fellow Rambler, Chris and his wife Maggie. They were originally going to move on, but hanged around for another night. It gave me a chance to hang out with them for the day.

It cleared up on the second day, thank goodness

Next morning, I met up with Mary-Jo and we had breakfast at the Purden Lake restaurant which serves great food! We then loaded my bike up on the rack on her vehicle and off we drove. We stopped in Mcbride where she showed me this cute store/B&B that friends of her own.

We continued on for a bit and then she dropped me off at a rest stop approximately 65 km from where she'd be camping near Mt. Robson. I then rode all the way to the campsite, meeting 2 riders along the way who were going West.

All ready to go to Mt. Robson

In the next blog post... spending time with friends at Mt. Robson. Stay tuned!

Mt Robson and Jasper bike trip adventure

2014-07-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

I have been having an awesome bike trip!

I first rode to Purden, staying a day at the lake. I unexpectantly bumped inti hiking friends there and hanged around with them. Next morning, another friend picked me up and dropped me off 70 km before Robson Shadows campsite. I biked the rest of the way.

I spent a couple of days hiking and biking with them. The I got dropped off 65 km before Jasper. I rode fully loaded then to the Jasper hostel. I met an organized Aventure Cycling tour starting out there on one of their first Canadian tours.

I rode the next day 50 km to Honeymoon Lake, then next day Another 50 km to the Columbia Icefields. I explored around, before heading back to Jasper the next day. I rode the whole 100 km to Jasper as it was easy going back, mostly downhil!

Good thing I did that as its raining today.

I do not have to leave until Sunday. Relaxing, charging devices today. Catching the train home....

Top This - The Best Way to Explore Nature

2014-07-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Golly, since I have been neglecting to post to of here of late, I am going to keep you busy. I was featured on a show called Top This by Shaw Cable. It's all about Geocaching at the Forests for the World. Check it out now!

Bike Ride past Purden - Final prep for Summer of Adventures!

2014-07-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost that time of year for me again. Bike Touring time, that is. Every year I alternate, bike one year, then hike. Actually, that's not true! I always help out on Tour De Jasper, so I ride and hike.

This year there is no Tour De Jasper, but I still want to ride. I am planning to ride to Jasper with friends. And maybe more after. It's been very hot now, 30 plus celcius. But I am still riding despite the heat.

Almost set to go!

Yesterday I biked 70 km past Purden with my friends Mary-Jo and Paul. I biked on a head with a loaded bike to practice for the big trip. I was lucky enough to meet a rider from Bavaria, and rode with him for a while. He rode all over Russia and Asia before catching a barge to Prince Rupert. His destination? South America.

Waiting for friends to catch up

Bike Tourist from Bavaria

Returning to Purden, I met another from Leeds, UK, and another from Montana. What a busy bike touring season. Makes me want to hop on my bike today.. but just a few more days till it's my time.

Before we left, me and my friends had a bite at the Purden Resort Restaurant which serves awesome food!

I won't be connected to the grid much on this particular trip, but I will post afterwards all about it! This is the second time that I will be riding the Icefields.

Hiking Mt. Murray on second day of Summer

2014-07-13T19:19:00.005-07:00

It may have been an early start to the day, but 19 eager hikers showed up at City Hall to enjoy the forecasted Sunny day in the Alpine.

Some of the hikers almost didn’t make it on the hike as one of the cars broke a radiator hose on the way out. Thankfully, one car only had 2 passengers and we managed to get everyone from the broken down car to the trailhead not too far down the highway.

The trail starts very steeply at the bottom, but after a couple of kilometres, it levels out somewhat. We gained altitude very quickly! Before you knew it, we were in the Alpine.

There were lots of flowers out including multi coloured Indian Paintbrush, Forget-me-nots, and others. We continued up the ridge. While hiking up, 15 of the hikers on the trip did not notice that there was a Ptarmigan on the trail, and one person almost stepped on her eggs! Luckily, that did not happen.
We continued up past a lake on to a ridge.

Here's some of the flowers that I saw. I've posted more near the bottom of the post.

At this point, the trip leaders led most of the group down into a valley, while Dave King led another group higher up. Due to some being tired, Dave decided that it was best to stay higher. We explored around for a while before heading back to where we started climbing in the Alpine.

Here's more flowers to enjoy! It was awesome to see so many this early

We waited there until we saw the other group, and then we headed down. We all met at the parking lot.

It was a GREAT day to be in the Alpine!

Long trip out to Mt. Magnus

2014-06-30T17:23:00.002-07:00

It was going to be a crazy long drive out to Mt. Magnus, but I decided to go anyways! I wanted to use the drive out to study canoes for a canoe exam that I would be having a day after the trip. Good excuse, I'd say! We drove for 4 1/2 hours which included a 12 km trip down the WRONG road. When it started narrowing, we knew something was wrong.

Eventually, we made it to the trailhead. The reason the drive took so long, besides the unintended detour? A creek decided to take over the road that we used to take to the trailhead, and so we had to drive an extra 60 km on a different road instead to access the trail.

At the beginning of the trail, there's a creek to cross, and I was lucky to keep my feet dry by catching a ride with Don in his truck. Some walked across though.

If I was planning to stay dry, that was wishful thinking. It soon started raining on our way up, and my once waterproof jacket was waterproof no more! (I since bought 2 replacement waterproof jackets- one for hiking and one for biking)

When we made it to the top it really started raining, but we did get a small window of views.

After hanging around at the beginning of the alpine, we elected to go back down. 3 hours later, we were in our vehicles for another 4 hour ride home. Still, we all had lots of fun and if I had a chance to relive that day, I would still have chosen to come on it.

Prepping for All Sorts of Summer Adventures!

2014-06-21T19:45:00.002-07:00

I am all stoked about this Summer. Got some riding to do! I've been riding lots around the area to get trained for them. During this past week, I've biked to West Lake, Shane Lake, and up to Pineview. I also have a Canoe/hike trip this Summer also, and recently took some fun canoe lessons to get ready for that. While on the course, I met another person who likes to tour too, he's done lots in the USA. I feel good that I am networking more.

Canoe lessons at West Lake

I really enjoyed the canoe lessons. I took a 16 hour Tandom Lake Canoeing - Intermediate. Our instructor was Rick Brine from Backwater Paddling. I canoed as a child lots, but it was nice to learn all the strokes, how to keep the canoe from tipping, and how to get back into the canoe if we do tip. Important information!

Loon at West Lake - Bike ride week after canoe lessons there

West Lake Bike Ride

Kayak on West Lake

Rode with my Amazing Race buddy, Peter, to the Pineview area to Geocache

Some new friends

Bring on Summer! (It starts today)

Prince George Critical and Kidacle Mass 2014

2014-05-31T19:20:00.002-07:00

Spring has arrived in Prince George, and so has Critical Mass. And now there is another fun ride, Kidical Mass. Kidical Mass was started in Eugene Oregon, in 2008.

Both of the first rides of the season held on the last Friday and Saturday of May, had similar amounts of people. Not tons, but the usual 8-10 people.

The Critical Mass started at the Bike to Work Week BBQ which was held at the Victoria Community Gardens. It's great to see that there is still a lot of interest in bike commuting in Prince George and I was proud to be part of it again!

Here's some photos from the two rides.

Laura, the organizer of Bike to Work Week and Kidical Mass

All set to ride our Critical Mass

Kidical Mass

Piano Tuner's bike- he has no car!

Off to the park we go!

Back at it..

2014-05-14T18:28:00.002-07:00

I am trying to post when I can on my old computer, until I get a new one. I have a few old snowshoe posts still on draft, so I am publishing them now, even though it's Summer!

Bike Notes:

I am done with winter and have already done some hikes. As usual, it's a toss up between riding and hiking. I am trying to bike again to prep for this Summer's trip. My first long one was out to North Nechako to join in on a protest ride. The city is repaving a major road, but not adding any space for pedestrians or bikes! In fact, the city of Prince George has NO bike funding whatsoever this year. Wow! Let's hope that the bike protest changed their minds. Over 100 showed up for the ride, including children.

Here's a write up and photos from the protest ride.

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local/bike-lane-protest-takes-to-street-1.1021461

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/photos/urban-bike-ride-1.1021663

Bike to Work Week is coming up at the end of the month, and I can't wait. I have already signed up a team!

Indoor Activities in Prince George

2014-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what to do in Prince George on a rainy day? Check out my suggestions at the Explore BC blog. http://blog.hellobc.com/indoor-activities-prince-george/

Snowshoe Trip with the Ramblers - Ginter's Field/UNBC

2014-05-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, February 16, I returned to Ginter's field with the Caledonia Ramblers. After staying home the weekend before because of the extreme cold, it was refreshing to go outside and enjoy the sun in warmer temperatures.

We parked at the same spot that we did the last time that we snowshoed here. We walked up a path away from the city bowl.

Before long, you couldn't imagine that you were so close to a city, it was so peaceful! The sun followed us on the side.

We had to do quite a bit of climbing to get up to the university.

One we made it to UNBC, we went behind again, but explored further then last time. Along the way we checked out this Chickadee nest box.

We were all glad to see the university in view after awhile as we were all hungry! But before we would stop there for lunch, we took a group shot. And Lisa had a bit of fun going down the hill afterwards.

UNBC with the McGregor Mtns. in the distance

We stopped in at the university for lunch, where we spent 1 hour! One of the members of the club stopped by, he couldn't snowshoe with us that day as he was teaching a class. This was one awesome place for a club lunch. There were couches to sit on and it wasn't cold.

BEST Rambler's lunch spot ever!

I even made some new hiking friends.

Afterwards, we headed down towards Ginter's Field where we eventually found our vehicles. All in all, a fantastic day to be out!

No computer

2014-05-04T15:19:00.001-07:00

My apologies for the lack of posts. The Explore BC blog keeps me VERY busy, along with the Rambler's stuff. And now I am computerless for at least a month and a half, as I have had it with my XP computer! It is stored in my spare room closet as I threatened to throw it out my third floor window. The computers at the library have been a great help thank goodness.

I can save up for a real good computer, perhaps a Mac? Is that worth it? Might be longer wait then the end of June for that though. Are lower priced macs ok? Do not know yet, what I will chose, but I am enjoying my freedom at home from it and do not feel rushed to get a new one just yet! Good thing I have tablet to keep connected.

Wishing it was time to travel

2014-04-17T20:50:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming up fast, and I dream of travelling. I was lucky enough to spot the TARDIS today at the local college. Time travel sounds pretty cool! It was part of this new media display, from a program at our local college which sounds pretty neat. The guy who built this is in the photo collage above. He built the TARDIS in 8 months from scratch!

Important Tour De Jasper News

2014-03-29T18:44:00.001-07:00

Tour De Jasper

I thought I'd let those who read my blog that are interested in bike touring, and perhaps riding on Tour De Jasper this year, that the tour has been cancelled for this year. Nicole, the organizer, got an awesome summer job in France! I think that it's great that she has a chance to work over there, and I know that she will be running Tour De Jasper again in the future

You can view her message about the cancellation on the Tour De Jasper website at http://openroadbiketours.ca/pages/tdj/tdj_oe/tdj_oe_home.html

Of course, this also means I won't be sweeping for it this year, but I might just ride to Jasper anyways... Wouldn't it be cool to ride from Prince Rupert to Jasper? That's all across the centre of British Columbia...

Latest Explore BC Blog Post - Snowshoeing the Ancient Forest

2014-03-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of hiking the Ancient Forest near Prince George, you should try out snowshoeing there! Since there is a lot of year round precipitation, it's a great place to play in the deep snow and check out the ancient trees. I have written a post about it at the Explore BC blog, you can view it by visiting
http://blog.hellobc.com/snowshoeing-the-ancient-forest-northern-bc/