Carolyn's Flight of Fancy

Adventures on Mt. Magnus

2013-06-04T19:25:00.002-07:00

Vinje Grind - Mt. Magnus

Eleven hikers went on the Saturday, June 1st hike to Mt. Magnus led by 80+ year old Don.
On the drive out, we saw at least 8 bears/cubs!
Instead of having to have to take off boot to walk through the creek, Don drove those who chose not to walk across it, in his truck. He then drove further up the road until he could turnaround. It was nice not having to walk all the way up the road. We then continued on foot up to the ridge. It's a steep but short climb to get to the Alpine. As it is the first to be snow free in the area, it's a great early season hike!

Couldn't resist catching ride across creek

It was overcast, but despite the forecast calling for rain, only a tiny amount fell during the trip. It was nice and warm where we had our lunch. And the best part was that there were no bugs yet! Bonus.

Calypso

It was an uneventful hike down, although the rain clouds were taunting us all the way! It never did amount to anything though.

Some chose to walk through creek on the way out

Thanks Don for leading a fun hike! You are an inspiration to us all by keeping so active at your age.. Can't wait until the next hike that you lead.

Viking Ridge in the Off Season

2013-05-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

I've hiked up Viking Ridge many times, but always during hiking Season which runs from July until October. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go up with my snowshoe/hiking friends who have a once a week Ladies only hike/snowshoe.

As there is still snow up high, we brought our snowshoes.

When we arrived there was no snow on the ground, it was very lush and green! I loved that we didn't have to put our snowshoes on right away. In fact, we hiked 2 kilometers in on the trail with an elevation gain before we saw any snow. Even then, it was hard packed all the way, and we didn't end up using them at all. We were very lucky!

I'd still recommend that you bring snowshoes along just in case the snow is rotten. We did encounter rotten snow going down, but nothing that required us putting the snowshoes on.

The views up top were spectacular. I found it easier walking through the meadows on the snow then on the wet swamp in the Summer. And there were no bugs! My friends asked me if I was up to doing a loop on the ridge, and I said that I was as I had nothing better to do then spend the day out hiking. I was in no rush to go home.

Viking Ridge Meadows

Some mandatory fun!

We ended up walking almost 15 kms, and boy was I ever exhausted at the end. But, I had the time of my life! Thanks to my friends Brenda, Debbie, and Peggy, for the great day out at Viking Ridge.

Pimping my bicycle!

2013-05-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Big Red with big red handlebars!

I've been using Big Red so much that I'm wearing her out. This riding season I needed to get a new back wheel as the hub wore out. While I was getting that done, I figured I should get a wider handlebar as the stock one that came with the bicycle doesn't have a lot of room for my items on it. My bar-ends have only really been half on the bar. I was reminded by the Newport Bicycle shop about it....that it wasn't safe. I have known that I probably should replace them since I bought the bar-ends.

Big Red with original stock handlebars

So I splurged! I got a mid-range wheel to replace the stock one. And I replaced my boring black handlebars with some bright red ones that are much wider! It really feels like a different bicycle then when I got it. It's totally a touring bicycle now. The bicycle shop said that it should feel more comfortable when touring and easier to breath as my arms are spread out a little more while holding onto the handlebars.

Not double-walled, but I think pretty strong wheel/rim

I spent a bit today, but she's totally one of a kind...and most of the part are not original, except for frame, front wheel, and the back derailleur. Can't wait to tour with her this Summer!

2013 PGCC Bike Swap

2013-04-28T15:51:00.002-07:00

1970 Phillips Bicycle from England w a nice mudflap

Today I helped out at the local bike swap. I was on the lookout for a replacement Winter Bike as Floyd wore out this past Winter. The good thing about helping out is I can check bikes out ahead of time. I was tempted by a few bikes including a Rocky Mountain, a Kona, and a Peugeot. As the Peugeot was much too nice to trash that was out, although it sold for a great price of only $100! I'd say it's better getting a bike here then buying a new $100 bike at Walmart.

I bought this for only $40!

The Bike mechanics on hand can tell you how good of shape that the bicycles are in. The Peugeot was in great shape! But alas, I need one that I don't mind trashing in Winter.

The sweet Peugeot only went for $100, great deal!

Erin tries out a bicycle

This $200 Kona tempted me

I decided to get this nice Free Spirit. It's also in great shape.. original parts including tires and tubes. The tires were flat and I couldn't pump them up. When I took the bike home I checked the tube and was twisted. Once I straightened them out, I pumped the tires up and the air held! Pretty good for original tubes...

This Rocky Mountain also tempted me- but too short

This lady bought this 1950's bicycle

Calm before the storm.. big lineup at the start

This is the bicycle that I rode on top photo

Stop and pause

2013-04-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

I've been so busy lately with stuff from the hiking club, and other items that I really haven't felt like posting here. Even though I have tons of awesome photos from snowshoe trips. I'm still having fun when I can! I really love the ladies that I snowshoe with, they are such an inspiration.

I've been posting a ton at the Caledonia Ramblers Website, and their Facebook account, and that keeps me so busy. I haven't abandoned here...just need to be inspired again to come back..

I will be hiking on the West Coast Trail soon after helping out (riding as a sweep) on Tour De Jasper again.. so there will be more material in the Summer.

I'm so sorry, so hard to know what to focus on these days...as I really love doing the stuff for the hiking club as I feel that I fill an important role there and I want others to know how awesome our hiking club is!'

Please don't forget me... :) I do try to tweet a few times a day...

Here's some photos from recent trips:

Pacific Coast Slideshow.

2013-03-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

It is less then 1 month until my slideshow about my bike tour:

Join Carolyn Ibis and Deanna Walker as they show photos and talk about their amazing 16 day bicycle ride down the Pacific Coast! From the tip of Oregon down to San Francisco and in between, they never would know how each day of riding would unfold. It definitely was an adventure that they will never forget.

They both hope to inspire others to try out bicycle touring.

Me and my co-rider, Deanna Walker, will be doing the presentation at Artspace, which is located above Books and Company.

Date: April 19
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Artspace (above Books and Company on 3rd Ave)

Hope to see you there!

Amazing Race Canada - Our audition video

2013-02-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

After working hard this past weekend we finally finished the audition video, it's ready for viewing! We did have troubles uploading it with the application to CTV yesterday, but soon were able to with the help of the @beeteam on Twitter. Thanks @Beeteam! They have also signed up for it!

It would be so cool to hear back from the producers, but I do also realize that there is a lot of competition out there, so will just move on if I don't hear back from anyone. At the very least I got to say that I tried out for it and have a great video souvenir! Please wish us luck though! Crossing my fingers.. Hope you enjoy it!

Amazing Race Tryout

2013-02-24T16:30:00.001-08:00

I haven't been as much on the site lately, though there are snowshoe articles in waiting. There's been a VERY good reason why I've not been here. I've been focusing on creating an audition video for the Amazing Race Canada! Yes, it's coming to Canada and since I am the crazy adventure person, I had to try out for it along with my friend Peter, who I know from the hiking club.
I've got an article about us signing up for it in the local Free Press. You can view it at http://www.pgfreepress.ca/community/community/racing-to-an-amazing-opport.html#sthash.W5Dsv7rb.gbpl

I have featured Peter on a few blog posts when we were geocaching together.

Peter likes climbing

I've done tons of crazy things like Paragliding, ziplining, horseback riding, canyoneering, rappelling down waterfalls, kayaking, and........ playing with spiders. :)

Scared of spiders?

Wish us luck! It's a long shot to get selected, but worth the try. And heh, at least we will have one cool video to share with the world and plenty more future adventures to do!

Badger 360° LED Jacket now on Kickstart

2013-02-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yeh, Badger gear is giving it's Badger 360° LED jacket another chance to become reality! They have listed it at Kickstart and the money needed to make it a reality is much more attainable. So there still is hope for this jacket going on the market! I've made and pledge and if you interested in this jacket becoming reality, I urge you to pledge also. I think it's a worthy project to support.

You can visit the site and pledge by going to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1298717568/badger-360-led-jacket-1

Return to a Sunny Sugarbowl

2013-02-09T18:52:00.003-08:00

The next Saturday (January) after the club hike, we returned to Sugarbowl, on a non-club hike. I had so much fun with the ladies, that I HAD to go with them again.

I was more tired this day, but I just had to get to the top as it was forecast to be a sunny day. Darned good incentive I'd say! I brought some homemade Fruit Bars from a recipe that one of the friends to try out. I am not really a baker, but I think that I did a pretty good job. At least I know what's in it and it gives me a much needed boost of energy when needed.

After struggling up, we made it to the top and the sun was sneaking through the trees. It was very beautiful and much warmer then the previous trip up.

While up top we watched some backcountry skiers do their thing, did some poses for the camera, and even played Fox and Goose.

Yeh! Made it to the top!

Ventricular Clouds

I can't wait to do more snowshoe trips with the ladies, even if they are not club hikes.

A day of fun at Sugarbowl

2013-01-24T17:17:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday, I went on the hike up Sugarbowl led by Brenda. The last time I had snowshoed up a mountain, I didn't make it to the top and it was a long day! So I was a bit nervous about trying it again.

I borrowed some MSR snowshoes from the Caledonia Rambler's club president, Nowell as I don't have a proper pair for climbing up still inclines. Despite the snow being hard at the bottom, it really wasn't too hard climbing up, in fact, it was just like hiking it, which I've done many times up this mountain.

While climbing, a group of skiers on touring skis passed us. They would be having a fun ride back down!

At the top, it was snowing and a cold wind was blowing. But that didn't stop us from having fun! Debbie was the first by finding a treewell.

I soon found my own treewell!

I made a snow angel...

I jumped for joy, although Debbie, below, made a much better shot.. the photo below was taken by Brenda M. who led the trip.

Snowshoeing is awesome!

Hey, where is that view you were talking about?

I really had fun with the photo shoot! Thanks Brenda, for the most fun snowshoe trip that I've ever had! I want more.......

Back to the Grand Canyon of the Fraser

2013-01-20T19:35:00.002-08:00

Message left for us where we parked the cars

Last Sunday, I went on the Rambler's snowshoe trip to the Grand Canyon of the Fraser. It was a cold -25 c the day before, so the first thing that I did when I got out of bed that morning was check the temperature. If it was -20 or colder, I would have cancelled my ride to the meeting place and went back to bed! As luck would have it, it was -18, so I decided to do the trip. And I was sure glad that I did.

Despite the cold weather the day before, we had a decent turnout. When we drove out the place to park, there was another vehicle with a note on it for us. It was another group of Ramblers that would meet up with us! They were supposed to meet us at the lunch spot with a roaring fire, but as one of the member's leg fell through the ice into the cold river, they were delayed going in. They started one hour before us.

View of Sugarbowl from the bog

It was about -10 while we were snowshoeing, so we got warm fast. I wore my down jacket for a bit, but soon stripped down layers to my shirt and wool vest.

Slipping and sliding down the hill to the River

After sliding down to the river, we met up with the other group that had left a note for us earlier. It was great to see my awesome friends! We continued onto the lunch spot.

We bumped into another group of Caledonia Ramblers

We had to be careful walking on the ice sheets

Water heading into the canyon

It was great to snowshoe with Deborah and Brenda again!

We had lunch at the canyon, then headed back to our cars. The other group took the long way back and we took the shortcut that we had taken coming in. We still spent 5 hours snowshoeing and I was exhausted when I reached the cars.

Heading back to our cars

It was a great day to be out and I am glad that it wasn't too cold or too warm. I couldn't wait to do the next snowshoe! You can view more awesome photos taken by other club members and the trip report written by the trip leader, Dave King, but visiting the Caledonia Rambler's website.

Memories of Grand Canyon of the Fraser

2013-01-12T11:26:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow, the Caledonia Ramblers will be doing a snowshoe trip to the Grand Canyon of the Fraser which is over 100 kms east of Prince George -. I haven't been there for a few years. It is always easier getting there in the Winter as there isn't much of a trail in the Summer, so it requires a lot of bushwhacking!

I've dug up some photos from a snowshoe trip that we did there in 2006. It was a fun trip! This area has lots of history, the steamboats used to go through here.

That's Purden Ski Hill

It's a longer snowshoe at about 12 kms return, and I always remember how exhausted I am on the last km or so. But I am going to go out and do it again! It's -22 celcius right now, but it's going to warm up to -10 to -7 Celsius tomorrow, which is great for snowshoeing. -20 Celsius is my cutoff.

I wonder how frozen the Fraser River will be this year as it hasn't been that cold.

It will be interesting to compare the conditions from 2006 to now with the weather changing.... It should be a great snowshoe trip tomorrow! Any of you go out snowshoeing?

Corky Lake Video

2013-01-08T18:28:00.002-08:00

I just realized that I forgot to post the little video I created on the Corky Lake Snowshoe trip..... club members have started making videos for the website now and I thought that I would join in... Enjoy!

Corky Lake Snowshoe

2013-01-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

There was an even bigger group on today's snowshoe trip to Corky Lake. 25 people showed up for the trip! I am amazed at the interest in snowshoeing. But it's hard not to see why it's gaining popularity. Once you invest in a pair of good snowshoes, it's a cheap fun activity that costs hardly anything. There are many places that you can snowshoe for free.

Rob and my crazy friend, Gail

Here is the trip report done up by my friend Tim Gardner who helped on the trip.

Bjorn Norheim and Tim Gardner got the Caledonia Ramblers off on the right foot for 2013 by leading 24 other Ramblers and guests on a snowshoe hike to Corky Lake and back Jan. 6.

Unlike other recent Rambler trips to the lake, Bjorn chose to take the snowshoers on a slightly different route, starting at the south end of Willmann Road and then heading southwest to the Greenway Trail. The snowshoers then headed north on the Greenway Trail for a relatively short distance before heading northwest on another marked trail towards Corky Lake.

Has the Mayan Apocalypse actually happened?

The initial trail into the Greenway Trail was well packed, as was the Greenway Trail itself. However the trail into Corky Lake had not recently been used and leaders had to break trail through about 1 1/2 feet of snow at times. Fortunately, the system Bjorn and Tim used to communicate with each other proved extremely effective.

Tim led the more eager Ramblers at the front, while Bjorn stayed in the middle of the pack to provide sober second thought. On occasion, Bjorn did supply Tim with some very instructive (and colourful) advice that allowed Tim to limit his number of off-trail 'adventures' to about half a dozen.

Tim flags our route

After Tim Flags a tree, we continue onwards

After overcoming a couple of Corky Lake impostors (mirages), the Ramblers finally landed at the shores of the elusive lake and had lunch. The route the snowshoers took back is one many Ramblers have traditionally used to access the lake - east to the Greenway Trail, north on that trail to the unplowed Westcrest Drive, then east on Westcrest Drive back to Willmann Road. Snowshoers then just had to head south to their vehicles.

Lunch break at Corky Lake

The day turned out to be a great day for snowshoeing as forecasted snow failed to materialize and the temperature hovered around zero degrees Celsius. The sun even came out at the end. The total trip took about 3 1/2 to four hours.

(Corky Lake is named after a dog Bjorn used to have that nearly drowned in the lake.)

The Cliff: Last Snowshoe of 2012

2012-12-31T21:32:00.002-08:00

It was a perfect day to go on the last Caledonia Ramblers snowshoe trip for 2012. The sun was out, it wasn't too cold or warm, and the snow was perfect! Twenty people showed up for the trip, which was an incredible amount.

Tim getting ready for some adventure

Nowell leads us to the Cliff

Arrow marking direction of turn

Nowell had to go back to help fellow people with their snowshoes, so we had to mark where we had turned on the trail.

The sun was out

The shelter at the cliff

When we finally made it to the Cliff, a 2 hour snowshoe in, we rested and had lunch.

Then we headed back.

Found something to read on the trail

Place to read the book

You can watch some video coverage of the trip, by clicking here. Thanks to Melanie K. for taking the video! It was a great day to be out and I can only hope that I have many more awesome days in 2013.

Happy New Year's!

2012-12-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

I'd like to send out a special Happy New Year's to the 2 awesome guys that I rode with for 4 days in Oregon and California! I had the time of my life riding with you and I am glad that I bumped into you... All the best for the New Year's.

I'd also like to wish Deanna W. a Happy New Year's too. Thanks for doing the adventure with me! I cherish the memories.....

Happy New Year's to all my followers too...I know that I haven't posted as much since I came back to home.....but I know that there will be more adventures on and off the bicycle to post here.... Thanks for following!

The Cliff - preview

2012-12-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

I had an awesome Christmas at my parent's on Vancouver Island, but it's good to be back home to get some more snowshoeing in! Today I went snowshoeing to the Cliff. It was a very beautiful day. There was a full moonlight snowshoe trip on Friday night, but I was tired from taking an overnight bus home, so I just rested.

I took a few photos today as I hardly use the camera.. I had a bit of fun with it today! I'll post a full trip report in the next day or so...

Piderny- Southwest Loop Snowshoe

2012-12-23T10:00:00.003-08:00

On Sunday December 16, I led nine people on a snowshoe around Piderny. Honestly though, without the help of Nowell, I would have got us lost! Thanks Nowell. We had a big snowfall, and it was not very cold, so it was a perfect snowshoeing day!

Merry Christmas everyone! I'll be offline for a week...

The Piderny Triangle

2012-12-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

My gosh! I am back in action. I swear when the season changes, I get a lazy streak, or at least I think so, despite me riding to work every day on my bike.

Free at last!

I've started snowshoeing again with the Caledonia Ramblers as there now is enough snow to snowshoe, or sort of. We still got caught in snags..

There were nine of us on this past Sunday's snowshoe trip at the Piderny Recreational Site which is located in the Northern part of the city. It was a nice temperature to snowshoe in, around -4 Celsius or so. Even though we only snowshoed for 4 hours, it was so nice to spend time outside again!

Nancy

I get to lead next week's snowshoe trip which is also at Piderny.

Here's the cute trip report that this past weekend's leader, Nowell, wrote up for the Piderny Triangle trip:

A perfect day with fresh snow overnight to explore more areas, routes and trails at the Piderny Recreation Site. The trip began at The Gate by going N.W. and directly into the forest for about 30 mins of bushwhacking to an open area where we headed north to an old collapsed cabin.

After a few minutes of wondering what story lay behind the cabin, we carried on north over open areas and eventually through forest again where we found another log building which had four walls about 3 feet high - apparently a project started but never finished.

Although furnishings were spartan in the building - there was a table which prompted us to shrug off our packs and have lunch, after which we continued bushwhacking to another open area with several bald eagles soaring high above us.

We then reached the logging road that would take us N.W. to our next point known as "Ditch Pig" - a biking trail in the summer with hair-raising jumps along the way which now appear to be sleeping under their cover of snow. As we approached The Gate, we met our fellow hiker Boris taking his daughter out for a sleigh ride.

We were out for about 3 hours, and although our planned route is the shape of a triangle - our actual route with diversions and exploring looks more like a...well I don't know what it looks like except that it's not a triangle.

Snowshoeing is back!

2012-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Me and Moon

Yeh! I've finally got back into action with the Caledonia Ramblers. I'm back to snowshoeing with them as enough snow has fallen down to need them. If I didn't bike to work every day, I'd be in sad shape!

It felt really good to get out and get some fresh air... We hiked around Piderny. I'll do a better post during the next few days as I have a few good photos that I took of the trip.

Being Seen

2012-12-08T09:10:00.001-08:00

I've been riding every day to work in the dark. I have plenty of lights, but I am always looking for better ways to be seen. I currently ride with a dark jacket/pants. I would love to find a bright jacket that can keep me warm in the Winter. I suppose wearing wool would do the trick, but I love my down jacket since I ride for only 5 minutes.

These two items recently caught my attention:

This is a cool 360 LED jacket that needs funding to be produced. I am hoping that it makes enough, but if not, that they try again! It looks good, but not thick and warm for winter.. Still it would be good for tour riding too.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/275086

It has been created by Badger Gear

http://www.badgergears.com/index.php/apparel/jacket.html

I seen one bright jacket with an LED light in the back, but this is so much better!

I also seen this back light that 'creates' a bike lane. Pretty cool even though it's a bit pricey.

I've really been thinking about improving light as even with reflective gear and the lights I have, I wonder how effective it is. Recently two Joggers got run over by a car even though they were wearing reflective gear and lights...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/12/05/bc-hit-run-video.html

I suppose no amount of safety gear will prevent that from happening...

Things I miss.

2012-11-24T19:53:00.003-08:00

Big Red and Baxter both keep me company in Living Room during Winter

Some days I really miss touring on my Bike. Sure I bike around town every day, even in Winter, but it's not the same. I miss the simple life of just riding my bike to the next destination, not caring what's happening in the world. Riding through some of the most beautiful country in the world.

I am already thinking of ideas for next year...though I probably will stay a bit closer next Summer.

While I miss my Bike Touring during the Winter, I miss my home and birds while Bike Touring in the Summer. It sure is nice being home with my birds right now, as I always feel so bad leaving them for a time while I travel as I love them dearly.

Did someone say Popcorn Time?


Popcorn Time: The Aftermath. Popcorn carnage everywhere!

Festival of Trees - 2012

2012-11-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back!

Well, it's been a while since I have posted here. I have been rather having an uneventful few months. I admit that even though there's been a Rambler's hike every weekend since I came back, I haven't been going on any.

Earlier this week, I got a call to help volunteer at the local Festival of Trees. This will be the third year that I've volunteered. I of course volunteered again as it's for a good cause- Spirit of the North Foundation (Northern Health). I have been hanging around home too much, so I really needed to do something.

Big Bird Tree

I volunteered as a Rover today. I had to walk around checking the bid sheets for marks, incorrect bids, etc. I also had to make sure that no one touched any of the trees or gifts in the displays, and that no one brought food or drinks in.

I got to spend three hours wandering around which gave me a good chance to look at the trees.

Elmo Plays the piano

Live Music

Lego Tree- My favourite of all!

Apparently children have been working on the tree decorations and the Lego City all Summer. What a fun job for a good cause!

I am still riding the bike, with studded tires, which make riding in Winter so much easier! I walked to the Festival of Trees today though as its' not that far away. I suppose that I should post more. I have just felt so uninspired lately. But hopefully, getting out and seeing all this beauty, makes me inspired again!

Bit of a breather

2012-10-09T16:27:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a bit of a breather from the blog... as I've got a few things to do for the Caledonia Ramblers. The good news is that I have finally have recovered from the bike trip. I swear that it took a whole month to feel just right! I don't know if this is normal or not, but I have heard that people doing extreme adventures need time to recover afterwards, although I don't consider what I did, extreme, like racing down 'Divide' in a record amount of time. Oh well. I hope you've enjoyed my posting of my bike trip photos, most of which I wasn't able to upload and post until I came back...

I've been putting the studded tires on Floyd to prep him for Winter riding, but so far the weather has been excellent. I can still wear Summer clothing.. amazing! Although I am sure that will change soon. No complaints from me. I should bring my camera with me, I missed an opportunity for photos when I took a ride on a local special steam engine train this weekend.

I have been offered a free beater bike to take Floyd's place eventually. It's another cheap bike that I don't mind trashing....