And now one-third of the year has passed. I used to mark all sorts of numeric milestones during the year when I was doing my photo-a-day project a decade ago, and it surprised me how many times I could make something of them. I wouldn't do another photo-a-day project, but I did really enjoy writing … Continue reading Being Outdoors, May 2023
Opinion: A five star trip with a few one-star moments. Another stunning week of exploration in the South Chilcotin mountains that was inspired by last year's visit to Lorna Lake. Hiking here never gets any easier as much of the area we explored had no trails, but the rewards were immense: endless mountain views, stunning … Continue reading Grant Creek Circuit, 13-20 Aug 2022
Another weekend had come to an end, and without having ventured out on a hike, we both needed a dose of nature to top up our senses before plunging into the busyness of a working week. Lighthouse Park almost always fits the bill for a place that feels a little wild - wild enough to … Continue reading Vignette: Lighthouse Park, 1 May 2022
The Fraser River estuary is an important area for overwintering birds, perhaps the most visible of which are snow geese, which flock in their hundreds - if not thousands - to the wetlands and marshes where the Fraser meets the Salish Sea. A great place to see them is along the west dyke in Richmond, … Continue reading Vignette: snow goose-a-palooza, 16 Jan 2022
Opinion A beautiful area with lots of potential for exploration, I think we'll be back. Lakes, ridges, summits, all within relatively easy reach. However, beyond the lake, there are almost no trails so navigation skills and comfort on steep slopes (dirt, heather, or talus) is necessary. Definitely more of an experienced hiker's destination. Fact The … Continue reading Blowdown Creek, 1-3 Aug 2020
Opinion Wow! At long last we make it into the Phelix Creek area and we were not disappointed. It's stunningly beautiful, and although some of the mountain terrain is not to be taken lightly, there are plenty of options for exploration over the course of a few days. But we were on the receiving end … Continue reading Phelix Creek, 24-27 Jul 2018
Opinion A pleasant and easy little walk in the alpine for sure, albeit not necessarily exciting (and the microwave towers are a bit of an eyesore). The flowers definitely contribute significantly to the enjoyment of this walk, so try and time it as soon after the gravel road opens as possible. It's tricky to catch … Continue reading Paintbrush Trail, 18 Jun 2017
Opinion A short loop in the forest best done when the rhododendrons are in bloom, usually June. I'm not much of a rhododendron fan but, as ever, show me a flower in its natural habitat and I'm all over it :-) So I enjoyed it for what it was, but it's probably not worth stopping … Continue reading Rhododendron Flats, 18 Jun 2017
Opinion Wow! I don't remember the last time a hike so clearly won me over. Cape Scott has been on our to-do list for years, and to be honest I wasn't feeling particularly inspired as we set off on our 5-day trip. But between the gorgeous sandy beaches, atmospheric old-growth forests and peat bogs, the … Continue reading Cape Scott, 2-7 Aug 2016
Another nice little jaunt around the various Hollyburn trails, taking in a handful of ponds and lakes. As with last year, highly recommended for a gentle leg stretcher. No views for the most part, except for one point with a superb view over to Mt Baker and the new Port Mann bridge, and the lakes … Continue reading Hollyburn Lakes, 10 Jul 2014
Being. Outdoors. 