I've been cycling in to the office for one or two days a week more or less continuously since October 2021, with just a couple of breaks. That means, whatever the weather, I set out on the local roads and head up the hill to UBC. Ah yes, the hill... Or perhaps, more ominously, The … Continue reading Vignette: A winter commute
Opinion: A classic hike for exceptional wildflower displays and eye-popping views, Elk Mountain is well worth the stiff climb. The best turnaround spot is the cairn with a panoramic view over the Chilliwack River valley, there's really little point continuing to the viewless summit of Mount Thurston - unless, like me, you are keen to … Continue reading Elk-Thurston, 2 Jul 2022
Opinion: A thoroughly enjoyable area to explore, albeit one not to be underestimated. The trail to Valentine Lake was really quite lovely, though I worry about the route through the meadows becoming a mucky mess. The lake was pretty and best appreciated from higher ground. Cassiope Mountain was a moderately challenging scramble on account of … Continue reading Valentine Lake, 3-5 Sep 2022
Opinion: A beautiful area that has clearly become more popular in recent years given the welcome upgrades to the parking arrangements and the trail itself. Despite it being known as a backpacking destination, the camping is not particularly good with only a few spots squeezed in between boulders, occupying delicate meadows, and sited far too … Continue reading Marriott Basin, 24-25 Sep 2022
Opinion: What can I say about Lake O'Hara that hasn't already been said? It's an absolutely stunning area with the most amazing trail network that threads over and through a very intimidating landscape. Three nights is absolutely required to see it all but with less time the priority has to be the Alpine Circuit, which … Continue reading Lake O’Hara, 14-17 Sep 2022
Initial thoughts After the past two years of excellent hiking I had lowered my expectations about how this year might go. We made the effort to book three big trips, reserving backcountry spots for two trips in Banff and one in Yoho, plus another week-long adventure in the South Chilcotins. But apart from that, I … Continue reading 2022 in review: Top Trips and Stats
Ah, the wildflower report.... Brought to you by - wait for it, all will be revealed later! With the exception of my jaunt up to the peak of Mount Thurston at the beginning of July, I decided against chasing glacier lilies this year. Last year's display on the Pushki Lake trail was so amazing that … Continue reading 2022 in review: Wildflowers
Wildlife sightings are always anticipated every year, and I have to admit that I look forward to seeing bears most of all. 2022 was a decent year for bear sightings and by far our best year for grizzlies, constituting five of our nine bear sightings. I don't think we've ever seen more than one grizzly … Continue reading 2022 in review: Wildlife
Welcome to a new year! 2022 seemed to pass so quickly... Hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season and that 2023 brings many great adventures! If we were being outdoors today I'd be looking longingly at the North Shore mountains as it's been a few weeks since we were last up there … Continue reading Being Outdoors, January 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
Being. Outdoors. 