First snowshoe of the season

With guests arriving on Friday for a weekend get-away, I made the trip into civilization on Thursday to pick up fresh supplies.  Lots of wildlife were out and about that day, including several grouse, a group of Mule Deer, a few White-tailed Deer and two Golden Eagles slumming with the ravens on a road kill.

Mule Deer

Ruffed Grouse

Martin trap

The temperature was exceptionally mild for the weekend, and Cheryl and Paul were keen to try a short snowshoe trek.  So, down to Rock Lake where the ‘shoeing would be relatively easy, and on to the flat terrain around the Equestrian Overflow, Jackson Creek and the trapper’s cabin.  The fellow trapping the line had been out recently, setting Martin traps, and it was easy walking on the trail packed by his quad.  The Elk had been in the meadows, and Leo and Molly were able to cover themselves in Eau du Elk left behind in their snow beds.  Several times we stopped to listen to “something” moving in the trees, snapping branches.  I assured my guests that the “something” really couldn’t be a bear (wrong time of year, even though an old boar will typically come through here in early winter, but does so very quietly) or a cougar (they are deathly quiet!).  Sure enough, back at the truck at the end of the snowshoe, we heard the female Elk calling.

Trapper’s cabin

Cheryl and Paul

Trying to imitate a Loon call at Rock Lake

A quick trip down to Moose Landing at the lake, we heard a lone call of a Loon . . .but were unsuccessful in our attempts to entice it to call back.  In the quiet, we heard another sound that I could not identify – sort of a soft whoop/moan/grunt kind of call – coming from the start of the Wild Hay River area.  Hmmm . . .Out of curiosity, I drove down to the bridge going into the Green Mountain Loop, and we found an immature Tundra Swan gracefully gliding along the river with its’ fellow travelers (ducks that I didn’t get the chance to identify).

Green Mountain Loop

We’re melting and had pouring rain late last night (Sunday, Nov. 4).  I am hopeful that the unseasonably warm temperatures forecast for this week will bare off the Rock Lake Road and the paths around the cabins.  We’re supposed to go COLD (-20 to -25 C) by the weekend . . .

Until next time . . .Happy Trails!

Oh man – do we have SNOW!!

The end of October brought a dump of snow!  Always appreciated and I do love snow . . .but, oh my achin’ back.

Low cloud still on the Munn Creek Valley

I’ve been shoveling and blowing snow for the past two days, along with trying to get a snow-track in for our 3-km trail.  The snow blower works just fine . . .until we get above -5C.  Then the blower just pushes snow, and it’s faster to shovel.

Clearing a path

Setting a snow track

The Snow Buntings and Pine Grosbeaks are back and delightful to watch (no, these aren’t my photos – courtesy Google Image Search).

Snow Bunting

Male Pine Grosbeak

It’s a town day tomorrow, with guests coming in on Friday.  Molly and Leo will hold down the fort.

The Rock Lake Road had not been plowed yesterday (Oct. 30), and there is little hope of the County getting out here until (maybe) spring.  Folks coming in to Rock Lake or Willmore Wilderness from the Rock Lake staging area will likely need a 4×4 to negotiate the road.

Until next time . . .Happy Trails!

Sticking Snow

No, not the kind that gloms onto your gloves and toque, making you wish your eyeglasses were equipped with windshield wipers . . . First “sticking” snow means snow that will stick around until spring.

Most folks think I’m strong as . . .BUT

I have been laid low with a nasty flu bug, courtesy of the Thanksgiving Weekend, the past two weeks.  Anyone know what the saying ‘Under The Weather’ means?  Everyone knows what it feels like to be so sick even your eyelashes hurt, but . . .where did that saying come from?  I’ve been “under-the-covers” [shaking with chills and fever], “under-nourished” [who the heck feels like cooking??], “under the influence” [cold/flu meds] and “under-productive” [oh crud, most chores can wait] . . .but “under the weather”?  How does one actually DO that??

My mind wanders . . .probably due to my brain being squished by all that SNOT still in my head . . .Ewwwwww.

With sticking snow, I’m gearing up for WINTER - yipee!!!  That’s not the drugs talking, by the way . . .I happen to be one of those typical Canucks who actually LIKE winter!  Shoveled the paths to the cabins and around woodpiles for the first time this season (well, 3 times now since I originally drafted this post); put away rain gear, rubber boots and fishing gear; hope to get the ski-doo, track-setting equipment and snowblower out from summer storage this week.  Ski boots, toques and winter gloves will take their place on the workbench.

Freshly shoveled path

The wolves are running the valley, and there’s lots of track left by our resident snowshoe hares and grouse.  The lynx made a nocturnal visit, but I didn’t find any evidence that he was successful on his hunt for a midnight snack.  A cougar, or two, may be roaming the area as well.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Manske

Am on the mend, and may get out snowshoeing with guests this weekend.  The Rock Lake Road has not been plowed, but there is only about 4 inches of snow accumulation.  Until next time . . .Happy Trails!

HELP . . . .less

Our last volunteer, Becky, left for the season shortly after Thanksgiving.  Becky will continue her ‘Round the World’ journey, visiting a few more places in western Canada before meeting up with friends in the States.  Becky then says goodbye to North America, catching a flight to New Zealand and Australia for more adventures before returning to the UK sometime next summer.

Becky on the Hoff Ridge

Becky brought such a wealth of enthusiasm to the ‘Escape!  Easily sliding into the routine at the cabins, learning the trails, flora and fauna of our area, Becky’s untempered delight at discovering different wildflowers, mushrooms, scenic views and wildlife was contagious.  From guests, coworkers, camp dogs and cat, everyone loved having Becky here . . . especially the mosquitos (who, no doubt, have laid hundreds of thousands of eggs in Becky’s honor!).

Leo will miss Becky

So, to Becky and our other two wonderful volunteers Susan and Ellie – THANKS!!! for helping make the 2012 busy season such a success!

Becky

Susan

Ellie

Until next time (and Laura may start to write in the first person again) . . .Happy Trails!

Scenic Winter Route To The Viewpoint

Following a successful Winter Wood Weekend (thanks to the wood crew!), Laura and Becky began preparing for Thanksgiving. Only snow flurries were forecast for mid-week, so we did not expect to wake up and find half a foot of snow outside on Wednesday morning – Rocky Mountain Escape had transformed into a Winter Wonderland once again!

Although it has been sunny during the day, the nights are cool and there are still traces of snow in shaded areas. The puddles on the trail are also very icy so we decided it was best to pick up our non-4×4 driving guests at the end of the trail – we were joined by two families from Grande Prairie and a couple from Edmonton for the weekend.

It was agreed during dinner that the scenic route to the viewpoint would be the best hike to suit everyone. The following morning, Becky set off with the group to guide her last hike of the summer and was looking forward to seeing how the Rock Lake valley had changed after the recent mix of weather. Our youngest guests stayed at the Escape for the day, taking a stroll down to the creek with their mum while Laura was in the cook house talking to the turkey who went into the oven as soon as breakfast was finished!!

While on the scenic route, the wild cranberries were looking ripe following numerous overnight freezes – of course, Becky invited our guests to try them and they served as a very nice trail snack.

The beaver pond had frozen and our young hikers enjoyed throwing sticks onto the ice to see how far they could slide. There were no further signs of wildlife activity apart from a few branches that had been scratched by elk antlers as we reached the meadow before the final viewpoint.

Although it was overcast, everyone enjoyed their lunch while looking at the stunning scenery – the only remains of snow are on the mountain peaks and they glistened in the distance. Becky then decided to take everyone down to Rock Lake to see the view from there.

Upon arriving back at the cabins, there was noticeable haze and ash in the sky. As Rock Lake was clear and it would be very unusual for the smoke from wildfires in BC to come down Munn Creek without affecting Rock Lake, Laura contacted the wildfire department.  Out came a chopper to investigate, along with a very nice young man in a pickup.  Turns out that there was a fire in Fort St. John, but no evidence of wildfire in the Willmore – we did not have to worry about the turkey burning!

For dinner we had pickle plates, turkey, two different stuffing, slow roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes, along with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. This was followed by a choice of pumpkin pie, chocolate brownie, cherry crumble and strawberry shortcake for dessert! It was a wonderful meal and everyone commented on how much they had eaten – we didn’t have to go as far as wheeling anyone to their cabin in the wheel barrow, though!! Our guests departed Monday morning after a fun and filling weekend, ending this year’s high season and ending Becky’s summer here at Rocky Mountain Escape.

We are thankful for our wonderful guests both past and present as it is you who make each hike special and memorable

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Trails…

Susan’s Last Hike – The Berland

It’s the last trek out for Susan, and our guests chose an elevation that they all could do together – the Berland Ridge!

Susan and Becky set off with the group early Saturday morning in two vehicles, as Molly and Leo were keen to join in. We were still enjoying the beautiful Indian summer here at the ‘Escape so lots of extra water was packed.

As we arrived at our starting point, we noticed the trees are now a shimmery golden colour, contrasting with the orange and red flora below.  The mushrooms are a struggle to find and the only remaining flower is the fleabane. Our climb was steady up to the vertical meadow and from there, we could see every reflection in Rock Lake as it was so calm. We could still see the Golden Eagle flying above the lower tree line – she will probably start her migration south very soon!

 

The only disappointment thus far was the smoke in the distance over the Rocky Mountains. It was a very different view compared to the crisp background seen at other times. The distant mountains were so hazy we could barely see past the Rock Lake Valley, never mind Mount Robson which could clearly be seen a few days prior! We believe there are wildfires in either the Willmore to the north or in British Columbia.

 

While on the hike, we did not notice any new wildlife activity, other than that there was not much left of the cougar kill from earlier this year (Molly and Leo helping with this!). By the time we reached the ridge line, we noticed Rock Lake had become quite choppy; the breeze on top was lovely, though, and we all laid down in the sunshine after lunch. As always, even with the hazy scenery, the view was spectacular and our guests were really pleased with the elevation they had just achieved!

Now, most people think that going up is the hard bit; however, a couple of our guests actually found going down strenuous on their knee joints. A few members of the group were feeling the aches and pains of injuries recurring from when they were younger, so it was a team effort to get everyone back down to the cars in one piece.

On returning to Rocky Mountain Escape, Laura prescribed hot baths and a delightful dinner of stir fry chicken and prawns (shrimp to all Canadians!). As the evening came upon us, the sun started to set and the sky was lighted by crimson clouds.

A perfect end to Susan’s stay here in the mountains!

Becky and Susan

Until next time. . .Happy Trails!

Thanks to Susan!

Susan, a volunteer who has been helping out at the ‘Escape since May, journeyed to Hinton for the last time on Wednesday.  Susan will be making her way to Vancouver, preparing to fly back to the UK on the weekend.

Of Susan’s many attributes, several stand out -

• Amazing photographic skills
• Cheerful, sunny disposition (even with the most tedious of tasks!)
• Knowledgeable, interesting and trustworthy guide
• and Susan could just handle the cook house!

Susan has plans to return to western Canada in the not-too-distant future . . .and on a permanent basis!  We have been so fortunate to have her at the ‘Escape this summer, and she will be sorely missed.

Best of luck to you, Susan, and I’ll look forward to your return!  (So will Leo, Molly and Jynx!).