When two girlfriends from West and North Vancouver, and a couple from Vernon, came a-visiting for the Family Day weekend, they expected to be kept on the go! It wasn’t difficult….
Our first evening brought in three locals with whom we’d hiked for seven spectacularly memorable days from hut-to-(mosquito-proofed) hut in 2009. Tay Briggs, our knowledgeable, glorious hike leader, and her husband Ian Eakins, of Wells Gray Adventures sent greetings. On that late July hike, alpine flowers were at their peak (pun intended) and, from the Trophies where we began, we could see the top of Battle Mountain which we ascended on our last full day.
This time, the seven of us (out of 10 originals) got together several times over the next four days to snowshoe and cross-country ski. Husbands stayed behind relaxing, revelling in the temporary peace and quiet!
Jake, the tall black poodle was visiting so he, dressed in hi-viz vest, strode, ran around, or sank into soft snow, covering greater distances with ease and a smile on his handsome, curly face. Gypsy, our young cat, entertained everyone with her high-flying antics and less-than-perfect behaviour.
Joining more locals for their regular Friday morning outing, we snowshoed from Camp 2 Road upwards along Road 1, and, via a crooked diversion, reached the power-lines. A narrow but sturdy ice shelf allowed us to cross Wylie Creek so we could plod along to the Highways yard and circle back to the cars. The sun shyly began peeking down at us – a treat for both those from rain-soaked Vancouver and cloud-covered Clearwater.
“You can have the afternoon off,” I informed our guests upon our return. Inspecting Brookfield Shopping Centre and beyond, they helped the local economy. Happily, Coffee House was happening at Blackpool Hall that night and Wells Gray Country Seniors, of which John and I are active members, had arranged for Sharon Rushton and her elves to cater a delicious meal before singers and musicians struck the first chord. We appreciated the talented performers and their willingness to perform.
We intrepid snowshoers were out again next day, tramping along the Flatiron Trail in Wells Gray Park. Sunshine beamed down on us as we enjoyed our snacks while viewing that ancient volcanic formation. Moose tracks criss-crossed the route but we saw no beasts, that day or on any other, no flattened beds, or even scat. A hairball on the trail would have been spat out by a large owl, John told us when we described it, bones crunched within the neatly packed hair.
Sunday saw us skiing at Murtle River. The trail, meticulously groomed by Gordon Jones, was slick – good sliding but too swift on the hills! Water flowing out from beneath the ice and snow on the river reflected blue sky and clouds above.
After lunch, some of us continued up to check out the waterfalls. With higher than usual temperatures this winter, Helmcken Falls has no actual cone, but icicles decorate the perimeter. At the Mushbowl, water’s action had produced a large transparent arch beside the main flow. Solidified cascades of Dawson Falls had collapsed in places; sun sparkled on the spraying water and snowy edges.
Our last full day had arrived and we considered our options. Okay – let’s snowshoe at North Thompson Park first, then ski around the Swamp Loop at Candle Creek trails. And that’s how it went, with more local hospitality to wrap up our adventures.
Oh, the piece of cake? Well, I never did bake my usual carrot cake – and despite all the exercise, we certainly didn’t need it!