Life

The days are getting longer, when the sun comes out we can feel the warmth emanating into our cold winter bones.

Ice climbers have discovered the spray ice behind Helmcken Falls and are describing it as the most difficult ice climbing in the World.

‘Notably Influenced’

We are approaching “mid-winter” here in the mountains of the North Thompson valley. The days are getting longer, hardy little birds are starting to re-appear after a very brief hiatus for the Christmas break and the sunsets have been captivating. It is a good time to be in the backcountry now that the upper layers of the snowpack are settling out.

VICTORIA - The HST Information Office recently launched www.hstinbc.ca , a new website designed to put more factual information on the HST in the hands of British Columbians.

Although John is not at all impressed by our squirrels, he can’t help being amused at times. One chilly morning I heard him chuckling as he looked out the kitchen window at his least favourite “fella,” which was, he said, “tucking its front paws into its armpits to keep warm.

My good people: It is that time of year when all seem to be undergoing the so called ‘winter blues.’

Life’s trekking trails are not always smooth and wide. I cannot pretend it isn’t a drawback - sooner or later my arthritic hip will be replaced by a “bionic” one. In the meantime, unfortunately, I am a gimp. Fortunately, I have patient, long-suffering friends who slow their pace to match mine and shorten outings to an hour or less. Once out there for 40 minutes or so, I beg, “Even slower now, please!” They must sometimes wonder if we’ll ever get back, but we always do.