Truck is packed and ready to go! Sorry boys...no dogs allowed (we think it sucks too!)
We arrived at the Gray Creek trailhead by about 10:30am and got loaded up and set to go. Another couple was heading up to Mount Steele cabin and were kind enough to snap this picture.
The fearsome four
The entrance to the park is 1.5km up an old logging road (straight up -- elevation gain). We were rewarded with some nice peaks of the Pacific Range that skirts Salmon Inlet (an Inlet off of Sechelt Inlet).
James captures the view
The group was all smiles, enjoying each other and the outdoors
We were still debating what cabin to stay in. The couple in the parking lot were planning on going to Mount Steele cabin and we weren't in the mood to go that far, so it was between Edwards Lake cabin and Bachelor Lake cabin. We had noticed a large van with the sign school on it and wondered where the group of school kids went (wanting to avoid that crowd), so we decided to let the snow tracks lead the way. As we got to the junction we noticed that the path to Bachelor Lake was untouched. We decided to break trail and head to privacy. I had the largest snowshoes, so I volunteered to break trail.
Yes, that's a little scruff!
It was only 1.7km to Bachelor Lake cabin, but, breaking 2 feet of fresh snow makes it tough work. At about the half way point James took over and lead us to the cabin.
There was much excitment about reaching our destination
We set up our sleeping pads and bags, unpacked, started a fire in the wood stove and had some lunch. While we warmed by the fire we dried off some of our clothes by the fire and then decided to go for an early evening exploration of Bachelor Lake and Tanis Lake.
Was very nice to be snowshoeing without the packs
We follwed the creeks that connected the two Lakes and explored the mountains that towered to the east of the two lakes. Below are some pics of our evening fun,
Untouched snow
To the top!
The aftermath of a snowball fight
Erika Jumping
Heather's leap
Heather caught this picture just before we returned to the cabin
We returned to the cabin and warmed up by the wood stove. We changed into some dry clothes and hung our wet clothes on the rack above the wood stove. We sat and chatted, made dinner and settled in for a fairly low key evening of cards and Boggle.
A little food, a little wine and the warmth of the stove
Settling in for bed (only we will know the nature of Heather's laugh/grimace)
It snowed quite hard all evening and we noticed about 3-4 inches of new snow when we went to the outhouse before bed. When we woke up in the morning (12:20am, right James?) we noticed that we had had about another 4-6 inches through the night. When day brightened James, Erika and I played crazy 8's and 3-person war while Heather grabbed a little more shut-eye. When Heather got up we all had breakfast, cleaned up, packed up and headed out. Heather broke trail and we were amazed at how the snow was still coming down!
Notice James admiring that fine piece of rope!
Snowy Return
The way back was much easier as it was all downhill. We got to our truck in about half the time it took us to get to the cabin and we were greeted by a snow covered truck.
James and Erika at the trailhead
We had a great time and all enjoyed to snow covered wilderness and mountains despite the huffing and puffing.
Heather breaking trail
Like all outdoor adventures, our fun was filled with definative ups and downs...
Not fair to single out Erika -- trust me we have pics with all of us face first!
It was extremely nice to get together with people that we consider great friends! Hanging out with James and Erika is always so easy -- the way it should be.
Sis and Bro
Erika and James
While this is far from all we did it was the centre piece of our week-long get together. We did multiple day hikes during the rest of their stay -- I will be sure to post them in the coming days.
~Cheers
4 comments:
Jarrod,
It was a blast to be there and get a chance to spend some good ol' fashion outdoor fun-time with you and sis.
Erika and I had an amazing time, and are sitting here in our hotel in Vancouver anxiously waiting to do it all again!
Thanks for the superb hospitality.
Glad that you had a good time. We always love getting together with you guys. We had a great time as well! We would love to do another adventure with you -- hiking? paddling? does it really matter...
I am extremely jealous!! Looks like a good time was had by all. I do want to see pictures of the bearded guy with his face planted in the snow.
All I have to say was this trip was a total gas! :)
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