4th Month, 4th Bear

1st Marmot and Whistler Mountain Hike

Tue Aug 3rd

Today marks our 4th month in Canada by date.  We saw our 4th Black bear and completed our first Whistler Mountain hike.  The plan was for a 9k 4-5hr hike around the top of Whistler Mountain.  It was without a doubt one of the most demanding and stunning walks we have done.


The plan was to take the Whistler Gondola and then walk down to take the Peak Express chair to the top, except the chair lift was not working so we had to walk up, which added an hour and 200m of climb to the 9k walk.  It does not sound much, but for the 30+C heat.  Jack was being Jack-sat (not allowed to be left in the house unattended or on the mountains), so it was just us we were having to manage, hydrate and keep on the trail.  What a day!



The climb up

View across to Blackcomb Mountain


Looking across to one of the glaciers
We have skied Whistler 8-9 times and know it well in winter.  Using trails, rather than lifts and ski runs, without the snow it was a fundamentally different environment, a different grid but equally stunning.  

Our usual reference points had melted!  We were walking trails that could not be skiied, traversing the side of mountain slopes where if you don't like heights you wouldn't spend too long looking at the incline and what was, or wasn't, below you. One short section was traversed using chains in the walls and knotted ropes to aid the traverse past a rocky outcrop.  Something else! 

The views were simply stunning.  Lizzie remarked that whatever work pressures, one might be under, it’s impossible not to push them into touch given the views and environment around
Marmot taking in the sun
 you.  A bit like flying, everything else gets pushed aside.  We hoped to see a bitmore wildlife on the mountain.  One Black Tailed deer and a Marmot, were the sum total for the day.  There were quite a few alpine flowers out which gave it a slight spring-like feel, aside from the temperature. Of course, Fred had to stop to take a few close-up flora shots.


It was tough going. Jack was in the right place and might have struggled with some of the screed fields with loose rocks and large boulders.  


Checkamus Lake


Checkamus River


A selection of images and videos are below which speak for themselves.

The Checkamus Lake and River flowed down past the Train Wrecks we saw the other day.  

Back down the mountain and Jack gathered up, we went for a dip in Nita lake.  Hiking clothing, shoes and all.  It was the only way to get rid of the dust and grime mixed with the sunscreen and mosquito repellant we were plastered with.

Heading back to the house a young Black Bear crossed the highway.  Traffic slowed or stopped, the bear just carried on.   

The alpine and water meadows, lakes and streams contrasted with the rock fields, gravel tacks and scree slopes.  The biggest challenge of the day was to take in the view and watch where you were walking at the same time!









Alpine Meadows
























Some more pics to follow - but download speeds slow .........



 

Comments

  1. BobAugust 4, 2021 at 1:51 PM

    Fabulous - all that cool mountain air!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MikeT67MAugust 4, 2021 at 5:14 PM

      Not as cools Feb and not much cooler than lower down, but cooler.

      Delete

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