Bear Scats 6 - Bears 0

Lakes 3 - Temp 30 C

Sun Aug 1st

A few years ago we were staying in a traditional log cabin north of Pemberton for a few days.  The main rail line that ran North, ultimately  to Prince Rupert Sound passed within 20 metres of the cabin.  Being on a curve in the track we grew familiar with haunting train whistle that is so synonymous with North American trains.  The same trains run alongside Alta Lake in Whistler where this picture was taken. We've yet to hear or see the trains, though the likelihood increases.  CN (Canadian National railway) are planning to increase train frequency on this route because of the disruption to rail traffic from forest fires in the interior of BC.

Freight trains are being blamed for some of the wildfires in the interior.  As yet unproven. 

We have seen a lot more bear scats today, full of seeds,  but no bears.  On my morning walk around Lost Lake first thing, this particularly fresh specimen had me on high bear alert.  I could not have been more than an hour old.

Yesterday Lost Lake was full of swimmers and paddle boarders.  This morning it was empty and delightfully still.

The reflection of the trees and mountains on the lakes created a lovely symmetry.  

The second image shows the snowless runs on the lower levels of Whistler Mountain.  Such a stark contrast to Feb 2020 when were last here, arriving back in the UK just before lock-down.  We were in Whistler looking at wedding venues and meeting Lizzie's parents. A really fun trip.

Sunday morning is the local farmers market at the Whistler Racquets Club.  For a high end resort the market was a really pleasant surprise.  Lots of stalls, mostly local produce, much of it organic fruit and veg, crafts and all of excellent quality.  

We arrived early when it opened at 11.00, as we left 40 minutes later there was a huge 100 metre queue to get in.

Had a fascinating chat with a chap who made hardwood chopping boards.  (I've made a few myself!).   A third generation Whistler mill and woodworking family.  He admitted, production dipped in winter as he was up the mountains.

An Okanagan winemaker had a stall and we spent twenty minutes talking and sampling wine, before coming away with a few bottles. We are due back next Sunday to collect a bottle of their limited edition Malbec.  They describe their winemaking style as French rather than New World.  So their Pinot Noir is more Burgundy rather than California.  Tasting due this evening!

Back for an early lunch we headed off to Alta Lake for a walk and later to Nita Lake.  We ventured into the dog-friendly Nita Lodge (5* Award-winning Spa Hotel) for a drink on their 'dog-friendly' deck, which we discovered meant Jack would have to sit outside of the seating area.  How on earth can that be described as dog friendly!!!!!  Bonkers.  More marketing hyperbole!  Rant over.

While checking out the Alta Lake trail, Fred needed a rest.  We hadn't appreciated the toll the hot weather had played on her.  She was clearly badly dehydrated and had shrunk!

Just as well we'd bought more wine today, we will start the rehydration process on our return.

Most of the day the mountains around us appeared misty.  The cool morning gave way to a warm afternoon as temperatures crept up to the high twenties. 

Unusually there was a faint smell of woodsmoke in the air.  The whole of western BC is now under an 'advisory' due to the wildfires inland.  It isn't unpleasant, just unusual.  With the temperatures expected to remain high through to mid-week, the lack of wind suggests the smell of smoke will be present until the wind picks up.

For those with breathing issues, the advice to stay inside with windows and doors shut is going to prove really difficult in this heat.

As we explored the waterside of Alta Lake, we came across these two old trucks.  I'm unsure of the vintage.  The first a GMC, the second was unbadged, Late 40's -50's? Feedback welcome.  

What a project to refurbish them!  Must send some pics to my old car restorer mate in Burbage!

After the packed lakeside at Lost Lake yesterday, Alta and Nita lakes were surprisingly quiet.

It gave Jack a chance to have a swim.  Now crashed out in his bed.

A few more images and video of the day below.

 

 

The milky grey colour of the meltwater in Fitzsimmons Creek is due to glacial action that leaves eroded and dissolved minerals in suspension in the river.  The heavier particles are deposited in the vivid blue glacial lakes further up the mountains, according to google!