Expedition Canada

Whistler in Summer - Last Day Mon Aug 9 Blackcomb Gondola - we were staying just on the left Nick had said we would like Whistler in summer.  Past visits have been in the depths of winter when temperatures have reached as low as -16C, rather than the mid thirties we enjoyed last week. It is an adventure playground and there is a huge amount to do.  There are more hiking trails than we could walk in years.  The lakes are well served with canoe and kayak rentals; it's possible to rent bikes and ski-lift them up the mountain if you are into that sort of thing.  There an increasing number of e-bikes for those who prefer to take the strain out of the pedalling.  Camping in the mountains is stunning, but proper bear precautions are needed.   There are opportunities for sightseeing helicopter/float plane flights, organised 4wd/ATV bear-trips.  The list goes on and it suits all ages.  Oh and of course the wildlife. Bear climb...

Wildlife Mist rising of Lost Lake Sun Aug 8th Mist was rising off Lost Lake on the early morning excursion with Jack and the  mountains had patches of mist and low cloud across their tree-lined slopes.   I walked down from the house to extend the hike, in case it was again curtailed by a bear.  It was still early and I was the only one on the lake circuit.  It was beautifully peaceful.   Yesterday's rain had created lines of pine needles as it washed down the tracks and the dust that usually kicked up on the trails stayed on the ground. Blackcomb Mountain No bears on the lake trail, but a Chipmunk was chattering on the rocks by the house.  It was the first I've seen since we arrived in Canada and it got Jack's attention. Our first trip to Ontario and the Algonquin National Park in 1999 was our  introduction to Chipmunks.  They ran across our feet chattering as we walked the forest trails.  This one was a bit more cautious but still ...

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 an...

Asleep by Lunchtime! Mon Aug 2nd Lunchtime Nick and Lizzie arrived in Whistler late Sunday evening and the first text pinged.   "Want to meet for an early morning canoe or swim".  The pressure was on. Nick was planning a swim and we could canoe or swim.  It wasn't the plan.  Fred was going to have a gentle walk with Jack, while I took the pain for both of us! In the end Fred, Jack and I canoed around the lake.   It kinda set the pace for the day and expectation for the rest of the week!   After the morning canoe session we headed off to Rainbow park, on the other side of Alta Lake where Jack was able to enjoy another swim.   After all the early morning exertion, we headed back for lunch after a coffee in Olympic square. The large mountain on the right at the end of the video is Whistler Mountain, the peak at the back beforehand is Blackcomb Mountain.  Tomorrow we are walking the first of the two! For the afternoo...