Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Pitt Lake and Wildlife Reserve

On a hot and sunny day we decided to head over to Pitt Lake and the adjacent wildlife reserve.  This would give us a different walk to do and some opportunities for Mojo to cool off in the river and lake.

Once again, thank you Mum for providing these pictures.

We park the car close to the boat launches.

IMG_0132

We head off along Nature Dyke, views here to the south over the Marsh.

IMG_0140

We see a couple of herons

IMG_0143 - Copy

Looking West across the marshland towards Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.

IMG_0141

This view North from Nature Dyke across one of the many large ponds that form the marsh.

IMG_0144

Soon we reach an observation tower.  There are three of these towers in the park which enable you to get an more elevated view as well as being covered and less visible to wildlife, giving you a better chance of seeing things.

IMG_0166

From the observation tower the view to the South-East.

IMG_0147

Looking West the line of trees marking the trail we had taken here.

IMG_0148

The view North West.

IMG_0150

The view North from the observation tower takes you over the remainder of the marsh towards Pitt Lake.

IMG_0158

Mojo was always the first to race to the top of the observation towers.

IMG_0162 - Copy

Peaks in the Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.

IMG_0159

The trail continues ahead of us.

IMG_0160

Lily-filled ponds through the north end of the marsh.

IMG_0164

The trail then winds north along the mountainside, Mojo showing us the way.  It was a lovely peaceful setting away from busy roads, with water and wildlife all around and surrounded by beautiful mountains.

IMG_0171

Marshland continues north up until the Pitt River dyke.

IMG_0172

Ducks on the ponds.

IMG_0178

Mojo watches the ducks and other wildlife suspiciously.

IMG_0179

Eventually we meet the Pitt River dyke.  This view North East towards a small headland that juts out into the lake.

IMG_0184

From the Pitt River dyke we get great views North up Pitt Lake.

IMG_0185

Mojo quickly hits the water, waiting for a stick to fetch.

IMG_0189 - Copy

Pitt Lake is the worlds second largest tidal freshwater lake.  At the time of our walk the tide was out so while there isn’t a huge variance there were sandbanks visible which aren’t at high water and the beaches are bigger.

IMG_0215

Looking North East at the trail behind us.

IMG_0228

We saw this falcon with young nesting on top of a post in the Pitt River.

IMG_0197 - Copy

Dad, Mojo and I.

IMG_0201

Mojo waiting for the command to get into the lake (again).

IMG_0205

Once given he’s in in a flash.

IMG_0206

Looking back at the view behind us towards Golden Ears Provincial Park.

IMG_0209

This was the view south across the marshland from the rivers edge, just a mass of lilies.  This must be a superb view when they are all flowering.

IMG_0212

Finally we leave the head of Pitt Lake and follow the edge of Pitt River the short distance back to the parking lot.

A fantastic easy walk with terrific scenery.

IMG_0218

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Lighthouse Park July 2010

Another visit to one of our favourite North Shore parks, Lighthouse Park. 

While I took the camera the park was extremely busy so I occupied myself keeping an eye on Mojo who was quite busy himself visiting peoples picnic baskets or standing on the edge of rocky bluffs.

So, all of the photos in this post are provided by Mum.  Thanks Mum !

Views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and Downtown.

IMG_0099

The West Vancouver coastline.

IMG_0100

Point Atkinson Lighthouse.

IMG_0101

Mojo and I on the trails.

IMG_0104

The cove of West Beach with the peninsula of Vancouvers Westside in the background.

IMG_0107

Passage Island with Bowen Island beyond.

IMG_0112

Views south from Shore Pine Point and Vancouver Island on the horizon.

IMG_0113

Dad and I at Shore Pine Point.

IMG_0114

The Lighthouse Park coastline.

IMG_0115

Views across Bowen Island to the Sunshine Coast beyond.

IMG_0117

“I can see you taking my photo”

IMG_0118

Mum and Dad

IMG_0121

Waiting for a ferry to appear.

IMG_0122

Another lovely walk in the park with a nice mix of forest and coastline and some good views.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains

While the resort is called Whistler, the actual ski hills are spread over two mountains named Whistler and Blackcomb.  They were totally separate mountains until December 2008 when the resort opened the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connecting the two peaks.

Neither David nor I had actually been up the mountains in Whistler previously and now with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola open it was an added attraction.

This is the base of the Blackcomb Mountain gondola which was actually closed during the quiet early summer season so we were able to go up via the Whistler Mountain gondola and cross onto Blackcomb via the Peak 2 Peak.

IMG_1740

Views around Whistler town.

IMG_1741

IMG_1743 The flags of British Columbia, Canada and Whistler.

IMG_1747 So we rode the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain.  David at the top near Roundhouse Lodge.

IMG_1799

From the top of Whistler Mountain we took the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across the valley to Blackcomb Mountain. 

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola set two new world records for Gondolas which it still holds today including the longest unsupported span between towers (3.024km / 1.88mi) and the highest point above ground (436m / 1427ft).

Views here from the gondola over Whistler mountain towards the resort.

IMG_1802

Views North.

IMG_1805

View ahead towards Blackcomb.

IMG_1807 Mum, Dad and myself on the Peak 2 Peak.

IMG_1808

Brief video footage on the gondola.

High above the Fitzsimmons Valley entering the long unsuspended section of the route, looking south towards Whistler.

IMG_1811

Views North up the valley from high above it.

IMG_1815 Surrounding peaks from the gondola.

IMG_1816

IMG_1819

Eventually we arrive on Blackcomb Mountain.  Views from this side of the valley and near the Rendezvous Lodge.

IMG_1820

IMG_1822

IMG_1823

IMG_1843

We stop for lunch at the top of Blackcomb before taking one of the chairlifts to its terminus and back for a variety of views.

On the chairlift mum, dad and myself.

IMG_1826

Views down the chairlift.

IMG_1825 East along the valley.

IMG_1834

After a quick turn around at the bottom we once again approach the Blackcomb terminus for the chairlift.  Views here on our way back up.

IMG_1841 Me on Blackcomb.

IMG_1852

Once back on Blackcomb we rejoin the Peak 2 Peak to get back to Whistler Mountain for our downward journey.

From the gondola the view south towards Whistler.

IMG_1864

One the way back down to the resort from the top of Whistler Mountain we spot two black bears, one which passed us on the ground below too quickly to photograph and the other really too far away…..honestly the black dot in the centre of the clearing in this photo is a bear !

IMG_1881

However, we were fully rewarded on our drive back to the house from Whistler meeting this black bear right at the side of the road on the way.

IMG_1885

IMG_1888

A great day out and fun to enjoy the snow on a sunny day.