Exploring the Trails Near Whistler

Saturday Neil and I drove 24 km south of Whistler to the Garibaldi Lake trail head in  Garabaldi Provincial Park. No dogs are allowed in the park so Fergus had a quiet day indoors. The first 6km of the trail is a gradual uphill climb through dense forest of Douglas Fir trees. We ran into snow at approximately 2km up the trail. Thankfully we had our Kathoolas in the pack and once we had them on our feet it made a big difference to provide us with some grip on the slippery snow. I had 1 pole for additional grip. 

The weather was getting colder the higher we climbed. Once we reached Taylor Meadows we stopped for lunch and decided to turn around. 

We had guests for lunch - the Whisky Jacks! 

The birds take the food right out of your hand. We were wise to turn around and head back as it started to rain (freezing rain) which made the conditions a bit slick coming down. The Kathoolas sure make a big difference. 12 km return. 

Sunday we woke to glorious sunshine and warm temperatures. We ventured out on the Cheakamus Lake trail which is just 4km south of Whistler. There were trees down on the access road so we added  a few additional km's to the journey.  The lake was beautiful. I think this will be a regular summer route for us. 13 km total for the day. 

The route had many trees down. I wouldn't have wanted to be near this tree when it hit the ground! 

We found a route over the tree. While on the trail to Cheakamus Lake we came upon the trail junction to Garabaldi Lake (16km one way) which we will tackle once the snow is gone. 

The weather here in the Vancouver area is unseasonally hot! 31 degrees C today! It's only mid April. That's really crazy. It hasn't been this hot in April since 1962. There are some early forest fires that have started in both BC and Alberta. Yikes! 

Time to Run!

This weekend we made the decision to say good bye to the snow and start running longer on the trails. It was such an awesome snow year (and still is). It is a fun time of year when you can ski/snowshoe up top on Mt. Seymour and run on the trails lower down. 

We did a loop that took us up the Seymour Grind and down Old Buck to the parking lot. Great first longer trail run for awhile. My quads are a bit tender (oh but it's a good tender). We are looking forward to getting back out there. Happy Trails! 

Spring Skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb

 Oh what spectacular skiing at Blackcomb and Whistler this weekend! This is on the top of Blackcomb Mountain looking over to Whistler range. 

On my way to 7th Heaven Express Chair on Blackcomb. 

Spectacular views of Whistler from Blackcomb. You could hang out there all day @ 7,500 feet. 

So much snow! 

Helmets are part of the gear nowadays -  it's good to have a colored one so we can spot each other on the mountain. We skied Whistler on Friday and both Blackcomb and Whistler on Saturday. The Peak to Peak gondola makes both mountains in one day possible. The journey at 1,427 feet above the valley floor takes me out of my comfort zone but it does allow for incredible access to the beautiful terrain. Today we enjoyed a 90 minute run on the Valley trail followed by a 1hour bike ride. Nice outdoor active weekend in the mountains! Yeah! 

Easter Weekend Activities

We started the Easter weekend with a snowshoe up Mount Seymour on Friday.  We started out in the mist but it soon burned away and we had glorious sunshine. Then we were off to Whistler for some downhill skiing.  

Mount Seymour that towers over the Vancouver area. 

This is at the top of Whistler mountain looking across to the Blackcomb Mountain ski area.  

Ski helmets are a new addition to the gear since we last skied. They were very cushioned and comfortable so easy to wear. 

What a beautiful day! 

Nice apres ski as well! 

Look - a Craig sighting!! 

Monday we were back in Vancouver and met up with Craig for another snowshoe outing on Seymour, we just had to experience again the incredible conditions so late in the season. I think the snow is going to be around for awhile!

First Day of the 2016 Bagger Challenge

Neil and Dave Mt. Seymour on the first day of the 2016 Bagger Challenge. Go team Dodgy! 

Looking at Cathedral Mountain 

A little Dodgy! 

Hang on Dave! 

There is plenty of snow which should hang around for some more snowy adventures yet this year. 

Nice View of the Golden Ears Range

The snow is deep on the peaks. Today this was the view for my run. I could have stayed out there all day! The air was fresh and the sun was warm. I had a 12noon spin class to get to so I had to leave the scene. 

This is the Golden Ears Range from the Dykes in Pitt Meadows. 

This range is at the end of Pitt Lake. The skyline was beautiful today with the snow capped peaks in view for my run. I plan to repeat the route again tomorrow after an early spin class. 

It is Spring Break so the ski mountains will be bustling with such ideal snow and weather conditions.  

Vancouver Hosts the World Rugby 7's.

This weekend I had a Rugby 7's immersion! Vancouver was hosting 16 countries for the World Rugby 7's. Neil had purchased tickets months ago, and now the weekend was here. The weather was wet and windy outside so why not sit in a stadium for 2 days! I watched 30 Rugby 7's games in 2 days. The event was very entertaining with game after game that had 2, 7 minute halves. The rugby was quick and the players very skilled. The worst part was the inactivity for 2 days! We did have a 4km walk each way to and from the stadium both days so that was most welcome!

The event was held in BC Place Stadium 

The Canadian fans were having a good time! 

Canada won the Bowl round as a result of winning their final game against France 19 - 17. It was a thriller, with Canada clinching a huge win in the last few seconds of the game. The crowd went wild! 

New Zealand's All Blacks won the Cup taking South Africa 19 -14. We also saw the All Blacks 15 a side play in the World Cup in London. I feel like a fan! 

The fans around us were proudly wearing their team jersey's. Much beer was consumed by those in attendance but I did notice less consumption on day 2, I think they must have been suffering from the over consumption on the first day. Overall a great event! It's coming again next year - let's go!