I have a project under way that is temporarily in the hands of someone else, so as I wait to get it back and finalize it, I am trying to be productive in other ways. Seeing as my new sport as of December is ski touring, I thought I'd go on a road trip to test out my skins in new terrain while visiting old friends across the province.
I started in Falkland, BC where the fresh dusting of snow was a pleasant change from wet and dreary Vancouver weather. My friend and I tried to go for a walk around his neighbourhood to find a higher vantage point in the valley, but were denied access due to a maze of fences and uninviting signage. We decided to head to a park and try out some nordic trails in Vernon which proved to be a much more rewarding activity.
I hesitate to admit it, but my skis were the fat ones in the middle (above). Instead of renting nordic skis, I slapped on my skins and took my oversized sticks for a ride.... Brent and I stopped at a fire-warmed hut to enjoy a Kahlua Mudslide which made it all worth while.
The next day, Brent and I took a scenic driving tour to Gort's Gouda Farm in Salmon Arm. We enjoyed smoked gouda and salty European liquorish. So worth the drive.
Gort's Gouda Farm near Salmon Arm.
After a few days in Falkland, another friend and I made an impulse decision to drive up to Smithers, BC. I was easy to convince since the detour would add an impressive 1,000km each way to my meagre attempt to do a road trip. Plus, I am a fan of Smithers and was looking forward to visiting with my friends from there while also trying out the local ski terrain.
Creatively named runs at Hankin-Evelyn, the fire-warmed hut just below alpine, and Luke floating on top of the deep damp powder.
Luke, Alfred, and I hiked up Hankin-Evelyn in the Bulkley Backcountry Ski Area. Unfortunately, Alfred's binding broke as soon as we reached the hut, so Luke and I left him to tend the fire while we went for a quick run without him. It was my first time skiing powder on skis in about 15years (if ever) and I virtually tumbled the whole way down. Luke's technique was quite the opposite of mine—fully fine-tuned and flawless.
Backcountry skiing on Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers.
The next day we headed to Hudson Bay Mountain for the luxury of chairlifts and easy access to backcountry. I got my butt kicked but had a blast following Luke and Alfred around the hill.
Enjoying chairlifts and the odd groomed run at Hudson Bay Mountain.
After spending a couple nights enjoying my time with Luke in Sun Peaks, I made my way back towards Vancouver. I decided to head along Highway 1 until Cache Creek, then make my way through Lilloet to eventually arrive in Pemberton. It was only a three hour drive but I stretched it into most of the day by stopping often to take photos and drive down quiet unassuming roads. Since the weather had been pretty grey and warm most of the trip, the scenery had been mostly uninspiring for photography. Luckily on this stretch I found a bit of creative inspiration. The drive was incredible especially between Lilloet and Pemberton. I felt like I was in a different country.
Taking the time to take photographs along the way.
TO BE CONTINUED >>>
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