We arrived there at 11:00...we were surprised how short of a drive it is up to the mountain...only about 1.5 kms off the highway. Not like Mount Washington on Vancouver Island where you have a long drive up...but then you are driving from sea level there. That's Mt. Fernie in the background...
As we went in to buy our lift tickets, we noticed the option of taking a guided hike on the mountain...it wasn’t all that more expensive than just buying the lift ticket, so we opted for it—a half-day hike on the mountain. We were to meet "Nature Bob" outside the guest services building at 1:00. Okay...what are we going to do for 2 hours? Well, we thought we should have a little lunch before our hike and there was a Kelsey’s restaurant right there but it didn’t open until noon. So we wandered around a little, took some pictures and then sat in the shade at a picnic table just watching all the people getting ready to head up the mountain with their bikes...this is a major mountain biking area.
We went into Kelsey’s just as soon as it opened and once seated order a burger to share...well, we waited and waited. Finally the waitress came over very apologetic for the wait but "the kids" had forgotten to turn on the grill so they had to wait for it to heat up. Once she learned that we had a tour at 1:00, she was even more apologetic and tried to hurry things along. We finally got our burger at about 12:40...good thing we were splitting it, because I would have hated to have had to gobble down a whole meal! But we ended up getting our lunch for free...bonus! Our waitress still earned her tip though. And as it turned out we had plenty of time because Nature Bob was a little late meeting us.
We are so glad we opted for a guided tour! More emphasis is put on the mountain bike trails than the hiking trails and quite honestly once we got off the chair lift at the top, the hiking trails were not that easy to find and not marked all that well. Mind you, Nature Bob also took us "off the beaten path" and we learned so much about the formation of the mountains, the flowers, the bugs, fossils...even birds. The mountains here are upside down...the oldest parts are on the top and the youngest on the bottom or are angled on their side. Such an interesting fellow...he is 71 and does guided hiking tours during the summer and teaches skiing in the winter...along with heading the local Naturalists Club...among many other things; he is a very active senior! Here are pictures as we head up on the chairlift...
Made it!...
We had to be back to take the chairlift down by 4:00...and it was just going on 4:00 when we finished hiking a big loop. It was thoroughly enjoyable! What was NOT thoroughly enjoyable (for me) was the ride back down the mountain! I do NOT like heights but it wasn`t too bad on the way up because you are facing the mountain as you go up...well...of course, you face away from the mountain on the way down. I had my eyes closed...trying hard not to hyperventilate (and keep some composure sitting beside Nature Bob) most of the way until I finally planted my feet firmly on solid ground....whew!Mountain bikers on their way down the mountain...
Almost there...
During our chats with Nature Bob on the mountain, he learned that we are the ones with "that big truck" staying at the Provincial campground. I guess he had noticed it yesterday while visiting some friends also staying here. So, he asked if he could drop by and see our rig later. Absolutely, so after handshakes and thanking him very much for a great hike, we headed home.
Sure enough, we hadn`t been home long and were just relaxing in our chairs outside with a beer but who should arrive...Nature Bob. He sat and visited with us for awhile and after checking out both the trailer and the truck, he headed off...but he`d really like to bring his wife around tomorrow to show her!
It was well after 6pm by the time he left, so Steve barbequed some boneless chicken breasts and we had ``chicken burgers`` for dinner. After dishes were done, we relaxed in front of the TV...again, we were exhausted after a full day of sunshine and exercise. By the way...I can’t believe how sore my thighs are...must be from the long walk downhill into the canyon yesterday, bracing myself....sheesh!
Sure enough, we hadn`t been home long and were just relaxing in our chairs outside with a beer but who should arrive...Nature Bob. He sat and visited with us for awhile and after checking out both the trailer and the truck, he headed off...but he`d really like to bring his wife around tomorrow to show her!
It was well after 6pm by the time he left, so Steve barbequed some boneless chicken breasts and we had ``chicken burgers`` for dinner. After dishes were done, we relaxed in front of the TV...again, we were exhausted after a full day of sunshine and exercise. By the way...I can’t believe how sore my thighs are...must be from the long walk downhill into the canyon yesterday, bracing myself....sheesh!
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