Trekking with Nicola (and the dogs)

Length - 12.7 km - Elevation Gain - 571 metres  Getting to this trailhead always causes me a bit of stress as the last two kilometres are very rough with large potholes and significant water bars such that navigation would be impossible without a high clearance vehicle (which we kinda have.) But, apart from the road to the trailhead, this trail is one of our favourites, partly because of the variety. The midway point is marked by a meadow with views up the valley to the mountains beyond. Then, it’s a steady climb to Brewer Lake which is surrounded on two sides by Brewer Peak and what they call Brewer NE2. We stopped for lunch at the lake while Pippa waited for scraps and Finny explored the lakeshore which is one of his most favourite activities. Nicola brought lunch and a beer to split which provided a relaxing interlude where we could sit back and enjoy the lake with its reflections of the surrounding peaks and Finny pawing at random objects he spots underneath the water.  Th...

Distance - 7.22 kilometres - Elevation gain - 453 metres  This is one of our favourite walks. It’s short (about 3 hours) it has great views, and a lovely spot for a lunch and swim (if you happen to be very brave)  The walk begins with a steady climb to the bumpy meadows (which are bumpy) and then a steep stretch to a t-intersection. One path leads to Pedley Pass and the ridge and the other to the tarn which takes about half an hour but always seems longer to me. (The “we’re almost there syndrome”).  The weather was warm, the walk not too rigorous and the views terrific. 

17.91 km - 934 elevation gain - 7.43 km. - 7.75 hours  We began the trip by using Google to get to the trailhead, getting lost, and leaving Conrad and Theresa waiting for an hour at the trailhead. That said, they quickly forgave us. The trail begins along the Pinnacle Creek and then climbs steadily through a Douglas Fir and Cedar forest above the creek only to meet it again at the bottom of an avalanche slope. Pippa floated in a pool while we all stopped for a drink and rest and admired the neon glow of the fireweed with the Purcells in the background.  After an approximate 700 metre elevation gain, we emerged in an alpine meadow scattered with scraggly larch that look amazing in the fall. The memory makes me this travelling across the world to walk through mountains may not be so necessary when we have these amazing vistas right on a doorstep. (With a little effort obviously.)  We stopped for lunch at a bench in memory of someone next to Diana Lake with the majestic Moun...