Seeing the sights in Smithers
Tonight we are in Terrace. We spent the past 2 nights in Smithers. Yesterday we got up early and headed for the alpine meadows on the Hudson Bay Mountain, the same mountain where you can find the local ski resort.
After a short 40 minute drive to the ski resort we parked the rig and found the trail that would take us to the alpine. The elevation at the parking area is 1500m. The trail took us about 1.5k up the mountain past the tree line to the snow covered meadows. We expected wildflowers and a Julie Andrews sighting, but no such luck. It was windy and cold in the alpine with nowhere to hide. We came to a snow covered creek. You could hear the water rushing downhill under the snow. "Adult" moment: We choose to not cross the snow over the creek over concerns of falling through and being at worst injured and at best wet and colder. At this point we were at about 2000m elevation and too far from our truck for Dana to carry me. So, why were hiking in the cold alpine? Two guesses. If you guessed that we were chasing birds you would be correct. Our Birding in B.C. guide book (thanks Bud) told us that we might find 3 species of Ptarmigan in this area and 3 species of Grouse. I can tell you that at best our outing was a very nice hike with spectacular views. This is the kind of thing that birders say when they "dip" on the birds they were seeking. See, you are learning all kinds of bird talk. Soon you will be out looking at birds. But I digress.....
We spent 2 nights in our tent at the Municipal Campground on the banks of the Bulkley River. I don't think I have seen such a clean, well maintained campground. There were 2 tenting areas that were all grass. We were able to back the 4Runner up onto the grass beside our tent, picnic table and fire ring. Free hot showers and flush toilets. All this for $20/night. We enjoyed our stay although tenting this time of year means tolerating night time temps of close to freezing. Looking forward to warmer nights as we head north. Did I just say that......
2 cold nights and 2 sunny warm days, except for the hike to the alpine in Smithers, B.C. Highly recommended. Oh, and for those who might want to visit but would not prefer to experience cold weather tenting, there are plenty of hotels/motels lining the rail corridor in Smithers.
No photos today. Once again the landscape lens did not make it into the backpack for our hike. Dang!
After a short 40 minute drive to the ski resort we parked the rig and found the trail that would take us to the alpine. The elevation at the parking area is 1500m. The trail took us about 1.5k up the mountain past the tree line to the snow covered meadows. We expected wildflowers and a Julie Andrews sighting, but no such luck. It was windy and cold in the alpine with nowhere to hide. We came to a snow covered creek. You could hear the water rushing downhill under the snow. "Adult" moment: We choose to not cross the snow over the creek over concerns of falling through and being at worst injured and at best wet and colder. At this point we were at about 2000m elevation and too far from our truck for Dana to carry me. So, why were hiking in the cold alpine? Two guesses. If you guessed that we were chasing birds you would be correct. Our Birding in B.C. guide book (thanks Bud) told us that we might find 3 species of Ptarmigan in this area and 3 species of Grouse. I can tell you that at best our outing was a very nice hike with spectacular views. This is the kind of thing that birders say when they "dip" on the birds they were seeking. See, you are learning all kinds of bird talk. Soon you will be out looking at birds. But I digress.....
We spent 2 nights in our tent at the Municipal Campground on the banks of the Bulkley River. I don't think I have seen such a clean, well maintained campground. There were 2 tenting areas that were all grass. We were able to back the 4Runner up onto the grass beside our tent, picnic table and fire ring. Free hot showers and flush toilets. All this for $20/night. We enjoyed our stay although tenting this time of year means tolerating night time temps of close to freezing. Looking forward to warmer nights as we head north. Did I just say that......
2 cold nights and 2 sunny warm days, except for the hike to the alpine in Smithers, B.C. Highly recommended. Oh, and for those who might want to visit but would not prefer to experience cold weather tenting, there are plenty of hotels/motels lining the rail corridor in Smithers.
No photos today. Once again the landscape lens did not make it into the backpack for our hike. Dang!
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