Dec 6, 2009 - Cold Afternoon at Peterson Creek

As you can tell by the frozen waterfall below, it was bitterly cold out today. But the sun was shining, so instead of hiding inside like most sane people would do, we decided to go for a 3 hour hike. Well it was probably two and a half hours, but taking the cold wind into consideration, I rounded it up to three hours. It may take me a few days to warm up.

The two pictures below were taken in the park across the street from where we are living. It's called Gordonhorn Park, and there had been a few bear sightings in the early fall.

It has been a very productive weekend. A bit of running around finding just the right Christmas tree, which has now been put up and decorated. Buying a new bed for us, moving the bed we were using into the spare room after taking down bunkbeds and moving them downstairs into the laundry/storage room, and taking Lucy for her 50 walks a day. Now I can concentrate on Christmas shopping......I think.

Nov 25, 2009 - Cross Country Ski - Sun Peaks = WOW

Went up to Sun Peaks to do some cross-country skiing. As you can see it was a bit of a dull day, but just lovely up there. The snow conditions were great, but for some unknown reason they had not yet track set the trails. The were hardpacked by the groomer, so a little tough going, but all in all a great ski.

The scenery was amazing. Big tall evergreens. Beautiful white snow. The temperature must have been plus 2. It did not take long to work up a sweat, and start taking off the non-essentials.

There is just one cabin in the ski trail system. Similar to those in the Gatineau's with log picnic tables inside and a nice fire going. The fire in this one was propane, but it was still nice to have some heat to dry off a bit. The dog was a Lucy dog, so need to take a picture. The person standing with the dog seemed to have something to do with the cabin, and liked my suggestion of putting bird feeders out. So maybe next time I am up there that will be a new addition. We really did not see any wildlife, just a squirrel run across the trail. There was a sign that a cougar had been spotted in the area and what to do if you saw one. On the drive home we saw some type of hawk, and a Bald Eagle.

Just to get an idea about how big the trees are, compared to how tall we were. They were just massive.

One thing lacking in the signeage was the mileage. I think we were out for a good three hours, including the stop for a bite to eat at the cabin.

I hope my Ottawa friends understand that there is no snow in Kamloops. It actually took a long time to see any snow. We were just about at the ski hill, then voila. Tons.

Nov 21, 2009 - 2hour Kenna Cartwright Hike

A cool but sunny day for a hike at Kenna Cartwright park. We started out in the sun and ended with overcast skies and a cold wind. Lucy enjoyed it all and is now snoozing beside me as I write this. One thing I like about Kamloops is the big open sky and interesting cloud formations.

And of course the hills.

Everytime I go to the Park I look for my lost water bottle. I know it's there and I will find it one day. That day I will be sure to post it on my blog. I am just hoping it survives the winter if I don't find it before the snow comes in earnest.

I have been to the top of this hill where ther radio tower is. A nice look-out at the top.

The nice thing about doing anything, whether it's hiking or cycling is coming home and having a nice cold beer. So relaxing after a rather strenuous hike. I am also looking forward to that steak for dinner tonight as well. I believe I have worked up an appetite.

November 14, 2009 - Peterson Creek Winter Walk

A light dusting of snow on the ground, so we headed out to Peterson Creek. It is beginning to look alot like Christmas, although I would be surprised to see it stay. The air was crisp but I was a bit overdressed with my ski jacket.

So these picture are the same as what I took previously in the nicer weather, but I just wanted to show the winter version.

The trail is snow covered, so everything looks a bit fresh. Maybe that's one good thing you can say about the snow. It was just such a shock to see it appear.

A nice view of the hills in the distance, the sky was blue at this point but clouds had settled in by the time we finished walking. I think we are in for some bad weather in the coming week.

Some interesting plants and trees, alive and dead, and some maybe hibernating.

So that was the walk today. Not sure if much will happen this week if the promise of bad weather holds true. Keep my fingers crossed that it won't be as bad as they are predicting.

November 13, 2009 - First Snowfall

It was an interesting weather day today. I had taken Lucy out for her afternoon walk and it was nice and sunny, albeit a little chilly. I saw some black clouds in the distance, but that really isn't that unusual. Anyway we got home and maybe 5 minutes later I looked out the window and it was blizzard-like conditions.

November 11, 2009 - Shuswap Road Bike Ride - Part 2

I am posting a few more pictures of yesterday's bike ride. I had to take the required Black Angus picture. The mountain in the background was snow covered. A hint of things to come I think.

The Thompson River is quite picturesque. But I have always been partial to water.

The road surface was pretty rough in places, although not really an issue on a Mountain Bike.

A few interesting spots that lead up into the wilderness. All private land owned by the Indian Band.

The weather is getting colder now. This may be near the end of cycling season (but never say die). I will be getting out again at every available opportunity and there are plenty of hikes still to come. On a beautiful day, there is nothing like it.