Just another day in Paradise....

    April 26, 2008.

Wow what a day.  I thought the last time we went out to the trail...it was pretty awesome.  But today was better that that!  I know it is hard to imagine (me)..going to have fun in the snow.  But hey it happens!!!

I took myself to Sooke, met up with the gang there...and then into the hills we went.
There was six of us when we started out...and ended up with eight by the time we came home.

The sun was up, the temperature was starting to rise, and by the time we got into the moutains...it was warm.

We went to a place that had not been touched all winter...not many people go into this place and to just wander around a see, stop, listen, and touch and smell...was pretty awe inspiring.

We took the snowcat up to around 2,300 feet and started from there.  I have not seen such beauty in a very long time. 

It is hard for me to describe such a place.  As we walked into the hills, up the mountains, across lakes, through huge meadows I was just in awe.  We had Maywell guiding us through a part of the forest that I...nor too many other people have ever been.  (not one person brought a gps either) (We just had Maywell) So I consider myself pretty lucky to see this.  The snow was deep, but untouched..quiet except for the wind.  When a breeze came along you had the warmth of the sun...and the coolness of the snow all at the same time.  Then just when the breeze would come your way you could smell the freshness of the snow. You could smell the pine...and this tree has tiny bumps on it that holds sap..you if you burst one it smells just like christmas.  I could smell everything around me the air was so clean and fresh.  No sounds, a few birds, no sign of any animals (I figure the bears must still be sleeping) in the snow...nothing.  I was wanting to see a wolf, but somehow that just never happened.  But someday I will get my picture:):):)

We had lunch in one of the bigger meadows in the area.  This of course is according to Maywell who knows these mountains better than the back of his had.  He is 83 years young, and I just don't know where he gets all his energy from.  One foot in front of the other he says!  We meandered through hills and dales, up and then down.   I had never walked across a lake that was covered in snow until today.  Good thing they told me later (hahahah).

I am told (check out photos), that when you look across the ocean...and you see the Olympic Mountains in the USA, that we are as high as they are.  that if someone was over there...and looking over here they would see what we see.  Pretty cool  I say!

So about 10 kilometers later, and 300pm approches it is time to trek back out and head for home.  The drive home is over an hour and then for me another half hour.  I was sad to go, but I look forward to going back again in a few weeks.  The snow will probably not melt for about another six weeks...and then the avalanche lilies will start to bloom.  My face is completley sunburned, my legs are a wee bit tired and I will sleep like a wee baby tonight.

I loved today...it was a great moment in my time...truly amazing!!!

Hope you enjoy.