Ref: 10 Adventures
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At the trailhead.
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Snowshoe
trip: RT 7.5; 4.5 up. A trip to the mountains was long
overdue, following a long stretch since my last escapade last New Year.
Little did I know, Milan had something up his sleeve to surprise me on
my birthday; he rented a delightfully quaint cabin in Strathcona Park.
Situated on Vancouver Island, the park isn't vast, but it hosts
numerous impressive mountains similar to the peaks of the Canadian
Rockies. At this time of the year, snow still blankets the upper parts
of the mountains. Unfamiliar with the area, we asked the lodge's staff
for recommendations. They suggested this objective as it was likely to
have a boot-pack, and it offers fantastic views of taller peaks such as
Kings Peak. I decided to bring my snowshoes just in case I needed them.
The trail was in good condition and snow-free most of the way. When we
gained the upper sections, snow depth increased quickly; luckily, an
old track offered flotation to a viewpoint. Milan found a perch on flat
rocks while I continued to the summit. The extra distance was minimal;
however, there was no track, so I donned my snowshoes. In little time,
I stood by the repeater. The plod across the broad plateau was
worth the extension. Without lingering, I backtracked to the viewpoint
where Milan waited, soaking in the sun with Kings Peak in the
forefront. I was grateful to be here; I felt nestled in real mountains.
The perfect weather was a bonus. We stayed for as long as possible
before returning to the lodge just in time to enjoy the sunset on the
patio while sipping on a cold cider. Today was a perfect birthday!
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Interesting bridge.
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Very good trail in the forest.
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There's still a fair amount of snow.
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A barren rock grant a nice spot to stop along the way.
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Higher up, just before the lake.
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At the lake, looking towards the repeater.
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From the repeater, the summit is a short plod across the plateau.
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Trio Mountain to the west.
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The south-eastern view includes Mounts Filberg and Cobb.
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Returning to the repeater with Big Den Mountain to the east.
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Rejoining Milan with Kings Peak and neighbouring mountains south of us.
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Heading back down.
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Enjoying the sunset with a cold cider at the lodge's patio.
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