The CocoBonk Trail climbs through the grasslands from Lundbom Lake towards Hamilton Lake, then up a grass track to join a dirt double track all the way to Tent Lake. Although the section from Hamilton Lake to Tent Lake is all uphill, the grade and the surface is easy enough for bikers of reasonable fitness. Along the way there are … Continue reading…
The Lac du Bois area was settled and homesteaded by pioneers between the 1870's and the 1920's. By the 1920's, drought had driven out all homesteaders and the old buildings, fences, and fields were left to age. After 100 years, there are only a few remains to be seen – a few building frames, fences, field markers, and some heritage … Continue reading…
Good information on trails on Mount Revelstoke is not readily available on-line. There are a number of books and pamphlets available from the Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, but not much detail on websites. A general map can be found: We have hiked these trails quite a few times and we enjoy every return visit. Although there … Continue reading…
The benchlands surrounding the Kamloops area have many small lakes and ponds, many of which are alkaline. These ponds can be described as salt ponds or alkaline ponds or even alkaline soda ponds. When the salt content creates a PH value of over 10, the water takes on a sulphurous smell. They are hostile to most fish and plant life, … Continue reading…
There is a very large area of green space between the Trans Canada Highway and Kamloops Lake, bounded on the west by Cherry Bluffs and on the east by Afton and Weyerhauser properties. Without crossing fencelines, there is really only good access route. Drive west on the TCH and before the Greenstone turn-off, watch for Abbey Road. Turn onto this … Continue reading…
In 1899, a claim was staked on Batchelor Hill by two brothers from Paris, France, but by 1901 the claim was owned by Owen Batchelor. He worked the hilltop for many years. Vertical and horizontal shafts were dug and gold was mined out of the quartz vein between 1905 and 1916. The site was worked again in the 1950’s and … Continue reading…
When the Stone Giants met at Mount Mara, they left behind many sculptures: Shapes and layers vary depending on where you go: There are many scuptures to be seen without climbing, but as you climb over the ridges, more surprises await: On the ridge and looking down into the gullies sit gnomes: Hoodoos and pillars dot the hillsides. This one … Continue reading…
Following the route described in Mara Scrambles (Mar. 31), the route continues upwards and is much easier, but still very rewarding. From the top of the front hill, it is an easy descent into Juniper Valley and a bit of a rocky climb up to the next hill. Stay left near the top of teh second hill. Beyond this hill, … Continue reading…
Some of the most interesting hikes on the Hawaiian Islands are shoreline walks. This one starts at a headland, goes along a beach, climbs another headland, then descends into sand dunes, along cliffs, down through rocky bays, up through ironwood forests, along lithified dunes, along a remote beach, over “hanging” headlands, past pocket beaches, before finishing on lava flows that … Continue reading…
There is a large (but not deep) cave near the foot of the rockwall on Rockface Mountain, not far from Pinantan Lake. The route into the pass between Harper Mountain and Rockface Mountain is accessed from the Pinantan Lake Road and then either end of the Hale Vinnie Road. The foot of Rockface Mountain can be accessed off the Pinantan-Harper … Continue reading…
This trail had an easy start. The route starts at the highest point and goes down to the lowest point over 5km. The first half of the Awa’Awapuhi winds through wet forest, but as it descends onto the narrow ridge, the trail emerges into a dry, exposed environment. All the hikes on this side of Kokee follow the fluted pali … Continue reading…
On Kauai, start at the highest point you can drive to. Hike along the rim of the caldera, following a narrow ridge that drops off 3000 feet on one side to the Kalalau Valley or south down the slopes into the jungles of the Alakai’i swamp. The views down to the ocean are only a few feet off the main … Continue reading…
This is an unnamed ridge that rises above Paul Lake, west of Gibraltar Rock. There is no trail and it requires a steep climb through forest and grass slopes following the prominent ridgeline which runs east-west. From the cacmpground at Paul Lake, take the Bluff Trail as it heads west to Gibraltar Rock. Just before the trail turns south to … Continue reading…
Bestwick Hill is a rocky knob of a hill overlooking Campbell Range. If there were no fences in the area, it would be fast hike from the Campbell Range Road. Indeed, the shortest route is a side road just under the peak. Hikers could park at the gate (at N0 35.860 W120 06.447). This used to be called Coster Road, … Continue reading…
We have been exploring hills in Barnhartvale this winter, even in the snow. Lower areas can sometimes be a bit icy, but we either walk in the snow at the side or we put on our microspikes/yaks. Once we start to climb, we just stomp through the snow, and it has been only mid-calf depth on exposed slopes but deeper … Continue reading…
The two arms of Murtle Lake wind around Central Mountain (see the map in the previous post). From a number of viewpoints, hikers can look down the west arm or the north arm of the lake. To the east is the Wavy Range, with triangular peaks and long rocky ridges. To the north is an endless line of snow and … Continue reading…
