Snowshoe Solitude

I know there are quite a few adventures missing from my page.... not to worry, they will get their chance!

A special adventure, just recent, is worthy of being posted now.  I finally snowshoed my way to McGillivary Lake!

Since its off season, and there is NO-ONE around, I packed the pre-requisite food, water and warm clothes for a hike alone in the alpine.  Someone knew of my plans, when to expect my return, and when they should call 911, so Mum, don't panic!

I set out with my snowshoes on from my house on Burfield Drive, taking the Valley View snowshoe trail above Fairways Drive toward the Village.

View of Burfield lift, Expo on Mt Tod, from above Mountain View Drive





Mt Tod, from Fairways skiback/snowshoe trail

 


Morrisey Quad, view up Showboat run.
Don't be fooled by the snow - ski season is actually OVER.  Thats why I'm snowshoeing......

 


Putting Green, 11th Hole of the golf course.
They removed the bulk of the snow late February, to start preparations for play in June.

 


Start of McGillivary Lake Cabin Trail for snowshoers

  Up to this point, I have already been snowshoeing for just over an hour, and haven't seen another living soul.  The signs above suggest its going to be another 2h of walking before I get to the lake cabin, and in that time I will gain approximately 700 meters in elevation!

Early elevation gain on trail

Yours Truly! All eager to keep on following the blue flagging tape to the lake.

Up to this point, I was all casual, no dramas, listening to some tunes on my ipod.......
Then I found this paw print...

Paws for concern?  No claw marks, so its most likely feline.....I didn't want confirmation!


After this, I turned my iPod off.....I wanted to listen to the great outdoors!

Undressed for Winter

 

Pussy Willows



My Destination

So, it took me 1h15m on the Lake trail, not too shabby.  Its just me out here, time to unwind and slow the pace right down...

My Feast
Homemade scones, chedder cheese and a zesty Merlot.  Cheers!

My View - Snow on ice covered McGillivary Lake.

The warming hut.  Open during winter, it has picnic tables and a gas powered heater inside.

Sun Peaks most remote toilet.  I wasn't sure why it was out here?
Then, I  turned around slightly - and found Little McGillivary Lake.

Which I walked across to re-connect with the Cabin Return snowshoe trail.  I had been following the cross country ski trails for about 500m, but decided here to head back onto the snowshoe trail.

Yes - I walked over the little lake!

Some of the return snowshoe trail is shared with the Dog Sled Teams.

I did about 14km of walking in 5h, plus breaks, by the time I returned home this day.  Amazing scenery, crisp alpine air, fresh blisters and REALLY sore shoulders from carrying my pack.

And, the lasting view for the end of my day....

Mt Tod Sunset, April 23rd 2011, from 16th hole of Golf Course.

Very Special Thanks to C & M Cannon for loaning me a pair of their snowshoes.

Very Special Thanks to JH for being my contact point in the village, keeping me safe.