Sunday, June 29, 2008

Corporate Climb

I'm back on the blog again!!! Make sure to scroll down and check out the Bowron photos...

It was great to see Janny again yesterday after we both emerged from exam mode. I joined him and some corporate folks for an afternoon ramble up East Rundle. I think we almost killed the Dutchman!


Had a classic mountain Jan pose, but thought that this shot was a little better...

Almost at the summit. Good thing we've already done the cardiac unit...


Janny and I scrambled up to the 2nd peak just to the west of the first summit.

On the way back down.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Bowron Lakes - Part I

After a great first year of medicine for me and the end of Heady's 3rd year of residency, we left the madness of Calgary for a week of isolation in the Bowron Lakes. What an amazing area, definitely worth the drive up north. Hope you enjoy the pics.


Map of the circuit. We started in the NW corner of the park and made our way around over 5 days.




Quick stop at Peyto Lake on the drive up. Heady had to throw some elbows to make her way through the crowd.




The wildlife density along the road was incredible. In total, we saw 17 moose!


The 6 bears that we saw on the forestry road into the park made us a little nervous. However, didn't have any visitors to our campsites in the park.




Night shot looking south across Bowron Lake.




I can't believe that I've been carrying canoes on my head like a sucker for so many years. These portages were like highways!



After a couple of portages (if you can call them that), the sun started to poke out providing our first look at the peaks throughout the park. This is Indianpoint Lake along the north end of the park.



By far the biggest fish I've ever caught. At first I thought this lake trout was a massive snag - until it started to dive! In the spirit of my brother's fishing habits, we let him go.



Surprisingly, Issac Lake (about 37 kms long) looked like glass when we got to it. This was the nice weather of the day. In true canoe trip styles, the rain and wind came up with about an hour left in the day...




This is our 1st site. These trapper cabins are spread out across the park. Made for a great cooking shelter and Heady took full advantage of the hammock.




This little stream ran right through the site.

The next morning, we made our way casually down Issac Lake. The day started with rain but finished with the warm sunshine.

View from our 2nd campsite south towards the Caribou Mountains.

Home.


The next morning we woke up to some pretty heavy fog. Made for a great paddle.

Bowron Lakes - Part II


Relaxing paddle through the mist to start the day. This was the calm before the storm...


This was the storm... Rained solid for 6 hrs. Luckily some great people we had a warm shelter waiting for us at the end of the day to dry out. Unfortunately we couldn't see the scenery from the Caribou River, the banks looked really nice though.


The rain finally cleared and we were treated to a beautiful view across Lanezi Lake.


Heady was having a hay-day with the views.


Deep in thought or just scoping ski lines, don't remember...





Another spectacular morning for a paddle.


Heady with Ishpa Moutain in the background.


The avy paths were quite impressive. Thick with alders right down to the water. Even without snow they look frightening.


We were a little disappointed with the SW corner of the park. The beetles have gotten to much of the forest leaving a rather bleek scene. If Picasso had his blue period, I guess this is Heather's green one.



We had hoped to stay on these spectacular sites; however, all we found was beetle damage. We kept paddling to Spectacle lake for the night.


The beach at our campsite at the end of Spectacle Lake. We had some friends waiting for us...



Friends...



Luckily we had another cabin to ourselves that night. Can't say enough about BC Parks. Youc can tell by the smile on Heady's fact that there were no bugs in here!



Parting shot across Bowron Lake on our paddle back to the lodge. What an amazing trip!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Good excuse for the cottage


Heady went back to the homeland for a "conference" in Ottawa. Luckily the cottage isn't too far.



Locks at the end of the Rideau system. Thunderstorm's a brewin'.

Clowns are out back...

Muskoka Summer Collection 2008. Bug shirts are so in!

Typical boat sunset.


Heady was pretty pumped to be back on the ski! Don't worry Paddy, knee held...


Ash carving it up after her surgery. The Patterson sisters are back!


Cottage got infested by mice over the winter. Not to worry, then tent offers all of life's ammenities. Notice the TP, Blackberry and, of course, the Fortune mag.


Wrist looks strong to me!

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Backcountry living with other people's kids...

Shawn surprised Steph with a 30th birthday gathering at Elk Lakes. This was the first overnight expedition for the parents and kids - both survived without even a scratch! Solid proof that the backcountry is still accessible even with little ones (Dowling included...)

Steph with a new type of gear on her back. Third percentile has it's perks!

Pretty cute kid...


Home for the night. Civilized local don't you think.

Jo's trying to hold the kiwi back from the food. She was unsuccessful. That boy can eat!

Kerwin-Dowling family shoot...


Hughes-Stork shot...


Pre-dinner stroll around Elk Lake.


Elk lake at sunset.



Chloe looking like she belongs in the wilderness.



Maya was definitely into the adventure.


The crew.