I know...this is my walking blog, but today a small shift as we didn't get to the meadows, but instead rented bikes and went riding. You all know how I feel about riders on walking trails, but this trail was pretty empty today...no walkers passed. I'll further support my decision to put this entry in the walking blog because I intend to return to walk the 30-45kms next visit to Nelson. It is a beautiful walk, and if one can avoid the numerous bears it looks like it could be a winner. So I'll return again, but in the mean time a few photos to help me to remember to do so. This is a historic train route to service the forestry and mining areas and was heavily traveled in the late 1800's. A very sad part of Canadian history was also played out along this route with the WWII Popoff Japanese internment camp located right on the route. There is an excellent presentation on the trail at the site of the camp where 1,000 Japanese were interned and put into forced labour. Of course things would have looked different at the time, and it is easy to criticize past decisions, but clearly a sad moment for many.
Any way, back to the present and a few of the sights from this gorgeous Slocan Valley...home of the world famous BC bud!!
We found an apple tree along side the trail with a single limb full of beautiful apples. Lots of fresh bear spore around the area, but no matter what they have tried the top most apples remained untouched. Of course our species has learned to use tools to assist, so we were able to use a long branch to knock down 4 beautiful, unblemished apples for a mid trip munch! We left the rest for the bears to figure out:-)
Then it was onwards through excellent scenery to the lake head and down a very old lake side trail that has recently been cut off by a rock fall in front of one of the tunnels...we wisely decided to retrace our route at this point.
A few shots of the Valhalla Mountains...some amazing hiking in the Kootenays and we will wait to walk the high meadows next visit.
Ken, this route was amazing and we could easily meet here and walk the last 30kms of the 45kms, or split it into two days of walking. Fairly easy as the trail is a former rail bed...but scenery to die for...and look at the trail. Neil, if you can get here you are welcome too!
Hope can you accept this entry from two walkers who also like to ride...if you can't...oh well...just stop reading!
What is this, two wheels good, two legs better?
ReplyDeleteHi A.M and G.,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you did put on your walking shoes and bike outfit again.
The pictures from the Kelowna trail brought back memories to me. We have walked there with Tonny and Eric.
I do really enjoy all the pictures also the Nelson ones.
Say hello to Gil and Lisa and their kids if they are around.
Have a nice trip.
Puck
Hey Geoff and Annemaree, great to be reading more of your adventures. One day hopefully we will get over to your side of the world and walk some of this with you. As always, amazing photos that capture so much. Thanks for sharing this. I need to learn about this blogging stuff so I can send a few back your way. Maybe you can show us how it's done when you are over here. Need to replace the camera that got waterlogged on the way to Finisterra first!!
ReplyDeleteMay the adventure continue.
Buen camino, or whatever they say in Canada.
Neil and Sarah