This is actually Part 2 of our 1week vacation we took this summer.
In the posting below you'll see that we also were able to visit Kendra's Grandparents in Abbotsford (among her parents, brother, and other family members), and Kevin's parents in Seattle.
This is our first backpacking trip we've done since having Atalie - we went to Golden Ears Provincial Park to attempt the overly-ambitious climb to the top of Golden Ears.
This picture should really be at the bottom - oh well. It's a view of our "end" to the Golden Ears adventure (I do believe that the peak is above the clouds you see in the background).
When we got home Kendra decided to check out the internet "brochure" on Golden Ears, and here's what she read, "This trail is long and strenuous and should only be attempted by experienced, well-equipped backcountry travellers. Drinking water may be scarce... expect snow into July... extreme caution is advised and proper equipment is recommended." ... so you have a glimpse of why we stopped when we did. Plump out of energy, never mind even considering a rock scramble meant for the fittest of fit.
Here's Attie, enjoying her pack as always!!
The weather was a little chilly for her, hense the hoodie, but it was perfect for hiking with lots of weight on your back!
I tip my hat to the gent that put this ladder here - so much better than rocks and roots!! Much thanks!
Our goal was to hike 5.8km to Alder Flats for the night, then continue up the remaining 6km to the peak, without our gear, the next day.
As we began we were feeling chipper and excited. After 3km's of easy shmeasy and not a glimpse of even a slope, a sudden reality check hit with a 60% incline for the rest of the way. It was one of those hikes where you "follow the pink tape" to prevent losing your way. :)
I guess we were a little too ambitious. Infact, a few friendly seniors passed us on their way down (ya!), with one kind gentleman informing us that "...it gets pretty grueling!" and his even kinder ladyfriend reassuring us that "no no, it's easy". My theory is that the man took one look at us with our heavy load and thought he'd do us a favour by being brutally honest, and then the lady took one look me and did us an even bigger favour by flat out lying to us. I could have killed her during the last 2km to camp, however when I reached it I could have kissed her! I don't think I would have had the gumption to continue if I reallllly knew what was to come. Don't get me wrong, I was definately expecting a challenge, being "post-pregnant" and all, but let me share some encouragement to other "post-pregnant" ladies out there: as one man put it, "we're not out here to prove anything, we're out here to be out here". Amen!! And it was good to get out!!!
Kev, being the physically ambitious one, lead the way on our little journey. Although, I can't figure out how he was so quick - his pack weighed about 60lbs, as compared to mine at about 30lbs.
Overall we had a good time (though very challenging) and would highly recommend this beautiful hike.
Maybe consider doing a little more research than we did though:)
...the livingroom, with the master bedroom off to the right and 2nd bedroom off to the left.
And here's a future look at what it will look like about a month from now... the finishing is done from top to bottom, so our unit must wait its turn. The one you are looking at here has the exact same layout but is on the 4th floor (ours is on the 2nd floor).
...kitchen (upgraded maple cabinets looking pretty good!)
...2nd bedroom
...main bathroom
...walk-in closet and ensuite in master bedroom
This apple is one among a few things she's tasted lately. There's also been a banana, watermelon and a slurpee cup (not yet a slurpee, just the cup:)).
