Snowshoeing Strathcona Park

I’ve wanted to try snowshoeing for a while now, and so a last minute trip up to Mount Washington in Strathcona Provincial Park afforded the opportunity.  I got the rest of the family settled into their respective activities and set off to the Nordic Centre to pick up my gear.  On the suggestion of the very kind staff, I set off from Raven Lodge to combine Old Cabin Loop train along with Crooked Creek Trail.

I was surprised by how easy it was to get used to the snowshoes, but it was pretty simple and I was moving along at a good pace, stopping along the way to take photos.

It was gently snowing making for a enchanting scene and I will definitely go again as soon as I can.

Here’s  some of my favourite photos of the outing:

Hike to Silvertip Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park

Silvertip Falls is a lesser known falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater, British Columbia and definitely off the beaten path. Dropping 550 feet, this falls is the tallest waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park, coming off the shoulder of Trophy Mountain Plateau. The area is seldom explored, and so the secluded backcountry hike makes for a very special family friendly experience.

To get to Silvertip Falls, follow Clearwater Valley road north towards Wells Gray Provincial park for about 11km. Then turn right onto Spahats Creek Forest Service Road and continue to Silvertip Falls Recreation site which is about 6 km. Park near the outhouse, and you’ll find the unmarked trailhead running along the creek. This is not a long hike to the falls at just 1 km but the scenery is beautiful so you will want to linger as you explore the area. The trail was a bit overgrown with devil’s club so be careful where you step. Once you get to the foot of the falls it is possible to climb a little higher, but it does become rather steep. The cascading falls provide some beautiful shooting opportunities for the shutterbug.

The Strawberry Moose Snackery back in Clearwater is a great place for fresh baked goods and drinks after the hike.

PACK LIST

• Hiking Boots
• Snacks
• Camera
• Tripod
• Water

Silver Tip Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada

My Top Photos for 2015

I’m a little behind on this, but what another awesome year we had as a family! We were fortunate enough to travel a great deal and had a lot of fun along the way. Here’s some of my favourite images along the way.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. – Albert Camus

Spirit Island has been on my bucket list for a while now, and so I was thrilled to be able to visit it this summer. It’s a gorgeous spot to say the least and it was made even better as I was able to go there with a few of my favourite people!

An explosion of epic colour as seen this past summer at Quadra Island, BC.

Overlander Falls on the Fraser River in Mount Robson Provincial Park. For those interested in the technical. This is a four shot panorama. I used a Lee Filter Little Stopper to obtain a 13 second exposure to smooth the water.

Kinney Lake along the Berg Lake Trail. A little piece of paradise.

We made a quick stop at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park near Parksville, BC. With all the rain we’ve had lately, the water is really raging through the canyon. It was difficult keeping my lens clear at this misty falls!

A beautiful morning at Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Radiator Springs in California Adventure, Disneyland.

“How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! – John Muir

Beautiful morning light dancing through my frame!

Buttle Lake in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island at first light.

2016 is looking like a slower year travel wise, but we’re looking forward to more local adventures on Vancouver Island. Thank you for following us along the way!

My Top 10 Photos for 2014

We’ve had a great year as a family and spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying being disconnected from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. It’s funny how when you get away from your regular routine and into nature, you can really reconnect as a family and remember what really matters!

I came across Jim Goldstein’s annual Your Best Photos project, and so I thought would participate. So here are my ten favourite photos for 2014.

Sandcut Beach near Victoria, BC

Fairy Lake near Port Renfrew, BC on Vancouver Island.

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Canadian Rockies

Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies

Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

On the Lake Oesa Trail, Yoho National Park, Canadian Rockies

Japanese Garden in Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC

Trail near Botanical Beach, Port Renfrew, BC on Vancouver Island.

I think that might be eleven, but that’s how I roll. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to visit these places along with my favourite people.  I also wish to thank  each and every one of you that took the time to take a look at my photo adventures.  I look forward to more adventures in 2015!

2015 Canadian Rockies Calendar

Hey folks,

I’m so neglectful in keeping this blog updated regularly.  My only excuse is raising a family and the craziness that comes with that.

Some of you may know that we spent about 3 weeks travelling in the Canadian Rockies this summer.  If you haven’t made that trip yet, I highly recommend it.  It blew my socks off! Totally amazing scenery, and I hope to return before too long.

I am making available some of my favourite images from the trip in a calendar which is available on my Redbubble site at this address:

http://goo.gl/cQkYXn

A few of the images are included in this post. But you can see each photo I’ve included by clicking on the link.

If you are a local from Victoria, BC area, I will be placing an order early next week for local pickup so you can save on the shipping. The cost will be $30 Canadian. Please message me to let me know and I will add to the order accordingly.

Thank you to each and every one of you for following our adventures. I wish you a fantastic day and thank you for your support!

Have a great day!