Back on the water: Chehalis, Mamquam

Looks like the trip on the mighty Alsek rekindled the need to get on the water (combined with declining cross-country flying potential), so we met with some friends to paddle the Upper Mamquam. The lively rock gardens at the start were quite a change after the huge volume and whirlies on the Alsek, where, even if there were any rocks, one wouldn’t see them for the silt-loaded water. The rocks, good water level (55) and ‘fluffy’ rapids kept me on my toes. The last several times we paddled the run it was pretty rocky. Good fun and good start for more wet adventures!


Tudor's picture of lots of Green on the Chehalis

The Chehalis is my favorite river in the lower mainland and our weekend run reminded me why. This river always amazes with its overload of green. Everything is in some shade of it: the dark forest on the slopes, the bright maidenhair fern on the cliffs and the deep clear pools. Add in a good number of rapids at a great water level (9.55) and a good group of friends to share the fun – could there be anything better?

Well, yes ... an amazing day on the river AND a nice flight in the evening.

After paddling there was still time for a super smooth evening flight at Bridal – I don’t think I have ever flown so close to the trees. Kicking treetops, floating along the cliffs and watching a pair of falcons on the rocks – a super nice finish to an amazing day.

Flying Grouse Mt - July 5

This week we got to explore a new launch site close to home, Grouse Mountain. And our first flights on Monday were so nice; we had to go back the next two days. Pretty amazing place to come and fly after work. After doing many Grouse Grinds (as the steep 800 meter elevation hike to the top of Grouse is called) it was nice to see the place from a different angle. Thanks to the healthy snow pack this year the launch is still covered making the take-off very easy. No bumps, rocks or brush to worry about.



Could there be anything better to do on a long July evening than to float over the trees, past the restaurant and gondola station, and gaze at the city stretching south far below? Along the horizon the line-up of Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Olympic Peninsula and Mt Baker. On the third evening we even got to see Mt Rainier in the very distance. Although I have been on the peaks of the Northshore Mountains many times, I have never before seen this mountain from Vancouver – a stunning 300 km away.