Howe Sound to North Vancouver – June 17

 

Third time lucky, fourth time even better! It took 3 tries to get above the peaks along Howe Sound. This was the fourth time but with a much longer approach hike. Long and hot hike from Crystal Rd, over 3 hours and a much longer steep section! Great flying over Deeks peak, Brunswick, Harvey, close up to the West Lion and then over to Black Mt. Not much of a climb there (less than 200m) but enough for the long glide over the plateau to the landing at the Capilano River. Good thing several others were ahead so I was pretty sure the glide would work.

 

 

Wildfires

 This year was a record year for wildfires. Although big population centers were spared (not like last year when 10,000 inhabitants of Williams Lake had to evacuate); 13,500 square kilometers of land were burned. One of the hardest hit places was the small northern community Telegraph Creek.

From the end of July to mid September much of BC was covered by smoke from the fires. The smoke put an end to thermic and long paragliding flights and obscured mountain views much to the displeasure of the many tourists. One positive outcome was that temperatures didn't climb too high.

We spend a weekend paddling Howe Sound with unusual views and missing mountains.

Anvil Island 2018 but the rest of the Howe Sound surround has gone missing

Anvil Island 2015

Howe Sound Exploration

Temperatures this weekend (June 27/28) called for aquatic adventures, so we packed our ocean kayaking gear for some Howe Sound exploring. Paddled around the north tip of Anvil Island to the norths side of Howe Sound and on to Gambier where we found a great little camp spot (OK, we actually had some beta from one of Pete's UWH buddies, thanks!). Nice hanging out in the shade of a big cedar tree in the morning. Had a late morning start and paddled down the eastern coast of Gambier when we were surprised by a humpback surfacing just behind us. Came up 20 meters from Pete! The whale didn't mind us kayakers and kept traveling close to shore. On the way back from the southern most tip of Gambier we stopped at Pam Rocks to visit the seals on our down wind/flood tide paddle back to Porteau Cove. Afternoon strong winds were predicted by the marine forecast but never materialized.

We even got to test some of our safety equipment (our pumps) when we came across a half sunken canoe and 5 kids in the water. They wanted to swim it back to the dock which was a couple of km back but we convinced them it would be easier to get it to shore (50 meters away) and empty it.

I emailed the whale sighting to the Cetacean Sightings Network (@Vancouver Aquarium) and received the following reply: "While we are not sure exactly why these animals are visiting Howe Sound more often, it may have to do with recovering forage fish stocks in the area, as the Sound continues to recover from historic industrial activity." --- Nice!

Visitors from Germany: June 30 to July 14

Wow – halfway through the summer already!
The first half went by way too fast and has been very very busy.

My parents visited from Germany for the first two weeks in July. We got to do lots of hikes in and near Vancouver. First we wandered up the snowy slopes of Mt Seymour ski area to Brockton Point – watched even a few die-hard skiers and snowboarders!



Still lots of snow in the mountains - even for Canada!


A few days later we found an amazing patch of yellow glacier lilies just below Mt. Cheam.




My parents even came and watched us paragliding at Bridal Fall on the other side of the Cheam ridge – and as added bonus I finally got some pictures of myself in the air!


That's me in the air at Bridal (photo H. Schwab)


Kiting at Steveston (photo H. Schwab)


During the second week we spent a couple of nights at Tyax Resort in the South Chilcotins and explored a rough trail to Ault Lake. Rather impressive signs of bear activity everywhere – judging by the size it must have come from grizzlys!


By the way, this is PADDY, my new ride


My mum was much more happy back at the car and greatly enjoyed fields of orchids, lupins and indian paintbrush by the side of the road.




Jill and Robin (Pete's parents) came over from the Island for a family reunion and a Howe Sound cruise with circumnavigation of Anvil Island and seal rock visit.






But just like at home, my parents couldn’t sit still and spent every spare minute working on our garden – it has never looked that nice before!