Lately I've taken two mini-trips: (1) to Hope/Boston Bar in the interior where I checked out Hell's Gate (where the Fraser River narrows to 110 ft wide and, as a result, 2x the amount of water that flows over niagara falls flows through the rapids here every day (incredible!); and (2) to Whistler Mountain for a trip to the peak and a sensational view of snow caps in the distance.
HELL'S GATE:
About 2+ hours in the interior, Hell's Gate is just off the Trans Canada in between Hope and Boston Bar. It's a beautiful area of the province. Gold Rush territory. The trip was nostalgic for me. The last time I saw this stretch of road and these mountainous views, I was driving across the country toward my new home in Vancouver. This time, it felt like I was driving "back". It was a bit unsettling. But beautiful.
The Hell's Gate tram takes you down and over the Fraser River and the amazing swell of class 6 rapids. If my timing had been right (it wasn't), I could have seen the sockeye salmon run which is, apparently, a breathtaking stunt of nature. But the run was just beginning. And only three or four fish jumped through the rapids while I was there.
The tram takes you to the other side of the river to a pocket of touristy *stuff*. A restaurant, a fudge factory, a bar. I, of course, stopped for a slab of fudge and attempted to walk off the sugar kick by traversing the suspension bridge (very cool) back over the river and hiking 600ft up to the Trans Canada rather than taking the tram. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. The water was cool. A train rounded the edge of the mountain. Picturesque to say the least! This mini-hike was lovely.
WHISTLER:
Although the day was slightly overcast, it would really take an earthquake or other natural disaster to quell my excitement for Whistler. The mountains here are larger than life. Snow-capped in the summer, too. They are beautiful. I bought a "seek the peak" ticket and boarded the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain. The gondola takes you about 2/3 of the way up. It was 3 degrees at this point. Cold. Windy. But so fresh. There was snow and a killer view! To get to the very peak (8,000 ft), you have to board an open chairlift. It was a brisk ride up, but captivating.
At the top, the view is simply breathtaking. There is a panaoramic of snow caps. 360 degrees of paradise. A smorgasbord of natural beauty for hy heart and my eyes. I was literally jumping for joy as you can see here! I jumped! I skipped! I threw snowballs! I laughed! I smiled! The air was crisp. The wind was cool. It was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! It was the stuff that I live for. It was, quite simply, invigorating!
There are a bunch of trails at the top of Whistler Mountain-- 5ks and 8ks that you can traverse up and down and around the peak. About 3k out on one of the trails I stumbled upon a grave marking -- a cross with bronzed canoe paddle and golf club that lay to rest a man named Maurice who passed in 1991 and "loved this mountain". Very touching. Man, what a view he has 24-7.
NEXT?
I'm off this weekend to Hope Falls (hopefully) for a 5 hour hike that is sure to have some sensational views.
Can't wait to tell you all about it!
Happy trails!
