Viking Ridge
Seven of us enjoyed a leisurely 10 hour snowshoe trip to Viking Ridge on Sunday. We approached the ridge via the established trail route, and although dark clouds circled ominously as we arrived at Caribou Meadows – they kindly moved on leaving us with clear visibility for the rest of the day, especially once we were on the ridge.
From the summit we followed the sickle above the lake that took us to a northerly route back to the trailhead. Along the way we saw lots of mountain caribou sign; we always do in the winter because of the lichen-laden forest in the area that the caribou depend on to survive.
Of course, although summer looks like it’s around the corner in the city, it’s still winter in the alpine, but perfect for snowshoeing; the snow is packed down, there is more sunlight and daylight and the weather is warmer. So what if the estimated 8 hour trip turns into 10 hours – it is an extra 2 hours of enjoyment and you still get home before dark…Just!
The only real challenge for us was falling through the rotten warmed-up snow at the lower elevations on our return, but otherwise it was a perfect day and good preparation for our final snowshoe trip which will be at Driscoll Ridge next Sunday (estimated trip time 8 hours!).
You can view photos of the snowshow trip by visiting the gallery.
I have just uploaded the PDF version of the 2012 Hiking Schedule. You can view it now by clicking here. The schedule will also show up on the schedule page once snowshoeing season is over.
Mystery Lake
With winter hanging on by the skin of her teeth, we set out on snowshoes to find Mystery Lake somewhere between the Willow River Interpretive Trail and the Wildlife viewing area about a 30 minute drive east of Prince George on Highway 16.
We began at the wildlifeviewing area and headed for the Willow River where we had great views of the McGregor Mountains in the north east, and the river below us – a good spot for a long relaxing lunch under a blue sky and a blazing sun. After lunch we spent about two hours searching for Mystery Lake south west of our lunch spot; when we arrived at the lake, it was a very tiny little thing still frozen over with the remains of old trees still standing resolutely out of the icy clutches of the lake.
Another 90 minutes of bushwacking through the last of the snow remaining from the winter of 2012 took us back to our vehicles. Our total distance for the day was 8 kilometers over 4 hours and an hour for lunch. We saw plenty of sign of moose, hare,squirrel, and a solitary lynx.
You can view photos of the trip by visiting the Gallery.
Forests for the World Full Moon Snowshoe
On Friday April 6, eleven Katimavikers joined six Ramblers for the full moon hike at Forest for the World. We began by walking up to the lookout platform where, with the city lights of Prince George winking at us, the Katimavikers sang a blues song from Carolina. As we made our way to Reflection Lake the glowing full moon rose in all her glory – although none of our pictures were able to depict this. With it being Easter week-end, students from the University of Northern British Columbia were letting off steam with a full moon party at the picnic site beside Shane Lake.
This will have been the first, and probably the only time that the shouts and laughter of UNBC students enjoying themselves at Shane Lake at night-time were joined by young Katimavikers singing their songs in a forest bathed by the light of a full moon.
You can view photos of the trip by visiting the gallery.
Piderny South End to Triangle Route
It was a beautiful sunny day for our hike at the Piderny Recreation Site, and of the many trails to choose from, we took the one beginning at the entrance gate going up the hill east following candy cane flagging.
After reaching the top of the hill the trail enters a very attractive mixed forest with some giant Douglas Fir trees here and there.This route takes you past a particularly attractive spot with a southern aspect and a view of the City of Prince George and a little bit west, the hill leading up to the University of Northern British Columbia.
After about an hour and having ran out of trail, we put on our snowshoes and travelled north through the forest to The Triangle, had lunch, sunbathed, exchanged stories, carried on through the forest reaching the gate where we had started three and a half hours earlier.
With the weather warming up, the remaining snowshoe trips within the city probably won’t require snowshoes, but the last three trips east of town to Mystery Lake, Viking Ridge and Driscoll Ridge will definitely require snowshoes.
You can view photos of the trip by visiting the Gallery.
Good News! Registration is now available for the 2012/2013 Hiking Season. Membership is good until the end of March 2013.
Why Join the Caledonia Ramblers?
When you join our club, you will:
- Make new friends
- Get outdoors
- Get exercise and improve fitness
- Hike with others at the same level
- Improve your outdoor skills
- Attend social events
- Learn to lead activities
Membership Fees
A membership with the Ramblers covers one full hiking season, from April of one year to March of the following year.
The current annual $29 individual member fee consists of:
After paying the $29 for the first member, couples and families pay only the $8 insurance fee for each additional member.
Click here to find the new Membership forms. Don’t forget to sign the waiver too!
For more information about joining the Caledonia Ramblers, visit the Membership Page.
Viking Ridge
