Summer Time is Facebook Time!

This Blog site has been great for longer picture stories and narratives.... but in the thick of the paddling season.... when we are nearly run off our feet (and when we aren't we are disappearing for a quick break!) -- I just can't seem to find the time to sit down and blog. That's were Facebook seems to come in!! Being new to facebook, I didn't realize how quick and easy a posting could be!! I find that during the summer I am using facebook much  then I am this blog site. Not that I plan to close this site down....just that right now you should look for my more recent and quicker postings at www.facebook.com/Bowronlake  HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Break up on Bowron Lake 2013

We missed the break up this year as it happened while we were off on a businee trip... but luckily our neighbors, Walter and Peggy Weiderick made a photo journal of the event for us!

This year the ice disappeared quietly without any fanfare of any sort. We never know what each break-up with bring. Some years the wind might blow the ice right up onto the shore, or jam the river full of candle ice causing it to overflow, or break into gigantic ice floes and crash all over the lake. This year it just quietly melted away between April 26th and May 1st.....


April 26th 2013, from the porch of Bear River Mercantile, looking near the mouth of Bowron River.



April 26th 2013, ice at the public boat launch looking west.

 On April 27th the ice was moving as can be seen by this next series of pictures.


April 27th, morning the ice is close to shore - taken from the public boat launch, looking east.



April 27th, by afternoon the ice was pulled away from the shore....



...banging around and cracking up....

 

...but the main body of the lake was still iced over.

 April 28th and 29th saw more melting, moving, cracking and crunching. On the 28th the main body of ice moved to the far south end of the lake, leaving the north end calm, clear and reflective.
   

April 28th 2013, north end of Bowron Lake

 

April 28th 2013, reflection of Kibbee Mountain in Bowron Lake

 

April 28th 2013, although the ice moved away from the northend, there is still lots on the lake.


On the 29th the ice was again on the move. During the night of the 29th there was a slight refreeze but by the morning of May 1 all ice was gone.
 

April 29th 2013, the ice is moving back and forth all over the lake.

 

April 29th 2013, at the public boat launch again, ice at the shore but the center of the lake was clear.

 

April 30th 2013, refreeze and a bit of snow along the north end of the lake. By the morning of May 1st all ice was gone.

Thank you to Walter and Peggy Weiderick for taking these pictures and allowing me to post them on the internet!

The 2013 Season has started!

Update from the Park Office. All the lakes are clear of ice, including Isaac and Lanezi (which are traditionally the last to clear). There is still lots of snow on the portages though. The Kibbee Portage is mostly clear; the Indianpoint / Isaac Portage is 70% snow covered with up to 12 inches of snow; the Isaac River Portage is 90% covered with 6 to 36 inches of snow; the Babcock Portage is mostly clear. First West Side Paddlers left yesterday afternoon and the first Circuit Paddlers were booked to leave today. See lots more info at my new facebook page www.facebook.com/Bowronlake

Some People just cannot wait for Paddling Season!

Dave Jorgensen of the Bears Paw Cafe (Wells B.C.) came out for a visit yesterday to practice his canoeing moves for an up and coming Canoe Instructors Certification Exam.... but low and behold the lake was still solid..... apparently that's not a good enough reason to stop him from practicing!! LOL



Shared from Dave Jorgensen's YouTube posting.... Thanks Dave for sharing your antics!

Welcome to Today!!

In both a literal and a technological sense.... First of all Happy Easter to all!

Went for our daily walk this morning and on a whim we took our new phone with us. For two reasons really... first because it's Easter and someone might call and second because the installer told us that it had a wonderful long distance range, so we thought we might put it to the test. And surprise, surprise.... down by the lake we are interrupted by a BRRRRING!

Good thing I took the pictures of the Eagle before the first ring......

Spring is springing.... you can see the buds swelling on the tree!

So here we are in the middle of the wilderness sharing Easter wishes with family... by phone.... outside.... walking on hard pack snow, watching the eagles fly away, in the bright spring sunshine! Talk about surreal.


Dick talking to family on the new phone.... that is our house behind him.

In the course of our conversation we learn that the family is working in the garden, they planted the peas two weeks ago and are getting the plot ready for more.... obviously they don't live in the Bowron. I'm afraid our pea seeds will have to wait a little longer!! Although the snow is going down by leaps and bounds, water is running daily, bare spots are cropping up and the road is getting muddy... we still have a ways to go yet.

Bare ground!!! even though it is still fenced in with snowbanks!

The lake is all clear of snow! Another few spells of daily melt and nightly freeze and we might be digging our skates out!

Another Ski Report by Bryne K. -- Feb. 25 - Mar. 2, 2013

Thank you to Bryne K. for sharing with me his recent X-country ski trip on the Bowron Lakes AND for letting me post it here. For a little clarification, Bryne only planned to ski as far as McLeary Lake (if possible), making the Moxley Cabin his home base. He did not plan on skiing the full circuit, so with this in mind his trip was indeed successful!! Also he did not pull a sled, opting instead for a backpack on his back.... Bryne's report:

Bowron Lake Cross Country Ski/Snowshoeing 2013

In the past, I have had the opportunity to kayak the entire Bowron Lake circuit on two occasions. ( 2006 & 2012)  I have always been fascinated with the thought of travelling through area different times of the year and an entirely different method of travel.  My plan was to ski/snowshoe solo and more than comfortable doing so.  I would be carrying a satellite Spot device with me and have people receiving daily location updates.  My commitment for this trip happened last October.  After browsing, googling on line, I came across Sandy Phillip’s name.  Sandy and her husband Dick have resided in the Bowron Lakes area for many years.

I initiated contact with Sandy back in November and she was phenomenal, providing many trip insights,valuable planning and logistics about the circuit. She also made me aware of a local guide,Mr. Dave Jorgensen.  Dave enlightened me with crucial information,important for trip planning.  I would like to sincerely thank the Phillips and Mr. Dave Jorgensen for their role in this successful trip.

As the final commitment was established and the serious planning began, I set a lofty goal of snowshoeing/skiing out to McCleary cabin.  I was fully prepared to only ski/snowshoe whatever the elements and conditions would allow.  I had a total of five days available for this excursion.  Realistically with this amount of time, skiing/snowshoeing as far as Lynx cabin along Isaac Lake would be the target.  I figured that lots can and will probably change once I know exactly the conditions I am up against.

My journey began on Monday February 25^th, driving from my hometown of Entwistle, Alberta to Wells,B.C.  Stayed at the Wells hotel for the evening.

Tuesday February 26  Sunny & Clear   Temp. – 10 C

Drove the remaining 30-40 km to Bowron Lake.  Waited for Dick & Sandy for I definitely felt that it was important to touch base prior to embarking out.  Gave them a copy of trip itinerary.  I received indication from Dick & Sandy that there has been very limited travel on Isaac Lake this winter.  My approach, planning, etc to utilize common sense as a guideline, go until it just doesn’t feel right.  At 0945,embarked off on my solo adventure!

Followed the Kibee Portage to the lake snowshoeing.  Upon completion, switched to skis.  As one entered the lake via the narrow slough,soaked my left foot within the first 100 m.  Sandy warned me about the slough however I just had to make a splashing debut!  A few soft spots,however the skiing on Kibee was quite good. The morning started off sunny,however was overcast at this stage.  Entered Kibee-Indianpoint Lake portage and snowshoed to the beginning of IndianPoint Lake.  It was here that I decided to have lunch as the wind and flurries became noticeable.

Skiing/snowshoeing on Indianpoint Lake more difficult.  Soft,slushy spots more frequent and continuous.  Several spider funnels present and avoided.  They were a good watering source for water bottles.  I treated the water with a chlorine-dioxide pristine Part A-Part B solution,just didn’t want to take chances.  Skiied until I was 1.8 km from the cabin,switched to snowshoes.  Snow really slushy and clumping on skis.  Honestly,snowshoes weren’t a whole lot better. However, as I discovered a long time ago, One Must Endure!!  Arrived at IndianPoint cabin at 1515 and settled in for the evening.

Wednesday February 27^th Sunny & Clear  Temp. -5 C

Packed up and off Indianpoint Lake Cabin by 0810.  Continued to snowshoe and would until I reached the beginning of Isaac Lake.  As one reached the channel,stayed off to the side due to suspicious ice.  Near the end of Indianpoint leading to the beginning of Isaac Lake portage trail, one had to watch their step and walk off to the far side near trees due to open water.  On Isaac Portage,snow was quite deep and didn’t make real good time due to snow depth and limited use to date.  Low and behold, there it was, the big one!!  The emergence of Isaac Lake through the trees!  Realizing that I am truly at Isaac combined with limited travel this winter really sent an eerie feeling over me.  This moment felt actually a bit daunting!!  Definite signs of water overflow along parts of the shoreline.

However, as soon as one began to ski, I quickly became more at ease.  This was due  to really good ice and snow conditions.  A lot less slush on Isaac than Indianpoint Lake.  However a bit tough breaking trail with little to no glide.  One was trudging through the snow versus skiing.  Snow depth is about a half to three quarters up ski pole starting from the top of bottom basket. (just above ski tip)  By noon, completed the entire west arm and turned onto the main arm heading east towards Moxley cabin.  My two previous kayaking trips passed Moxley both times.  Look forward to experiencing this site for the first time!  Very tired by the time I reached destination.  Really pushing myself and should have stopped sooner for lunch and melted snow.  When arriving,one was greeted with tons of snow.  Had to find a long limb to stand up on snow bank along side of cabin to clear snow along the outside vent stack pipe.  It was completely plugged with snow.  Afternoon spent reading, relaxing, sawing and chopping wood.

Thursday February 28^th  Sunny  Temp.  -4 C

Beautiful sunrise, entire Isaac Lake valley coated with an inversion.  Took some morning pictures of the cabin and surrounding area.  Sunny and quite pleasant as I departed towards Lynx creek on my day ski.  Continuing my journey along endless Isaac Lake.  Snow conditions (ice) continue to cooperate.  In fact, as one skis towards Lynx,pace seems to pickup.  While travelling, saw a small animal a few hundred feet ahead of me.  Looked like possibly a lynx.  I was able to view this figure for quite a while until it detoured into the trees.    Skied 7.9 km to Lynx in just over 2 hours.  Took many pictures of the breathtaking, picturesque snow covered peaks.  Everything is a continuous panoramic view!  Placed backpack & skis up against cabin door, also went across bridge and saw huge pile of snow exactly where I had my tent set up last Autumn.

Was going to make soup inside the cabin.  Unfortunately it was locked from the inside.  Instead,prepared soup on the front steps.  Packed up and departed Lynx just after noon. Back at Moxley around 1400 ish, preparing for second night here.  Quite a snowfall commencing at 1530.  Looking out from the cabin couldn’t see out towards the lake.  This snowfall lasted at least 3-4 hours.  Nice to be nestled within the cozy cabin confines, an opportunity to read and write for the remainder of day.

Friday March 01^st  Overcast Skies  Temp.  + 1 C

Up really early this morning and after breakfast as I was packing up, saw a weasel.  This weasel ran right by the cabin and it looked as though it was carrying the leg of a snowshoe hare in its mouth.  I managed to get a decent picture of this weasel.  Finished packing and said my goodbyes and thank-yous to Moxley Creek Cabin.  Off by 0750.skiied towards the west arm,snow a bit sticky due to warmer temperatures.  Before one realized, turned south for the final Isaac lake stretch.  Finished skiing Isaac just before 1100.  Overall, the Isaac conditions were quite good.  Stopped at the portage head to melt snow for drinking water and had lunch.  Put on the snowshoes and quickly hiked 2.0 km stretch to the beginning of Indianpoint Lake.  Just prior to 1200,arrived at Indianpoint cabin.  Decided that I would trek all the way to Kibee Lake.  Indianpoint Lake continues to be soft, slushy however safe.  Continued utilizing snowshoes and made decent time across the lake.  Stopped at one of the funnel spider water holes to top off water bottles.

Just after 1500,arrived at the IPL – Kibee portage trail and proceeded towards Kibee Lake.  Weather has remained overcast and warm throughout the day.  At Kibee Lake covered the 1.3 km stretch to the cabin.  Alas, the cabin at 1600!!  Covered a total distance of 19 km in just around 8 hours.  This would be my final night alone in the wilderness and I took the time to reflect on the past four days.  I felt the combination of snowshoeing & skiing worked well.   If anything,a break from each other and giving certain muscles a rest when switching.  Snowshoeing was great for all the portage trails, while skiing on Isaac was the only way to go!  I wore a backpack and was more than comfortable doing so.  I believe there are advantages and disadvantages and comes down to individual comfort and preference.

Very difficult to describe how it feels to be alone in the wilderness.  Never saw anyone or signs of.  There was no railway,powerlines, cell towers,etc.  Never even heard a plane or helicopter.  You have to believe and trust in yourself.  Previous proper planning will prevent poor performance.  Being by myself, I discovered it was a whole lot easier to win an argument and became quite an expert on numerous subjects.

Saturday March 02^nd  Overcast Skies  Temp.  + 1 C

Woke up at 0715,reward for yesterday’s long,hard ski & snowshoe.  After breakfast and packing, departed Kibee cabin at 0900.  Skied the remaining 900 m to the end of lake.  Skiing through the slough,bypassed snow/ice buildup so I didn’t repeat the splashing debut of day # 1!  At the portage trail, switched to snowshoes and covered remaining 3.4 km to Dick & Sandy’s.  Excursion completed at 1020 and a real sense of accomplishment and fulfillment came over me.  I was able to fulfill all objectives, learned a lot and established a template for one day under the proper conditions and length of time to complete the circuit in its entirety!  I hope whoever reads this enjoys as much as I have writing and sharing!!

Ma Moose and Other Winter Critters

Winter Critters abound at Bowron! We will see either them or their tracks pretty near everyday during our outtings.

Regal Eagle, one of several that hunt along the river



Stellars Jays are always flocking around looking for handouts

Quick and Quark the Raven couple, have been showing up for their morning feedings every winter for the past 10 years

One of the Ravens (can't tell the difference between them) eating it's breakfast

Ma Moose #1 with her twins

Ma Moose #1 and her twins again

Grouse in a tree.... no that is not the name of a recipe!

Squirrel in a tree.... recipe of not, Charley would love to get ahold of this one!

 

Wolf track.... and that is all I care to see of him while out skiing alone!

Ma Moose #2 only has one calf...

...who is hiding behind the tree..... 'You can't see me!'

Ma #2 and little one making a break for it!