Ok, so snow in Whistler isn't exactly unusual ...
However, 2 feet of white gold in one event, in 2021, certainly are!
Here's a little video about it ...
I'm still climbing the very steep learning curve of my new-to-me Gopro Hero 3, so this all done on my phone.
This was just days ago ... and tonight ... another 20-35cm (according to the weatherman, assuming you believe him!) rolls in!
Stay safe & well in these Omicron timesTanya
Etsy - Greeting Cards & Digital Downloads
Yes, those learning curves are steep!
This short break in the Waterton Lakes series caused by the need to upgrade computer horse-power for video processing! Who knew?!
That AND a new video editing program!
Click here to go to the video.
Have a great week, Everyone!
Tanya
Etsy - Greeting Cards & Digital Downloads
Hello All!
Just a quick post ... driving past Tantalus Lookout a few days ago, noticed that the Squamish Valley was filled with fog!
Bracing for the next two "atmospheric rivers" here in BC!
Until next time!
Tanya
Etsy - Greeting Cards & Digital Downloads
Hello All!
While we didn't spend a great deal of time in the townsite because our mission was to explore Waterton Lakes National Park itself, we found that all things centre around this very pleasant village.
Here's my latest vlog about this part of our trip: The Town of Waterton & The Prince of Wales Hotel
Until next time!
Tanya
Etsy - Greeting Cards & Digital Downloads
Hello Everyone!
Latest on the vlog, thoughts about the Pincher Creek area - and what to watch out for!
I'd really appreciate it if you'd subscribe and thumbs-up! You just need to be logged in to your Google (same username/password you use for gmail) account.
Until next time, stay well!
Tanya
Etsy - Greeting Cards & Digital Downloads
This one's about the campsites we visited during our trip across BC into Alberta!
Until next time!
T.
... I've stepped waaaay outside my comfort zone!
Hubby and I recently had our first adventure in our truck camper, Angus: Our 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 HD, with a 2019 Real-Lite SS1604 Pop-up Camper on the back.
We drove across southern BC into Alberta, and spent some fantastic days reuniting with family, and exploring Waterton Lakes National Park.
After spending an inordinate amount of time perusing Youtube videos about road-tripping and truck camping over the past year or so, I thought "Why not give youtubing a go?".
This after insisting in the past that I had zero interest in video!
Anyway, I recorded bits and bobs of video on my phone, took drive-by stills on my phone when the memory couldn't take another video, and some photos with my "real" camera when we stopped driving long enough!
We've been home from our 10 day trip for 19 days. Its taken that long to get this first effort done (besides work and the other necessities of life).
I knew that putting Youtube videos together was a time-consuming business but throw in the Windows 10 video editor learning-curve, and its quite the project!
I'm planning on putting up 6-8 pieces about various aspects of our trip, the first of which I have just uploaded here!
So, make yourself a cuppa and spend 15 minutes following along. If you're feeling really generous, subscribe to my channel and ding the bell so that you get notifications when I put something new up.
Thank you!Until next time
Stay safe and well
Tanya
See To Sky (hopefully the link works properly)
PS: I'm still trying to figure out if its possible to change the
background music part-way through the video ... haven't been able to do
that yet, though ... so I turned it down low with the hope that
it won't drive you batty listening to the same instrumental for a
quarter of an hour!
A week or so after I my last post, I decided to do the whole Riverside loop ... that is, walking upriver on the west side of Cheakamus River, and downriver on the east bank (which I subsequently learned is called Farside).
Not many photos from this portion of the trail as it was very dark in the forest despite it being after 8am.
Even after the switchbacks, the path continues uphill for a while until you suddenly come out at a clearing where the trail splits - and the suspension bridge (///gossip.winger.positioning). This made the effort worth it!
The staggering smell of slashed soil and weeping sap was an assault. The twisted, torn trunks of once-living and life-giving trees, still red and raw.
It is hard to tell the extent of it, but I reckon that 1/3 to 1/2 of the forest east of the upper trail between the suspension bridge and the Riverside trailhead (///plush.spuds.friendlier) has been wrecked. Needless to say, I won't be rushing back there.
If you're biking through the section beside the destruction, take care ... a tilt in the wrong direction could end with you impaled on one of many splintered stumps.The west side, however, will still be a lovely experience for residents and visitors alike to walk and ride.
And the lower part of the east side trail is still very pleasant with views of the
river and lush greenery. I'll probably return there soon to see if I can catch a photo of the kingfisher I saw
a few weeks ago!
Until next time...
Tanya
Pet Photographer
Outdoor Sports Photographer
The weatherman was wrong ... it was supposed to be a sunny, warm day ... instead, it is cool with solid overcast.
Early on, I decided to take advantage of the soft light, and head into the forest to practise some long-exposure photography. I specifically wanted to try to capture that "smooth, silky water" look.
Our neighbourhood creek, the Cheakamus River, is rather rowdy even at low water, so I wasn't sure how it'd work out. But practice makes perfect, eh?
I was out for a couple of hours and only did about 1/4 of the Riverside Trail. Thoroughly enjoyable stroll with a lot of stopping (blame the camera), only saw 1 other person the whole time I was in the forest! I donated a pint of blood to the local mosquito squadron, too.
Here are a few of my fav's from the morning:
Also, I was excited to spot what I think was a belted kingfisher! I had no idea that kingfishers frequent our area! Of course, having the wide-angle lens instead of the zoom, and the camera set for long exposures, meant that there is no way I can prove that I saw this gorgeous blue-grey creature! Next time!
ABOUT THE TRAIL: Both sides of the creek are flanked by the Riverside Trail, which is frequented by both walkers and bikers, so keep your head up.
It is a there-and-back walk on one/either side of the river or, if you go all the way up to the suspension bridge (///persist. rowdy.birthrate), you can walk back on the other side of the river.
There are no restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. The closest public facility is at the interpretive forest parking lot (///snowflakes.coach.permitted) which is 10-15 minutes' walk from the bridge towards Highway 99.
The trail itself is an easy walk with comfortable packed earth and pine needles underfoot, without a great deal of elevation gain, though there are lots of ups and downs.
This is a V-shaped canyon so you'll often find steep uphill on one side, and steep drop-offs towards the river on the other. Rocks and roots are slippery even when dry - keep a firm grip on the little ones.
Bring bug spray!
ACCESS & PARKING: Online maps and google earth haven't been updated in years. They show two logging roads, but there's actually just one turnoff that accesses this trail network.
About 500m after turning south off Highway 99 (///hikers.longstanding.quickest), take the dirt logging road to the left (if you cross the two-lane bridge, you've gone too far).
Immediately after turning onto the dirt, bear right across the single-lane bridge. You will find a few parking areas along this road but space is very limited. More parking is available at the interpretive forest parking lot (///snowflakes.coach.permitted). This is 10-15 minutes' walk from the trailhead and features the added bonus of a restroom (there are no restrooms on the trail).
The west side trailhead is off the first parking lot (///oiled.grasp.coastal).
Be aware that these dirt roads are active logging and construction routes so do not block the road, and know that the road could be closed/gated at any time due to movement of heavy machinery.
More photos from this walk have been put in my Whistler gallery.
Map reference points are on the www.what3words.com website. Try it ... its a fun and different way of navigating our world!
Here in BC we're ever so close to "opening up" after the pandemic ... so hold the line, stay safe and well until next time!
Cheers!
Tanya
Pet Photography
Equestrian Events
Outdoor Sports
Browse Galleries ...
I'm ashamed to admit that I've lived in the Sea To Sky Corridor for over 20 years, and have never done this short hike!
A few days ago, I decided to give it a go. I didn't even know I was going to do it until after I'd left the house for my early morning walk. The difference that day was that I had my camera with me ... I'm famous for being lead around by that little piece of equipment!
The trail head is located at ///alienated.residency.logistical . *Update June 25, 2021* A garbage bin as been provided at this spot - thank you, RMOW!
Train Wreck is a short there-and-back hike. It took me about 2 hours but can doubtless be done much quicker by those in better shape than I, and without photo stops!
Mountain bikers, as well as walkers, frequent this route so keep your head up, and share the trail.
 |
| Cheakamus Creek - Rugged & Fast Flowing! |
The parking lot and trail head are on Jane Lakes Road. Get there early if you're visiting on a weekend or during a holiday period. Don't be tempted to park somewhere that your vehicle might block either lane of the road as it is used by large trucks serving the nearby rock quarry.
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| The Moss On The Forest Floor - Please Stay On The Trail |
Before you reach the wreck site, you must cross the rushing Cheakamus Creek by way of a 50m suspension bridge. The bridge's action can get lively, so keep your dogs on leash and a firm hand on little people!
These days, the rail cars are brightly coloured with graffiti tags. Unfortunately, the rocks, trees, parking bollards, even the suspension bridge, have not escaped the attention of these "artists". Makes me wonder ... who brings rattle-cans of paint and permanent markers with them when they visit Whistler, a place renowned for its wonderful natural setting?!
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| Important Bear Info! |
*Update June 25, 2021* A garbage bin as been provided at ///alienated.residency.logistical - thank you, RMOW! Litter is a huge problem here so please be considerate and bring a plastic bag to pack out what you pack in - snack wrappers, drink containers, diapers, etc. Do remember that toilet paper and kleenex are not bio-degradable, so if you have to use them be prepared to pick them up and take them with you.
This is a rain forest so there are MOSQUITOES! Cover up or have repellent handy.
I've posted a few of my photos here ... if you'd like to view all 50 images from this lovely rain forest walk, visit my Whistler gallery.
Until next time, stay safe!
Tanya
Pet Photographer
Outdoor Sports Photographer
Other Galleries - Nature, Wildlife, Travel, etc
The first day of spring in Canada was an exciting day for us! We welcome this duo to our family:
Truck: 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 HD XLT
Camper: 2018/19 Palomino Real Lite SS 1604
Not only will this rig be my home away from home when I'm working at equestrian events, but it will allow my better half and I to enjoy some get-away time together, too!
It is going to be a steep learning curve for us ... this is our first camper ever! If you know of any good truck camper blogs or vlogs that we should follow, please let us know! We'd love to learn as much as we can from more experienced tc'ers with regard to rig care, operation, trip ideas, etc.
Needless to say, I'll be spending a great deal of time climbing ladders in order to reach things, especially when I'm solo!
By the way, the truck's name is Angus. Do we need to change it with the addition of the Palomino? Or make it a double-barrelled affair? Ideas?
See you down the road!
Cheers!
Tanya
PS: Had a rush of blood to the head the other day, and decided to reopen my Etsy shop and give it another go ... so if you're looking for some photo greeting cards ... or would like to download the featured photos yourself to make your own ... please drop by and have a browse around!
Can you believe that Canada has been in the Covid Crisis for a full year?! And now we're into Year Two.
I hope, though, that you have all been keeping safe and well, and that the worst you've experienced has been a bit of inconvenience and belt-tightening.
Chapter Two For Me
It is now one year since I decided to make my equestrian event photography work for me. My first attempt was torpedoed by - you guessed it - Covid!
2020 was the first year after I had given up my full time, year round "safe job" to pursue my dream of spending my spring/summer/fall taking photos at horse shows.
I was happy to have worked at one event last season, the Dog Days of Summer Hunter Jumper show at MREC.
Happily, the horse show hosts of southern BC are resilient, and are heading into the new season with positivity:
I have 7 dates blocked off so far, subject to confirmation, covid-restrictions, etc.
At this moment, I'm still available for events on the weekends of:
May 15 or May 22
June 26
August 21 or August 28
September 11 or September 18
Please let me know if you know of a show or clinic that might need photographic services on any of those weekends. Thanks!
In the meantime, I am excited to see everyone back in action in the spring!
Keep your heels down!
Kind regards
Tanya
