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 ...
Great Blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz!
Delete