we were in the mood for some winter fun. We tossed around a few ideas but finally settled on Elfin Lakes based on a recommendation from a lady from work. It looked like a fantastic choice as it came with very luxurious option of a cabin something that was not on the list of amenities on the last winter trek.
The drive up was fairly cloudy and damp but the sun came out just as we started
The first bit was a steady incline up an old service road. We had no need for our snowshoes the entire was in as there had been no new snow since the weekend crowd. This made for a decently packed down trail with only a few (well maybe more like 20) sudden drops to the knees.
Once we cleared the forest we ate lunch with the squirrels in the warming cabin.
After the hut we climbed up through open meadow with gorgeous views of Howe Sound through the break in the hills
Then we walked through a little surprise that neither of us had imagined from reading the trail report. A winding trail along the edge of the ridge with trees all around doing their best to drop their loads of snow on our head.
After the hut we climbed up through open meadow with gorgeous views of Howe Sound through the break in the hills
Then we walked through a little surprise that neither of us had imagined from reading the trail report. A winding trail along the edge of the ridge with trees all around doing their best to drop their loads of snow on our head.
And then it opened up once again to a ridge with sweeping views in every direction giving the impression of laying eyes on wilderness in which we were the only ones. The creation God has given us to explore is simply glorious.
Timed picture- with the camera balanced on the ski pole. I must say I did miss my big camera!!
Glad we stopped here for the photo op as the clouds rolled in pretty thick and gray after this.
A little drink and chocolate pit stop.. unbeknown to us the cabin was only 5 minutes down the trail =;)
Elfin Lakes Shelter
Rosie drinking in the warmth. Great cabin.. sleeps 34. It is usually packed on the weekends but ahh the benefits of shift work and the backcountry. There was only a school group of 10 and 2 other people there.
Great little stoves provided
The usual crib challenges.
Rosie beat me by 2 points!!!
The next day we woke to SNOW. The clouds that had worked their way in the afternoon the day before had defiantly delivered. It had snowed about 8 inches during the night and snowed heavily on the trek out. It made for a an entirely different perspective as you could only see the trees directly around you. A more isolated feeling but some great snowshoeing. A bit more of an effort on as we broke the trail on the climbs or flat but an absolute riot as you `poof` down the hills.
Stopped at the hut again for lunch. This time sneaked around to the back to avoid the school kids who thundered down the hill behind us.
But never fear! Starbucks is near
A little drink and chocolate pit stop.. unbeknown to us the cabin was only 5 minutes down the trail =;)
Elfin Lakes Shelter
Rosie drinking in the warmth. Great cabin.. sleeps 34. It is usually packed on the weekends but ahh the benefits of shift work and the backcountry. There was only a school group of 10 and 2 other people there.
Great little stoves provided
The usual crib challenges.
Rosie beat me by 2 points!!!
The next day we woke to SNOW. The clouds that had worked their way in the afternoon the day before had defiantly delivered. It had snowed about 8 inches during the night and snowed heavily on the trek out. It made for a an entirely different perspective as you could only see the trees directly around you. A more isolated feeling but some great snowshoeing. A bit more of an effort on as we broke the trail on the climbs or flat but an absolute riot as you `poof` down the hills.
Stopped at the hut again for lunch. This time sneaked around to the back to avoid the school kids who thundered down the hill behind us.
As we descended from the lunch hut the snow quickly turned to pouring rain absolutely drenching us!!
But never fear! Starbucks is near
Did not return with pointed ears nor the urge to build small wooden toys. But with two thoughts (Rosie and I usually do get profound at one point)- We are glad we are not `indoor` people because the variety of the outdoors is the spice of life- pumpkin spice to be exact. Also having eternity secured defiantly enables living in the present and enjoying every snowflake on your eyelashes without worrying about what is next in life.
Glad you had a good time! Looks like a fantastic trip - might have to take you up on that offer for next year :)
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