Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tacheeda Lake Hike: The return trip

Last time we ventured to this peak with a fire lookout perched a its humble peak we were accompanied by a gentle flood of snowflakes. As we made our final steps to the top last year we entered into an early winter.
This time, we were accompanied by sunshine, sunshine and a flutter of bird calls around us. Access to the trailhead was a wee bit questionable this time - flooded out with high spring water. We managed to find a somewhat hectic path that circumvented the main trailhead flood and worked its way around the lake itself (the one that flooded) to hook up with the proper trail. Overall, excellent hike, excellent day, excellent flood, excellent everything.



I snuck this in out of order! This was the day before when we tried to hike the Raven Lake trail but were turned around right at the trailhead by knee deep snow. As you can see the weather was fine, the heat almost unbearable, but the north facing slope and the elevation of the trailhead itself gave us a wintery reminder. So, we took an about face and climbed the adjacent south facing slope with dry soil and mossy trees. It was quite beautiful. As we have come to expect from the BC outback.


Us at the top of the Tacheeda Lake lookout - set up as a forest fire lookout in the earlier days and I believe still used randomly. It is a beautiful view, regardless!


Us pausing after the arduous push to the peak (with me flaunting a sweat drenched back!).


The Tacheeda Lake lookout.


Just before the trailhead we were forced to leave our car and continue on foot. The trail started about 1-2 km ahead, which gave us a nice opportunity to skirt around the lake on the left in the picture and gather ourselves before the hike up, up, up....


Thats it for this one.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Fixing the roof...the Observatory gets a facelift

After an apparent 10 year leak, we decided to take a stand. Roof off, repairs done (for today...more tomorrow). The PG Observatory took a beating today from the amateur hands and the professional tools, and she looks all the more healthy for it!




The Prince George Astronomical Observatory


Mid way through surgery....


Me, hanging about when I probably should have been lending a hand somewhere....


Me, lending a hand when I should have been lazing about somewhere...


Portions of the crew doing what we dont do best, fixing a roof.