Ralph River II

Monday, July 22, 2013

Strathcona provincal park, British Columbia, Canada

Ralph River II – Jul 22-26, 2013
Since we liked it so well a week ago and we decided there is so much more we want to do… we came right back this week – and this time to wonderful hot sunny weather.
And this time we had a full plan and were busy – not much relaxing.

Another lake front campsite
We already know which ones are the best campsites… and so we head right to our favourites and when you come at 11 am in the morning you are maybe lucky and we were…. This makes camping so much more fun. And we don't care if we have to move around.

Swimming in the lake
On the arrival day we need to relax because we have a lot to do in the next days… so today all we did was relax in the sun, go for a swim, read a book and enjoy the wonderful little beach we found.

Biking to the end of the lake
We decided to bring the bikes when we were here last time Gine said: it would be cool to bike along the lake to the bridge: because then we can stop on all the look outs and enjoy the whole length of the lake. You should think along the lake it is levelled… maybe when driving a car we never really envisioned it: but there are several up and downs…..

We reach the bridge and sit down at the river outlet and cool off our feet before heading back and to pick up a tire cover which Paul discovered on the way to the bridge… this will make a wonderful clock for the garade (as per Paul)

Hike up to the flower Ridge
We decided already we want to do this hike and all what we knew ahead was: it is steep, it is long and there is no water, you have to be fit and go early.

So we got up early and at 7 am the motorhome was parked in the parking lot
with our hiking poles and 2,5 l of water for each of us and a lunch we started out
we saw the sign: no water (and there is really not even a tiny creek at all)
and then lots of steps: no slow start: it goes right up – and it's up and up and more up
a few criss cross up and then after a half hour this stops too: maybe that’s where the "maybe hikers" turn around because they are frustrated about walking in the forest
from here the path was: let’s go straight up the hill: over roots, steep, over fallen trees – don’t know the way: straight up will do
if a flat area came for 10 min we felt it is wonderful relaxing walk
3 hours in through forest we came to a view point: sitting on the rock we saw the first time the mountains and the mine
From here on we had glimpses through the trees on the snow covered mountains… shouldn’t we soon there: we checked the GPS elevation: we already did 1000 m elevation… and we will be there after we gained close to 1300 m ( that’s over 4000 ft elevation)
And then it opens up we are at the beginning of the ridge: we saw some ponds on the left and mountain glimpses on the right
We are on top of the world: you stand and you look around and all you see in all direction is snow covered mountains – it is amazing - breathtaking – unbelievable – mindblowing and the best: we did it: 5 hours and 1300 m elevation
Paul takes the shoes off – we have lunch – have lots to drink (because on the way up we made always at least once an hour a break for a drink) and enjoy… Paul laying down and soaking in the sun – Gine scrambling around and discovering even more
Did I mention on the way – we had a lot os mosquitos – good thing we had long sleeve shirts and DEET with us (but still we got a lot of bites)
It would be so cool if we could stay a night up here and walk this ridge for another few hours to enjoy it even more… but we have to think about the long way down again
So after an hour enjoyment we pack up and make our way slowly back: slowly because the first part when we still have some views we have to soak them in
They always say: going down goes faster: that is correct if there is a path but not when it is steep, rocky and full of trees
Another break is on the viewpoint - before we start the last leg on the way down
And then down through the forest…. Let’s have a rest for our knees and down and down it goes – and because it is steep it takes us close to 5 hours down too
And we are back at our motorhome

It was supercool – we did a hike not a lot of people coming here do- because it is long and hard. A quick sit down and we go for a swim - it was tough to walk all the way to the lake J - but we needed to wash all the sweet off. And know what: all what we did that evening was having supper, sitting down and go to bed early (no fire tonight!)

Kayaking across the bay
You should think we are still too tired from yesterday – but this is not the case: sure we don’t go hiking… but taking the kayak and go across the little bay to the rocks is not really work it is wonderful: and we have a lot of fun there: it is so nice to sit on the rocks … and since we never came here before we had some exploring to do. This will be a good spot to come again, here are a lot of bays and rocks to relax and explore and perfect for a swim….
For coffee time you only paddle 15 min back have coffee and back over the lake again….

Good Bye Ralph River
It is always hard to leave… but one thing is for sure – we will come again.

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