Stats for Zoa: 7.2 km / 600m gain / 1826m high / 2 :46 hours MT
This is a classic annual snowshoe, offering spectacular views right from the get-go. This year we were a bit late so instead of snowshoes we wore micro-spikes. We shaved 15 minutes off of our venture because we were now able to drive to the higher parking lot. It was a perfect weather day.
Having reached the highest point on the pipeline road, we then turned left into the forest. After about half an hour in the forest we emerged onto the ridge with wide open far reaching vistas.
At our usual destination, the sub-peak. Dipping down and continuing on to the true peak is often not an option because of the south-facing avalanche slope.
Jim Kelly, Coquihalla Mt. and to the right, That Peak -- south
Falls Lake below. The edges were beginning to thaw.
The triplets: That, Nak & Yak Peaks -- south to south west
west
A long leisurely lunch break in T-shirts!
A spacious group shot (thanks to Covid 19). Glad I took my wide-angle lens along for this gorgeous day. This was our first club outing after a 2 month shut-down.
Heading back down.
Vicuna & Guanaco Peaks come back into view -- north
Iago, Jim Kelly & Coquihalla Peaks. I've summited all 3.
We ended up taking the summer route back down to the pipeline. Then we stopped at exit #217 for a pit-stop + ice cream!
On the way home we decided to check out the historic Ladner Creek Trestle Bridge which was part of the old Kettle Valley Railway. We spent an hour on this little post-hike excursion. Stats: 2 km / 90m gain / 530m high
We parked by the Ladner Creek bridge past the Portia exit 202. It's easy to miss because there's no signs. The first part of the trail, starting right beside Hwy. 5 was very steep. But once it got to the 530m railway grade, it became broad and level.
1949 collapsed tunnel / wild ginger / a steep section right beside the tunnel
A young woman was inching her way along on the iron bars of the bridge.
The timbers are not to be trusted.
Gary & I noticed from our vantage point, that just two baskets were holding back this debris from falling to the depths of the canyon.
Ed Klassen ran into us back at the restrooms while we were eating our iceream. He asked if he could tag along with us. Us being the friendly group that we are, welcomed him. He took this pic from the top of the tunnel.
Cal & Dave precariously perched on the edge.
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