June, 2020 near Castlegar, BC
It was day 6 and I was on the way to meet up with hound dog Godo, Mel, Dan and Baxter. The Columbia & Western rail trail went along upper arrow lake with its tunnels and trestles
upper arrow lake
This part of the trail was motorized and while some groups were absolutely hilarious to pass. Imagine 12 year olds behind quads and mini motos. The dust looks bad sometimes but it really isn’t, most people slow down to make sure.
Baxter can’t run as much so he rides from time to time
Gordo? it’s a walk for him
the 900m Bulldog tunnel
The spot was perfect, picnic tables and shelter and a nice view.
We met the president of the ATV club that helps maintain the trail and they have done a lot of work. Dan stayed behind to chat while me, Mel and Gordo went on, Baxter was wondering why we left him, but he’ll run later.
This was the pass and its all downhill from here, Gordo stealing the shot.
Mel saw the bear, Gordo didn’t. The bear saw us and ran, lets keep it that way
Gordo also missed the marmot, surprised to see them at such low altitudes
Around 20km, we traded Gordo for Baxter, Gordo runs like crazy, I don’t know what is going through his mind, only when we ride at a good pace (20-25km/h) he sticks close.
“wait, so you went up left a camera and then down. then you call me to ride into the dark tunnel and then out. and now you are going up again? I’m not gonna follow you this time”
The olympus camera is definitely not the quality of the sony that I had before, but its much lighter and I actually know what the buttons do. There are some cool filters you can play around with.
Due to a cyclist/moto only bridge, this part of the trail was the highlight. Lots of logs around that can be brought back for a fire and likely a shelter + fire pit at the old station location.
Gordo rolls in with a face saying “i could have ran all day” but he is also a lot to handle. If he finds a deer he could be gone for hours.
Me and Dan go to grab firewood, Baxter wanted to come. Gordo is great on a leash but with the amount of wood, the leash, then one hand for the camera…
we were deep in a valley but the sun was somewhere out there
It was really cool to see what it is to car camp, to be able to bring anything you want. Dan and Mel had the rest of my food supply to last me to Lillooet and food around the campfire was plentiful. So for being in Canada 17 years, I have never had a smokies.
having hotdogs with two dogs who are also having hotdogs
the morning was sunny and Baxter was in charge of renewable electricity
Gordo on the other hand was like… “I’ve done something wrong… I’m just not sure what yet”
then Baxter moves in and everything is back to normal
The part approaching Christina Lake is a real gem, slightly overgrown and the ears back, tail up kind of ride. A gallery of the photos below
Then there was the trestle over the Kettle River and we are heading right into the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Gordo was already napping in the car and Baxter knew something was up. These dogs are some of the happiest pooches I’ve met! Mel and Dan are heading back to Cranbrook. Great riding with the whole pack!
Sorry Baxter, we will meet again