A few days in BC

Mentor

Mentor

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Nov 27, 2004
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Hi All,

I have just returned from a visit to British Columbia that involved stops in and around Vancouver, Victoria, and the Okanagan region. This one didn't involve any serious multi-day hikes, but I did manage to squeeze in a fair few day trips. Here are a few photos. Enjoy!

I took this one while canoeing on the Fraser River, upriver from Fort Langley. It was a nice day, and the current wasn't too intense.

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A few shots from stops along the Coquihalla Highway, between Langley and Penticton:

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Hiking through the amazingly lush forests along the coast and on Vancouver Island, marvelling at the size of the trees.

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I always hear about the abundance of fatwood to be found in BC, and this time I made it a point of seeking some out during a hike near Sidney. Here's a shot of a decent specimen along with my fatwood extraction tool. I took a few pieces home with me, and look forward to putting them to use. It will be neat to start a fire in Gatineau or on Blue Mountain with fatwood from Vancouver Island!

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More to come ...
 
A shot of Siwash Rock, off the West side of the Stanley Park seawall.

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Flora and fauna were in abundance on this trip. I saw some big-horned sheep (but couldn't stop the car to take a photo), plenty of excellent birds, and these critters:

A huge banana slug:

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A few curious racoons taking a drink:

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And a seal taking a break:

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All things considered, it was a great trip. I have to get back there some time for a dedicated wilderness trip, as my list of 'places to check out' is getting pretty long.

Those of you who live on the west coast are truly lucky!

Thanks for looking, and all the best,

- Mike
 
When I saw all the pines I was going to ask if you gathered any fatwood, then I read the post. Very nice :thumbup:
 
Nice - looked like that fatwood chipped out the entire last 3rd of your blade :D :D :D
 
Scottman said:
Nice photos! How close did you get to the coons?
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About 20 ft. (across a stream), but my camera has a decent zoom, and I was resting it on a stump. My usual experience with racoons involves me shooing them out of my campsite, so this was a pleasant encounter by comparison.

kgd said:
Nice - looked like that fatwood chipped out the entire last 3rd of your blade :D :D :D
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Indeed! The blade is just a Delta 5 kit that I put together years ago, back when partial serrations seemed like a good idea. It's a good knife, though - it holds a great edge, and I like the point. I'm always reluctant to bring a nice custom or a nice blade of my own making with me when I fly across the country, as there's a chance that it will mysteriously go missing in transit. I had a fountain pen that was intended as a gift liberated from my luggage about a decade ago, and I have been highly suspicious of baggage handlers ever since.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Great photos Mike, looks like it was a great trip! The trees up there are amazing, I'd love to visit Vancouver some day.
 
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