In this issue:
- Trail Conditions
- Upcoming events
TRAIL CONDITIONS IN STRATHCONA PROVINCIAL PARK
The snow continues to melt rapidly – the Plateau area trails up to Circlet have only patches left. The Plateau Traverse from Paradise Meadows to Wood Mountain (by way of Kwai, Panther, Johnstone and McKenzie Lakes and finally Mt Becher) is clear. There is only a tiny patch of snow on Allan Brooks. However, the ridges above Circlet to Albert Edward still have snow. Over in the Buttle area, Bedwell and Baby Bedwell Lakes are virtually clear. The first tarn (1400m) on the Crest Mountain trail is quite free of snow The photo at the top of the page shows how little remains on the south side of Mt Myra’s peak (1803m) and in the panorama below (looking across Sandbag, Tennent and Carwithen Lakes to Mt Thelwood, with Moyeha Mountain to the left) reveals a typical summer patchwork of snow and open rock in the alpine.
It seems that there were groups up on Mt Myra over the long weekend. I thank William Bull & Karen Kolodzaike for sharing their photos of this stunning, if challenging trip. The route is not maintained and it being early in the season, just after snow-melt, the bugs were voracious, according to various hikers who submitted reports to ALLTRAILS.
BC Parks has partially updated its June 9th Trail Conditions PDF with information as of June 29th on the Plateau Area to Albert Edward and the Bedwell trail. Circlet Campsite as of the 29th still had snow. Check here.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR SUMMER PROGRAM
July 8th - Workshop Series - Plant Identification (Subalpine Plant ID in Paradise Meadows)
Date: July 8th, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Cost: $25, Limit of 15 Participants
Registration: Email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Leaders: Loys and Alison Maingon
Event Details:
An introduction to Field Identification of common subalpine plants through in-class slide presentation and on-site observation of plants in the Paradise Meadows area.
Preregistration is required. To preregister, email us at strathconawilderness@gmail.com. First come, first served.
In the PLANT IDENTIFICATION Workshop SWI Director Loys Maingon (RPBio) will instruct participants in the basics of field identification of common plant families through recognizing key diagnostic features. The morning session will take the form of a slide presentation in the Ruth Masters Nature Hall (Lower floor of the Wilderness Centre) and after lunch the group walk around the Meadows to examine the subalpine species that are members of the common plant families studied in the morning. Beverages and snacks will be provided but participants should bring their own lunch.
July 9th - Guided Hike - Lake Helen Mackenzie/Battleship Lake
Date: July 9th, 2023
Time: 10am – 1:00pm
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre
Cost: Free, Limit of 15 Participants
Registration: Email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Leader: Janet Beggs
Event Details:
CDMC Vice President and passionate hiker Janet Beggs will lead what is usually an early season hike at a leisurely pace around the 8.5km loop, past Battleship Lake and stopping at Lake Helen Mackenzie for lunch. As always, have study footwear, and carry plenty water.
Preregistration is required. To preregister, email us at strathconawilderness@gmail.com. First come, first served.
July 15th - Uncovering the Mysteries of Birdwatching and the Black Swift
Date: July 15th, 2023
Time: 9am – 10:15am
Location: Paradise Meadows Wilderness Centre in the Ruth Masters Hall (Lower Floor)
Cost: Free or by Donation, Limit of 35 Participants
Registration: Email strathconawilderness@gmail.com
Leader: Birds Canada
Event Details:
Are you curious about the world of birding and bird conservation? Join this Birds Canada workshop presenting beginner birding skills, local conservation issues, and focussing one of Canada’s most secretive birds – the Black Swift.
The Workshop consists of a presentation, followed by a bird walk around a 2k loop in Paradise Meadows (which is wheelchair accessible). Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, but there will be some to borrow. Leader Eve Kenny is an enthusiastic birder working as Conservation Area Interpreter with Birds Canada.
Preregistration is required, limit of 35 participants. To preregister, email us at strathconawilderness@gmail.com. First come, first served.
And to conclude:
An iconic sunset marking the end of yet another wonderful day in the spectacular alpine wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park.
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