Adventure Just Beyond Your Doorstep

June 25, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Fort St. John, Hiking
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One of the best things about summer is that an abundance of activities await you outdoors. Hiking trails, provincial parks, and campsites are all just a stone’s throw away from a good time.

No one appreciates these endless possibilities quite like an energetic pair of dogs! Feeling invigorated, inspired (and never one to turn down a chance to spend time with my puppies), I loaded my car with leashes (it always gives the appearance to outsiders that I am in control of my animals, though I haven’t, and never have had any intention of using them), a water bottle and DEET-free, dog-friendly bug spray and headed to Fort St. John’s Fish Creek Community Forest.

The forest is a family favorite. Ever since I can remember, we walked the trails throughout the year; walking in everything from shorts and t-shirts to stuffy snowsuits and sorrels. Having dogs to bring with you only increases the potential for memories.

There are three trails in this forest nestled behind Northern Lights College. I’m sure many families scope out the maps provided at the entrance to the trails to decide on the best fit for their group. I like to take a more organic approach, which entails letting the pooches loose and follow their lead! There are three main trails, the Anatomy, the Siviculture and the Multi-Purpose Trail. The one my sheltie and border collie-cross prefer is called the Adventure Trail. We made it up. A combination of off-roading, gravel and paved trails, thorny patches (not good for humans but my dogs don’t really take my legs into consideration!) and dark, leafy, mysterious coves of trees…this is my favorite place to go for a walk.

I watch my dogs frolic and play, running full speed ahead into the creek and out again, grabbing tree branches and playing tug-of-war. Oliver trots through a cluster of ferns so feather-like they appear to be nothing more than an emerald fog suspended above the ground. Through their frenzy, I still feel peaceful. The occasional jogger, training marathon-runner or power-walker greets me as we stroll. The forest is breathtaking; green and shining; ablaze with sunlight and constant creature-chatter. A gaggle of teenage boys cruise on bikes through the BMX trails, and suddenly, as we enter an archway of birch, a small sound startles my dogs into looking up and standing stoically; tails up and focused. Two moose: a cow and calf, moseying around the bushes, their quiet munching the only sound in the stillness, reminds me once again that we don’t have to venture very far to find a summer treasure.

Posted by KristinNBCT, Fort St. John at 11:02 AM

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