August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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It always makes me smile when visitors come and ask where they can find wildlife, especially moose. Living in Houston all my life I take the wildlife for granted because I always see them; moose and deer, coyotes and foxes, and the smaller mammals that live in our forests. I always end up telling people that if they are lucky they will find animals, but we can never guarantee anyone will find anything. Last night I was very lucky. Driving down Buck Flats I ran into a variety of animals. Buck Flats is an area just passed the main town with a lot of forests and open fields, which is why animals enjoy the area I guess. The very first animal I saw was moose, and it wasn't just one moose it was a pair. I was able to pull over and just watch them as the crossed the road and into the bush. As I continued my drive I saw a mother black bear with two cubs. She ran across the road with the two babies following her; she quickly disappeared into the overgrown bush. They looked so sweet and moved so quickly I felt bad for disturbing them. Around almost every corner I saw wild rabbits sitting on the side of the road watching the vehicles pass. I also saw chipmunks scurrying around but they were faster than the rabbits and I was unable to get a good picture of them. Finally I saw a coyote wandering through the open fields close to the end of my trip. Now I know where to send people when they ask to see wildlife, even though it isn't guaranteed and there isn't a specific stop along the road that you can watch animals. In fact I was looking for Buck Falls when I ran into all of these animals. I guess you never know what to expect in our beautiful Northern wilderness.
August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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I finally attempted to find Buck Falls again. My first attempt was a failure; I ended up taking a wrong turn, I got frustrated and ended up going home without seeing the falls. This time I asked around to find the correct path. After turning on to Buck Flats off of Highway 16, I traveled all the way to the fork in the road. From here there is a sign directing you left to the falls. Drive another 3.5km, and stay left. That was where I made my mistake on my first attempt. The road to the falls instructs you to use a radio to call up, but it isn't necessary to get to the falls. Seeing that sign the first time is what caused me to question if I was going in the right direction. If I had of stayed on the road until you get to the bridge I would have found the falls. The trail itself is found on the left side of the road just on the far side of the bridge. The trail leads right down to the water in a few areas and provides great vantage points to see the river. I loved the view, but I was too nervous to travel too deep into the forest. I saw the first two falls and could see the top of the third, but I didn't go and look for the rest. The rushing water was so peaceful to listen to and the area was beautiful and peaceful. Now that I know how to get to the falls I plan on returning but this time I'll bring more people.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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The other day I took a drive out to Silverthorne Lake just to check out the area but it turned into a bigger adventure then I expected. While I was there I ran into different animals including woodpeckers, grouse, rabbits, and even a lynx! Sadly I didn't have time to grab my camera before the lynx had disappeared back into the bush. I wandered through the trails enjoying the nature and scenery laid out all around me. After the walk I wandered back to the lake and had a picnic in the covered shelter. I enjoyed the walk, water and wildlife found at Silverthorne Lake and definitely plan on going back.
The paths are well maintained because during the winter they are cross country ski trails. If you are interested in heading onto the advanced trails you can find other shelters along the trip. To find Silverthorne Lake, head south of Houston on Buck Flats Road. While the road isn't paved the entire way it is well maintained and easy to find.
I am heading back soon to hopefully get a picture of my lynx and enjoy the peacefulness of the area once again.