July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Boating & Sailing
Tuesday, I had the chance to go river boating, and of course
I jumped at the chance!
I jumped in with Clifford, Pam and Percy, our first
adventure on the river was, going to pull out a friend of Percy’s. He got his
boat stuck on a sandbar, but was a good sport with all of the teasing that took
place shortly after he was unstuck. We continued on south down the Muskwa
River, through the twists and turns. I saw so much untouched wilderness, it was
defiantly breathtaking to say the least. I remember thinking over and over, “I
want to go camping there, and there and there!” Although most of the spots I
scoped out aren’t accessible by roads, they are perfect if you have access to a
riverboat. We continued on until we made our way onto what is called “Snake
River.” I had never been so far up the river so I was all eyes as we moved
toward our destination.
We cruised along for just about 2 hours, and when the boat
we were following parked by the shore, Percy (being the funny guy he is!)
Decided to pull what apparently is called a “power turn” which had a very…
soggy result! I ended up cover with water on only one side! Also running for
cover as the horseflies spotted me. It was all quite funny, and how can you be
upset when something has everyone giggling as you swat, smack and run from
horseflies!?
No matter how many times I make my way through BC’s vast
wilderness I am continually surprised at what it has to offer. Whether it is an
afternoon on the riverboat, laughing and joking. Or it is a lazy day at the
lake lying in the sun. BC has so much to offer, and I am excited to continue to
explore it!
July 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Sitting around with a few of my friends on hot July evening,
we were discussing what we should do before I moved to Grande Prairie to go to
college. We bounced around more than a few ideas and all became excited about
one. A road trip up to Muncho Lake, why not? We were 3 fresh graduates from high
school and figured “what the heck!?” Early the next day we set out on our newly
decided adventure.
Thanks to the early dawn in the north during the summer
months we were able to leave bright and early, we piled into the truck munchies
and cameras in hand. Our drive was animated (even for a bunch of teens up before noon!)
we laughed, sang, and also car danced in our seats! We talked about how weird
it felt to be graduated, how we had responsibility to live up to our parents
dreams for us.
Our first stop was at Steamboat Mountain (which is closed)
and took pictures with the old looking gas terminals.
The second stop was at Tetsa River Regional Campground; we
drove in and parked, taking out some marshmallows (yes. At 7am ha-ha!) We took
a small hike down to the river, walked up and took goofy pictures and chased
each other around with handfuls of water! After some good fun and lots of
laughs we jumped back into the truck, and headed further north to Toad River.
At Toad River we started to crave something more than marshmallows
and candies. We stopped in at the lodge for some good eating! Our meal
consisted of honey garlic wings, poutine fries and a few other delicious appetizers.
Just a hop away there was a turn off on the right hand side of the road,
driving in about 1km we pulled up to the river. Quick to follow was more pictures, goofing
around and stretching of the legs. Thanks to our content appetites and new found energy of course!
As we continued north we passed the Indian head rock, the
valley lookout point pull out and many beautiful sites! When we made it to
Muncho Lake (finally! Ha-ha) we jumped out first at the Strawberry Flats
Campground, took a nice walk around in the sun, we continued on to MacDonald
Campground, we sat on the dock, ate some snacks, and played music out of our
truck. Singing and dancing on the dock with my best friend James, I realized
that this was the perfect way to spend a Saturday with friends. Although we
were sad about separating and moving on with life, nobody said a word. Just
made the most of the very few days we had left.
On the way home, we stopped at Baba Canyon, which is right
around Summit Lake. None of us had ever been in there and decided another
driving break was needed! We made our way in carefully stepping over rocks,
puddles of water and plant life. We climbed up the side of the rock face taking
photos the entire way up! We were even lucky to see a stone mountain sheep off
in the distance!
No doubt this trip made my Top 3 best days ever!
July 08, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Living in Fort Nelson my entire life, I have grown used to
the sites around me and some days I forget to really see the beauty around me
and my home town.
Last weekend, I took a day trip to Prophet River, which is
one hour south of Fort Nelson. I went with my boyfriend, Clifford, his sisters,
mom and niece. The drive was very nice, minus the rain of course! One great
thing about rain though is that every tree and patch of grass is green, BRIGHT
green!
Arriving at the farm, the rain had finally stopped; we unloaded
the quads, and the ranger. Shortly afterwards we got into our quadding gear and
headed out into the bushes.
Our destination; the mouth of the Prophet River, never being
there myself I expected a smooth, quick ride out. Soon I found out I was wrong,
but of course being from the north where getting muddy on the quads is a must!
I enjoyed myself very much. After a few of us getting sunk in the muskeg and
some bush whacking. We finally made it to our destination; it was a breath
taking spot, the waters rushing by. Birds flying around, sand mixed with big
rocks, and trees as far as your eye could see!
It’s amazing how a relatively short ride off the highway you
find the untouched beautiful scenes of British Columbia. We were gone for about
3-4 hours, on our arrival back to the farm we were greeted with a fabulous
dinner. Made up of ribs, potatoes, broccoli and many other delicious foods. I
would have to say no one cooks better than a pair of grandparents and a few
grand kids to help! Later I sat outside; looking over the fields and watching
the horses run about the corral. After twisting his rubber arm Clifford’s niece
got a piggy back ride over to the horses where she talked to them, fed them and
got to pet a few of them. Coming back she was the happiest little 2 year old I’d
ever seen!
On the drive back the rain decided it had held off long
enough and it started to pour, accompanied by thunder and bright flashes of
lightning.
Just another trip that has made me appreciate the beauty of
our amazing province, and the joy of families spending a Saturday just playing,
visiting and having fun.