Alexandra Bridge and Othello Tunnels

Ernie and Irene took us to the Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park. There is a beautiful foot bridge over the Fraser River. 

We stopped for lunch in the small town of Hope. A short drive brought us to the Othello Tunnels, a series of old railway tunnels and bridges that go through the Coquihalla Gorge. This is a truly awe inspiring sight. As you enter the enormous tunnels the darkness swallows you and just as you begin to feel a loss of equilibrium the light appears in the distance.  The tunnels open onto wooden bridges where you see the river below rushing through the canyon creating beautiful pools and sculpting rocks.   

We stopped on the way back to Harrison Hot Springs at this small jewel of a lake.

Ernie's Forest Faces

Ernie is a multi-talented artist whose latest medium is clay. He has festooned the Hundred Acre Woods with tree faces. There is a magical path through deep, dark woods filled with spirits. Around every corner is a surprise. 

Harrison Hot Springs, BC

We spent the weekend visiting Ernie and Irene in Harrison Hot Springs, BC. This is a spectacular lake at the end of Fraser Valley. 

Their home is a warm comfortable place filled with art made by family, friends, and both Ernie and Irene.

Our furry hosts included a beautiful kitty named Oreo.

Every meal was served with style and artistry. We joked that this is our new favorite B and B!

Pearl was a sweet presence following the house activities with enthusiasm.

Into the Hundred Acre Woods for a walk to see Ernie's Forest Faces. More about that later.

We were not there more than an hour when we were whisked away to the lake (5 minutes away) and raising the sails of the Mellow Yellow, a 22 foot Tanzer. Ernie and Irene enjoy sailing in local races. They are a well practiced two team crew. Both good sailors.

Do I look happy? Yup!
This is a gorgeous lake, 40 miles long, 300 feet deep, clear sparkling water lapping up against massive rock walls.

We pulled up to a small dock and took a short walk through the forest to Rainbow Falls, a truly magical cascading falls that almost always has a rainbow showing in the mist, and this day was no exception.

Then back to the boat and we made for home as the sun set. It was clear that Ernie and Irene live in an amazing, special place.

The lights of town sparkled in the distance as we turned toward home.

Galloping Goose Trail

Anita and I have set a goal of riding the entire 60 kilometers of the Galloping Goose Trail. So today we rode the last few kilometers from the Sooke River Potholes Provincial Park to the end of the trail. This is an incredibly beautiful section that follows the Sooke River with views of the tortured rock formations, waterfalls, and swimmin' holes.

The dense, cool forest gave up many treasures as we rode along. I was constantly yelling, "Stop!!! I need to take a picture!"

As we were approaching a small bridge across a stream I caught sight of this Barred owl landing in a tree. I was so excited to see the owl that I turned to look back and ran into Anita's bike and we both went down in a heap of arms, legs, and bikes. We quickly got out the camera, changed lens, and Anita got up and took several pictures. The owl sat and posed. It had probably never seen anything so strange and was trying to puzzle it out. Luckily neither of us were hurt, so we dusted ourselves off, got on our bikes and continued down the trail. I promised to contain myself.

Soon I was shrieking again, "Snake!!!" Anita loves snakes, so we stopped to move this little Sharp-tailed snake off the trail.

Just passed the end of the Galloping Goose Trail is the site of Leechtown, an old mining town. Not much left there but a few rusty relics.