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 challenge seeker, bagless sleeper, bare bones, trail trooper
Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1937 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2007 : 10:58 PM
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Once upon an early January day, Shaggy emailed some longtime CT friends to see if anyone would join him for a snowshoe trek. He succeeded in putting together a gaggle of 9 classic "oldtime" CT'rs for a great day out to Poland Lake.
Here are a few of my pictures to document the day and I will let others fill in the rest of the story should they so choose.
At the top of the ski lift waiting for the rest to arrive
Lots and lots of snow up here
  
Shaggy, our intrepid leader and saviour of ladies in distress  
Del Sol, always smiling
Hiking_nut with the coolest hat of all
The_Hiker and Pathfinder
Shaggy getting brain freeze??
The crossing of Poland Lake.... a little more dramatic for some of us than others but these people had a smooth walk
 
Jimbo checks out the shelter well buried in snow
At lunch, Jimbo brings out a coveted CT bandana.
Group shot at our lunch site
Trillium, Jimbo, Hiking_nut, The_Hiker, Carol, Pathfinder, Julie, Del Sol, Shaggy
And a fine way to end the day ... Trillium brings the gang back to her house where her husband has made a fine Mexican feast to feed the hungry group of snowshoers. Isn't he the best??
 
Thanks Shaggy for organizing a very fine day out.  |
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 Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
3909 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2007 : 11:36 PM
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I missed out on the hike, but the food afterward sure was fantastic! Good to get together with friends again  |
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
LOGAN LAKE, B.C.
Canada
8579 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 07:16 AM
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Looks like you all had great fun. I like that hat with redstar, ....hmmm perhaps I should one that with good ear warmers.
Regards, |
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Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5555 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 09:31 AM
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 Poland lake 16km return , 435m elevation Gain.
So what makes a person get up at 5:00am in the dead of winter on their day off to drive 2+ hours, only to climb and trudge through 12 feet of snow in -15 weather ? Good friends, Timmy O's , and the promise of a home cooked Mexican dinner at the end.... oh ya and some exercise to get rid of all the Christmas goodies we packed on over the hoildays.
 View from the top of the Chairlift.
 gearing up.
On our way. Full of energy and looking forward to a great day.
 Del Sol & Julie.
This was Julie’s first outing with Club Tread and it was a pleasure to have her with us. She was a real trooper and her unique outlook (at 18) gave us old farts more than a few laughs.
 Pathfinder & Carol Fresh from Peru ( total body shock eh Pat?)
 Julie breaking trail and looking for a way in???
 Julie and Hiking Nut crack up Del Sol with the jokes. Oh didn't you know laughter keeps you warm .
 trudging on.
 saying a prayer?
 While the first of us make our way out onto the lake we are unaware we moved some logs and the outflow.Trillium & Del Sol find the hole and get stuck. Not to worry, it Simon to the rescue.
  - My Hero !!
 Here is a shot from the far end of the lake.
We arrive at the far end and find the shelter all but buried.
Comrade Martin orders we stop for lunch.So we look for a level spot out of the wind to take a break.
Now being a young woman and aware of the impact to the environment, Julie had asked me on the way up to manning if there were bathrooms at Poland lake. I told her not to worry and that there was an outhouse and at this time of the year smell would not be a problem.
(However "a cave-in might be"  )
Did not see to much in the way of wildlife. Lots of rabbit tracks here and there and it seemed to cold of a day even for the whiskey jacks.
Del Sol inspects an avalanch slope while the rest wait to see what happens.
Todd looks down the other side and the drop off below.
Meanwhile, unknown to Hiking Nut, Jimbo readies a snowball! Will it force him over the edge???? Will they find him in the spring ? Will he miss dinner tonight ?
We all made it back to the ski slopes without incident and for a few it was time to pull out the crazy carpets for the final descent. In a flash Julie & Jimbo were spiraling out of control down the slope. after a few tumbles they got the hang of it and they were out of sight.
Next up was Todd & Simon. I headed down to capture the madness.
 
I was so intent on getting a good shot of Todd in the flying snow I didn't see Simon until he yelled and was bearing down on me at breakneck speed. Luckily I have the reflexes of a cat and was able to simply sidestep out of the way
We were treated to a nice sunset as we made it back to out cars. The end to a great day. Tired, sweaty, cold and hungry we were looking forward to the feast that was waiting for us.
 
My thanks to Simon for putting this together and a big thank you to Jimbo for breaking trail most of they way.
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trigger happy, bear bangin', beer swillin', dirt-lovin', event organizin', hell raisin' REDneck
Maple Ridge (Redneckville), BC
Canada
2615 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 09:57 AM
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Nice trip everyone! The Poland Lake snowshoe is an annual event. This time I decided to try out my "Commie" hat obtained from a business trip to China - Damn are those things warm!
It was really nice to get out with CT OLD SKOOL! The mexican fiesta at the end was an extra special bonus. Thanks to Anita and Fernando for the feast, and for Shaggy for organising this trip.
I must say, I've never seen 5 feet of snow on the Poland Lake outhouse and shelter before.
Using the CRAZY CARPETS for the rapid ski hill decent to the parking lot scores pretty high on the H_Nut's "Brave or Stupid meter", but it sure is fun.
Not sure of the temp for the day, but it was "Frikin cold".
  
  
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Edited by - Hiking_nut on 01/14/2007 10:12 AM |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1190 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 10:06 AM
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| Wow, looks like a fantastic day in Manning and an awesome Mexican feast afterwards. Sorry Brian and I missed this one. Perhaps next time. |
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Cycling guru, Wig wearing, James Bond wannabe, answers to the call of "Eurobabe"
Langley
Canada
1231 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 10:10 AM
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It was a great day...Apart from the little rescue episode at the lake. Thanks for joining me everyone.
It was challenging finding the trail in some spots with all that snow there, but having done this trail a number of times, we didn't get too far off track before we knew we had to adjust course.
Sure was nice to strap on the snowshoes again, I think I'll be heading up to Manning again in a few weeks, will check out a different trail.
A huge Thank You, to Trilliums Husband and his daughter for an awesome meal, you guys rock!!!!
I will post some pictures later, have a another busy day to get through first....
Thanks again everyone. |
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challenge seeker, bagless sleeper, bare bones, trail trooper
Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1937 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 10:18 AM
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| Great shots of the rapid crazy carpet descent, Russ! For those of us who chose to head down with a more controlled method (with our feet on snowshoes ), it was just as much fun to watch them hurtle down the steep slope. Much laughter .... much fun! |
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 adventure seeking, peak-bagging, high-enduring, strong and silent forest gnome
N49°09', W122°47'
Canada
3812 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 10:20 AM
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Heheheh - great pix and stories so far...
What a great day out!
The snow was gently falling from start to finish of our journey. This was my third attempt at Poland lake, and the first time I've actually made it there. The trail is quite difficult to find at times - especially when breaking trail through all the fresh powder. The temps were constant at around -10C, and with scattered clouds, the scenery was spectacular.
Apres-shoe Mexican was MMMMmmmmarevelous! Thanks to Anita and Fernando for having us over. I'm gonna put that salsa recipe to the test right quick.
 
View from the top of the chairlift
First glimpse of Poland Lake
We wait as shaggy pulls double duty - extricating trillium and redirecting traffic
  
A few shots from the lake crossing
Gotta go?
  
The shelter. Cozy, to say the least.
And... a few shots from the trek back to the ski hill...
  
  
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Popkum, BC
Canada
4175 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 10:56 AM
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Where did the stairs go to the outhouse, LOL...I would have loved to join you...oh well
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Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
Abbotsford, BC
Canada
3025 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 11:17 AM
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Great looking trip with a well rounded finish. Get it!
Nice looking 3D, "J" font.  |
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 Peak scrambling, camera dodgin', knife toting gal who hikes with panties on pack & hangs clothes in trees
Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
301 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 11:18 AM
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Julie & I had a great time. We were exhausted by the end of the day, but very content.
Again, thank you Simon for organizing this outing, and to Anita & family for hosting such a scrumptious dinner for a group of weary snowshoers at the end of the day. It was awesome!
No pictures from me at this time, since I did not bring my camera. |
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trigger happy, bear bangin', beer swillin', dirt-lovin', event organizin', hell raisin' REDneck
Maple Ridge (Redneckville), BC
Canada
2615 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 11:21 AM
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Style points 
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Edited by - Hiking_nut on 01/14/2007 11:22 AM |
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Trail running, bike hucking, fast packing, beer drinking collector of pine cones on a day pass
AKA
Dances with Trees
Forest Gnome Cabin
Canada
10983 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 11:24 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Hiking_nut
Style points
HUGE style points. Great to see you guys out there |
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Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5555 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 1:50 PM
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quote:
Great shots of the rapid crazy carpet descent, Russ!
Hummmm , I went on a hunt and picked up some. Next time I'll be doing the sliding too. |
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364 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2007 : 2:11 PM
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The previous weekend (Sun 7th?), we went up "Mamapolooza" Creek (Melamoose? Memaloose?), starting from the works yard near Allison Pass, just west of the Cambie Creek trailhead, where we camped.
It's a wide, pretty valley, and very flat, and then heads to Poland Lake - we were thinking it would be a good shuttle trip - start at the ski area, and go out to the works yard!
PY.
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Cycling guru, Wig wearing, James Bond wannabe, answers to the call of "Eurobabe"
Langley
Canada
1231 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 08:27 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by yarnellboat
The previous weekend (Sun 7th?), we went up "Mamapolooza" Creek (Melamoose? Memaloose?), starting from the works yard near Allison Pass, just west of the Cambie Creek trailhead, where we camped.
It's a wide, pretty valley, and very flat, and then heads to Poland Lake - we were thinking it would be a good shuttle trip - start at the ski area, and go out to the works yard!
PY.
Hiked the Memaloose trail, once before and never again.
It was a dark, narrow, bushwhacking, very unrewarding trail.
Sounds like it is much better when it's covered in snow.
Would not recommend it otherwise. |
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 | DW2
Senior Member
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West Coast, B.C.
1325 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 09:47 AM
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Wow ...that's a lot of snow up there! We are heading in that direction next weekend and look forward to all that fresh powder.
Looks like a fun trip in good company and weather. Nice pics everyone! |
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Cycling guru, Wig wearing, James Bond wannabe, answers to the call of "Eurobabe"
Langley
Canada
1231 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 12:04 PM
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One other thing for any others heading up to Manning and using the Chairlift for a ride to the top.
We were hassled at the Ticket booth, when they asked if we were on skis and we said 'snowshoes' the gal said she had to go check to see if we were allowed on, as it slows down the chairlift too much.
The gal serving Trillium said she couldn't have a ticket.
I remarked "There are no skiers at the chairlift"
The ski area was probably the quietest I had ever seen it.
When we paid our $6 for the single ride, we were also told we could not come down till after 2:00pm, we told them we had no intention of riding the chair down.
To top it off after that, when we went to board the lift, NO skiers waiting, the kind  young Aussie fellow decided that stopping the chairlift was not going to happen. Thanks to that I have a rather large bruise on my left calf.
Luckily they stopped it when we got to the top....
Come on Manning, I've been coming up there for a number of years and this was a bit of a shock you have always seemed so friendly.
BTW, you have mail!!!!  |
Edited by - shaggy on 01/15/2007 12:05 PM |
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adventure seeking, peak-bagging, high-enduring, strong and silent forest gnome
N49°09', W122°47'
Canada
3812 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 12:24 PM
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Yeah - the past two times I've ridden the chair to the top, they've always stopped it for us at both ends. Maybe the guy running it was a noob or something, and I'm just glad you weren't more severely injured, si. I was right behind you and Anita and was kinda shocked to see your leg fold back like that.
I really don't think it's fair for them to treat snowshoers as second-class citizens at the ticket booth. $6 bucks for a single, one-way ride to the top sounds to me like a pretty decent profit. |
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Slo mo sno shuin' Great Wall trekkin' triathalon doin' pale ale drinkin' all Patrick, all the time, smoothie
2442 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2007 : 2:02 PM
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Yea the chair ride was not up to standard. We had the same issues getting on and at the top she stopped the chair 2 feet before it got to the ramp. I think she expected us to jump! We were having none of that. I had the distinct feeling that sno-shu'rs were not welcomed!
Other than that a great day with a fantastic friendly supportive hiking group. Great feast. Thanks for the pics, esp. like the group shot Anita.
Just a few shots to add. The smeared group shot is of the Poland Lake Virgins - having never made the trip before. Sorry guys and girls, now you've lost it. I'm sure you all recognize Chairman Todd - thanks for bringing the Mongolian weather comrade!
  
  
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A CT Classic Hike to Poland Lake
