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448 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2004 : 8:12 PM
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Just came back from snowshoeing to the Elfin shelter. What a perfect day. The sky was clear, no wind, lots of snow, fresh powder and a balmy -11 degrees celcius. I was apprehensive about the -20 degrees at Elfin last night but it turned out great.
Lots of TM and XC skiers and people became sparse as we passed Heather Meadows. Snow was packed to the max on trees, and icicles hung on the ends of branches (pictures still in my unfinished roll of film.)
I hope everyone took advantage of this clear sunny Sunday!  |
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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 - 01/04/2004 : 8:46 PM
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Carmen, can you give us an update on the road to the trailhead? Can you get to the parking lot without a Hummer?
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Because I can! |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
148 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2004 : 8:50 PM
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| I'd like to find out too ... I've been in BC for almost three years and have never been to Elfin Lakes (cries of horror) and it's on my must do list for the near future. |
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448 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2004 : 09:12 AM
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Driving the highway was no problem. Once we turned onto the road before the parking lot, it was icy. My partner converted to his four-wheel drive and had no problem. We were on this road at 8am and it seemed less slippery than the side streets by my home.
Of course you must drive slowly and with caution as there are a couple of sharp turns.
Parking lot was fairly cleared. Be sure to pay the parking fee. One guy said you don't have to pay in the winter but a park attendant came by and said we had to pay. 
Please be aware that it did not snow the night before and it was a clear windless day.
Also, be aware that there are some kooky yahoos that like to zoom down on their skiis with no concern for others not on skiis. We almost got slammed a few times coming back.
Hope you make it out there, lots of picture opportunities.
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4641 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2004 : 09:17 AM
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You have to watch out for mad Cajuns on sleds too! ;)
I can't wait to haul a sled up there this winter.
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....."Know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free." |
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Maple Falls, Washington
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2004 : 04:20 AM
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Hmmmm...I'm not mad, just a little crazy!
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C'mon, lets go...the mountain is waiting! |
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vancity, beesee
89 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2004 : 08:29 AM
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nice hike carmen, I was there with friends last week and had a blast. We dragged up a portable power thingamajig and made lattes in the morning :)
-b
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quote: "i have not failed; i have only found 54 ways that won't work" |
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Whistler, BC
Canada
347 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2004 : 09:45 AM
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I've been up to the TH parking lot twice this winter and have yet to throw the chains on. I've seen a variety of 4X4, AWD and FWD vehicles up there with and without chains. My 4x4 has OK snow/mud tires on it which helps.
The road was freshly plowed on Jan 1st which surprised me since it was a holiday and I think that the lowest bidding private contractor looks after it. I still saw two SUV's chain up though. It helps that it's plowed with a bulldozer so the cat-track chews up the surface a bit. The 'dozer operator also puts up a berm on the outside edge of "Scary Corner" to reduce the risk of sliding off into oblivion. 
Oh yeah, I paid both times. Up at the shelter, everyone paid, but we never saw a collector/enforcer the three days we were up there.
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Edited by - bonk on 01/07/2004 09:48 AM |
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vancouver, bc
Canada
145 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2004 : 10:00 AM
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a word from the wiser: watch the sides of the road when you are passing vehicles on the way down! we made room and ended up in the ditch as the plowed road extends the perception of driveable road out over the ditch! luckily we got pulled out (by the folks who weren't giving us room), but stay as middling as you can. we needed chains (available at the canadian tire right at the turnoff from the highway for about $60) in a compact car even when plowed. and no, chains can not be returned if not used!
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:get outside: |
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448 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2004 : 12:14 AM
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Here's a picture of how cold it is that day I went to Elfin.
Actually, it wasn't that bad. Most of the time it was hovering at
-12 degrees celsius. A couple of areas where the wind was blowing felt like -20 . But now the Arctic air has come and gone so it's time to head up again! |
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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
13028 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2004 : 12:41 AM
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| Are you in there,Carmen?Looks beautiful up there,and I'm still hoping to get up there this year.Happy New Year,BTW....Mick |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
148 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2004 : 9:04 PM
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Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like I will be heading out that way with some friends on Saturday.
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448 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2004 : 12:54 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by carmen
Here's a picture of how cold it is that day I went to Elfin.
Actually, it wasn't that bad. Most of the time it was hovering at
-12 degrees celsius. A couple of areas where the wind was blowing felt like -20 . But now the Arctic air has come and gone so it's time to head up again!
 
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Just be happy...dammit! |
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Oooooh, aaaah, wonderful snowshoeing at Elfin
