Ashlu Whitewater Festival

As the water levels in Washington's rivers drop below runnable levels the rivers in western British Columbia are just dropping to reasonable levels. With the water in Washington all but gone, the Ashlu River Festival provided me with the excuse I needed to make the drive north and check out the Canadian whitewater scene. Unfortunately, none of the photos I took on the trip came out but I was able to take a few on a recent climbing trip in BC.

The canyon below the Calheak run

The Whistler bungee bridge over the Cheakamus Canyon
The Cheakamus Canyon
The glacial waters of the Cheakamus
While at the Ashlu Festival I had a chance to paddle runs on the Ashlu, Calcheack, Elaho and Squamish Rivers. The number of quality runs in this area is incredible and the views as you paddle beneath the heavily glaciated peaks are awe inspiring.

The link below has some great pictures and descriptions of the various runs on the Ashlu as well as other rivers in the area.
http://www.paddleguides.com/rivers/bc/ashlu/ashlu.html

Lake Josephine

A few weekends ago Gloria and I went on a short backpacking trip to Lake Josephine, a small lake just off the Pacific Crest Trail a few mile south of Steven's Pass. Getting to the lake involved an enjoyable hike to up and over the ski area, then over one mare small ridge before arriving at the lake.

Lake Joesephine

Lush vegetation

Emerald green watersOn the hike out we took our time, enjoyed the sunshine, and feasted on the ripe blueberries growing in heather meadows lining the trail.