Garibaldi Lake

On the August long weekend, I backpacked up to Garibaldi Lake with my friend, Helen. It's in between Squamish and Whistler and a very popular hike because it's so beautiful up there. It's about a 2 1/2-3 hour hike upa bunch of switchbacks, but, the view of the lake is worth it!!! We stayed the first night at Taylor Meadows since all of the sites at the lake were taken. It's about 2 km from the lake but with a great view of Black Tusk. Lots of flowers which were pretty, which also means lots of bugs and I'm allergic. I didn't get any stings though.

The next morning Helen ran into the ranger who said there were a bunch of sites coming free at the lake. I've never seen Helen move so fast in the morning!! We packed up and moved to a great spot right by the lake with a view of this.



We hiked up Panorama Ridge to where Helen is pointing.



It was about 4 hours round trip. You can hike along the ridge for quite a while once you are up there, but we were getting hungry for dinner. It was a fantastic view at the top. We "skied" down this snow coming back. I wish we had garbage bags to toboggan but it was still fun.



I never get tired of going up to Garibaldi. The lake was refreshing to swim in. Well, jump in and out so I didn't smell myself anymore!

Brohm Lake

Another little gem I found a week after my retreat was Brohm Lake. A friend was having an informal wedding reception/BBQ at her place up in Squamish. It was such a hot day so we went for a hike around the lake and a swim. If you drive north from Squamish towards Whistler maybe 15-20 minutes, it's on the left of the highway. It's a bigger lake than it looks from the highway. There are lots of places to just lie out on the rock in the sun and the water was warm. There were a lot of drunk younger people there, but there were other spots to swim from and could avoid the drunkeness. The hike around the lake was moderate and took around 50 minutes.

We, then, headed back to the cars only to find mine gone!!! I had parked on the highway with a bunch of other cars and didn't notice the No Parking sign. So it had been towed. Luckily, we had another car which the tow truck hadn't got to so they drove me to get my car. Now, first, I would obviously avoid parking on the highway there. Then, the dispatch lady failed to tell me that I had to let her know when I would be at the spot to pick up my car since there are only 2 drivers in Squamish. So they have to pick up cars and be there to give them back. 50 minutes later!!!! Wow!! The sangria went down really nice after that. Anyways, Brohm Lake is a good little place to hang out in with shorter, flat places to walk with young kids.

Single Again

So this is the easiest border crossing I've ever come across. I found it on my retreat to a place called Ross Lake which is about an hour south-east of Hope. I became single again about a month ago. George and I decided to go our separate ways. It was a friendly parting although sad, of course. There is a Provincial campground there with only outhouses as amenities. There is also some camping further south across the border which is free, but not on the lake and there were not many people there so I chose to pay and have a fantastic view and feel safer camping alone.

It's a great spot with views like this from my campsite.



The lake was warm enough for swimming. Lots of people fishing, boating, canoeing etc. You can't rent boats from there and have to bring it yourself. They do allow motor boats on here also. There is a playground for kids also. The lake goes south about 30 miles into the US. There is only a road that is a couple of km past the border.

There is a trail you can hike and backpack down the lake also. Another thing on my list to do. All in all it's a great place to go for anyone and of all ages.