Sea Lions getting ready for the annual herring run

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

After coming back from xc skiing on Tuesday March 3 we had heard on social media

that lots of sea lions had hauled out at the spit in Deep Bay just south of Fanny Bay opposite Denman Island. But despite the wind and rain we decided to check it out! Sea Lions usually haul out on log booms and other more protected locations like isolated islands but not this time. For some reason they selected the beach at the end of Deep Bay Drive. They are getting ready for the annual herring run so who knows how long they will be there but it is unusual for them to seek out this sort of location. If you go be sure to obey the rope fence and of course do not feed or interact with the sea lions. And leave your dog at home. Parking is limited and be mindful of local resident's driveways so you may have to park some distance away. It is well worth checking out.  

 

 

Temperature Inversions can make for sunny skies and great skiing at Mount Washington

 

 By Keith and Heather Nicol

    On Monday, March 2 we woke to fog in Courtenay and so I checked the web cams at Mount Washington and sure enough the slopes and trails were in sun. It also turned out to be warmer up in the mountains and than in the cold , clammy fog in town. So instead of a planned trip with our bike group we grabbed out skis and headed to the mountain to ski in great spring like conditions. So it pays to check out the web cams at Mount Washington Ski Resort since while it is cold and foggy in town it might be bright and sunny at Mount Washington.  This is caused by ridges of high pressure which trap cloud and fog close to the surface but as you go up in elevation you break through the cloud giving great conditions on the mountain. So if the fog and chilly temperatures are getting you down, head for the hills and you might find it is alot sunnier and maybe even warmer than in town.  And the views are spectacular with layers of cloud and fog below and snowy mountains rising above them (see photos below). Even if you don't ski or snowshoe you can sit on the deck at Raven Lodge or enjoy the sun at the Alpine Lodge . To check out the web cams at Mount Washington have a look at: https://www.mountwashington.ca/

 

 

 

We are biking now that XC Skiing is closed at Mount Washington

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

Usually during the winter we are skiing but with the poor snow winter at Mount Washington and the closure of the xc ski trails (hopefully temporarily) we have pivoted to biking. This winter has generally been quite dry which has made riding an option for those who want to get some exercise and explore the side roads and trails of this area. Winter riding means wearing more clothing, a thin hat under your helmet and maybe mitts but it is quite easy to stay warm as long as it is above 0 C. For those 55 years and older the Evergreen Bike Group has rides on Mondays and Wednesdays and is a great way to meet cyclists and explore the country roads and trails of the Comox Valley.  On Monday, Feb. 9 twenty cyclists headed from the Filberg Centre for a ride that featured both roads and easy trails enroute to scenic Point Holmes and Wireless Road.   The Evergreen group uses mix of electric , hybrid and road bikes.  The rides on Mondays tend to be longer and it gives us a chance to explore places like Denman and Quadra Island as well as rides in Campbell River and Parksville through the summer months.  On Wednesday morning the rides tend to be in the Comox Valley and run for 2 to 2.5 hours in length. If you are interested in finding out more about this cycling group contact Ernie at: ejkimball62@gmail.com  The pictures below are of the February 9 ride to Point Holmes and Wireless Road.