Provincial Parks, Lakes, and Waterfalls
September 19th, 2019
Today, we decided to explore the other side of the lake and follow the road all the way to its end at Seymour Arm. We weren't too sure what to expect, but the route passed by some provincial parks, so we were sure to get in a couple of hikes.
Shortly after we had left, we espied a bald eagle high up on a branch of a roadside tree. Eagle Bay Road is aptly named, as they can often be seen along that stretch.
Bald Eagle preening himself
Passing through the little town of Blind Bay, and just 25 minutes or so into the drive, we reached our first stop - Tsútswecw Provincial Park (pronounced 'choo-chwek', meaning 'many rivers').
There were several short hiking trails, and we chose the one leading to a lookout, where one of the many salmon runs may be seen. In fact, this park is known for being one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America. We found out that we were just two weeks shy of the time when they start, but this bodes well for where we are scheduled to be on Vancouver Island at that time.
The massive cottonwood trees are amazing, and provided a preview of the redwoods we're hoping to see on the Island.
There were several short hiking trails, and we chose the one leading to a lookout, where one of the many salmon runs may be seen. In fact, this park is known for being one of the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America. We found out that we were just two weeks shy of the time when they start, but this bodes well for where we are scheduled to be on Vancouver Island at that time.
The massive cottonwood trees are amazing, and provided a preview of the redwoods we're hoping to see on the Island.
It's amazing how tall these Cottonwood trees grow
About 20 minutes later, further along our route, we found the entrance to Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, complete with areas for camping and day use.
The beach was stony, but picturesque. We took a walk along a trail following the beach, after having our picnic lunch.
We were able to zoom in across the lake to see the house where we are staying, such is the power of the lens on our new camera, to reach just under 4 km over the bay.
The beach was stony, but picturesque. We took a walk along a trail following the beach, after having our picnic lunch.
We were able to zoom in across the lake to see the house where we are staying, such is the power of the lens on our new camera, to reach just under 4 km over the bay.
Continuing our journey, the paved road gave way to one that was unmade. What should have taken just over an hour extended to 90 minutes due to the added challenge of frequent potholes and ridges that had to be negotiated.
On the road, which clung tightly to the lake for much of the journey, we were able to glimpse a couple interesting things. A log float was resting by a dock, probably awaiting pick up from one of the many logging trucks that had passed us along the way.
The first time I saw these, there were dozens of log floats in the Fraser river as we approached Vancouver on the Rocky Mountain Train (back when it was still part of the national Via Rail). Fascinated by the logging industry, we see lots of logging trails in, and around, Elliot Lake, and huge logging trucks often wind their way through the backroads and onto the highway. However, we don't see log floats very much in Ontario; but here, in B.C., it is still quite commonplace.
Also, there was a small Mississippi-type steamboat anchored near the shore. Not certain if it was a replica, or a working craft, but it was worth the snapshot.
On the road, which clung tightly to the lake for much of the journey, we were able to glimpse a couple interesting things. A log float was resting by a dock, probably awaiting pick up from one of the many logging trucks that had passed us along the way.
The first time I saw these, there were dozens of log floats in the Fraser river as we approached Vancouver on the Rocky Mountain Train (back when it was still part of the national Via Rail). Fascinated by the logging industry, we see lots of logging trails in, and around, Elliot Lake, and huge logging trucks often wind their way through the backroads and onto the highway. However, we don't see log floats very much in Ontario; but here, in B.C., it is still quite commonplace.
Also, there was a small Mississippi-type steamboat anchored near the shore. Not certain if it was a replica, or a working craft, but it was worth the snapshot.
After what seemed a very long time, we took the turning towards Albas Falls Provincial Park. Although the road left much to be desired, the view that met us when we finally reached the lake took us by surprise, and drew an instantaneous gasp from us both.
Such splendour in nature never leaves us untouched, and this was no different as lake and sky seemed to kiss, with the mountain backdrop adding to the effect. The photo doesn't do it justice, but you'll get an idea of what saw in this short video clip:
Such splendour in nature never leaves us untouched, and this was no different as lake and sky seemed to kiss, with the mountain backdrop adding to the effect. The photo doesn't do it justice, but you'll get an idea of what saw in this short video clip:
Stunning view which met us when we came to the end of the very narrow dirt track
We stopped for over half an hour to walk along the beach, revering the different aspects of the surrounding scenery.
Just before we left, a truck and trailer (caravan) arrived and we drew a sigh of relief that we had not met a similar vehicle on our way into the park. The road was very narrow for most of the way, so we were glad that we had had it to ourselves. We remarked upon how lovely it would be to camp in such a remote area.
Just before we left, a truck and trailer (caravan) arrived and we drew a sigh of relief that we had not met a similar vehicle on our way into the park. The road was very narrow for most of the way, so we were glad that we had had it to ourselves. We remarked upon how lovely it would be to camp in such a remote area.
On the way back to the main dirt road, we stopped by a small footpath leading to another lookout point where the Albas Falls cascade over the jagged rocks.
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| Love how the moss covers the ground like a carpet of green |
We are always mesmerized by the power of moving water.
After returning to the main road again, we continued on our way, finally reaching the end of the route at the little settlement of Seymour Arm.
It has an interesting history, but there was not much there that was of current interest. Apart from a pub, with a deck overlooking the lake, a wharf, and a few cabins, the settlement was very sparse. We both agreed that the view from Albas was far superior. Nevertheless, we were glad that we had made it to the end of the road, if only to satisfy our curiosity.
It has an interesting history, but there was not much there that was of current interest. Apart from a pub, with a deck overlooking the lake, a wharf, and a few cabins, the settlement was very sparse. We both agreed that the view from Albas was far superior. Nevertheless, we were glad that we had made it to the end of the road, if only to satisfy our curiosity.
On our way back, we enjoyed passing through the several townships that dot the area, as well the vistas of the vast lake alongside which we were traveling. We often find that the views seen on return journeys show different aspects of the same setting - and, on some occasions, those aspects surpass the ones seen on the outward journey.
All in all, it was another good day where we got to experience a little more of the wilderness of British Columbia.
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