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The Tsútswecw Flume Trail is located in south-central, beautiful British Columbia, near to what’s known as the world’s famous "Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run". There are two flume trails, "The Lower Flume Trail", which meanders along Adams River and "The Upper Flume Trail", which loops up and around Bear Creek. Always wanting some exercise, we hiked the upper trail. At the trail’s entrance we stopped to read an information board that explained why this was called “The Flume Trail”. It explained that this trail parallels an old flume and that a flume was a V-shaped wooden trough that, when filled with water, were used to transport logs are from the upper mountain slopes to the valley bottom. 11 miles of flumes were built, all by hand, in the early 1900’s. As we entered the historic trail it got notably damp, and suddenly the forest was very lush, with green moss covering the hillsides around us. The trail ascended almost immediately, and as we climbed we noticed the moss covered remnants of the old flumes scattered on the ground around us. It wasn’t long before the trail was covered in ice and snow, however we were prepared and quickly slipped on our snow cleats. So much better! At the very top of our climb the trail turned back and we entered a gorge. We crossed Bear Creek, a number of times, on well-constructed wooden bridges. It was so beautiful, I remember how blessed I felt; having had a hip replacement only 9 months before. “What an amazing treasure”, I said. The canyon walls were covered with a thriving, vibrant green moss, trees were strewn everywhere and the water carved edges of the creek echoed the sounds of the rushing water; I was in my glory! Then, after a few switchbacks, we came upon yet another surprising view! From up above, we looked down on waterfall; a bridge crossed it at its base. It was very picturesque. I thought I could get a great shot of it however the view was obstructed because of all the wind blown trees. Oh well, but you can imagine how excited I was when, from there, the trail meandered along with the creek. I knew I’d get an even better shot here! I only had my iPhone with me on this hike but I knew I'd be back and I could use these shots as studies. I went back a week later and because of my studies I knew where to position myself. This shot was taken with my Sony ILCE-7RM2 SLR, mounted on a tripod. I took so many great shots of this scene; it truly was a fantastic and memorable day!
“Mystical” This water fall is one of several water falls that form "Albas Falls" , near the lakeside community of Seymour Arm, British Columbia. I've visited Albas Falls many times and have often considered that if it were near a major highway, it wouldn't be quite so majestic (it would be inundated with tourists). In south, central British Columbia, it can be found off-grid by approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles), and one has to be prepared for a (sometimes) rough ride. The trail that leads to the falls starts at the bottom (on Shuswap lake) and loops around the many spectacular falls that make up Albas Falls. I've hiked this trail many times with friends and family but on this day I was prepared and by myself, and then I took my time to consider the shot. That said however it took a good dose of patience (it was a mostly cloudy day) and luck (the angle of the sun hitting the mist). There had been days of (much needed) rain prior to this day so the water spilling over the falls was intense, and loud! It too was very slippery and even though I was wearing a good pair of hiking boots, I took a good tumble. I saved my camera though (!) and when I saw this photo I considered my many bruises worth it! LOL Off I go, on to my next adventure! Watch for more photos to come in the coming weeks
You just can’t visit Seymour Arm, without visiting “Daniels Store” (or, as it's often referred to, “The Floating Store”). It floats year round in this pristine and tranquil bay, called Bughouse Bay on Shuswap Lake, BC. I’ve been visiting Seymour Arm with my family for many years, and I'm now a regular. It’s a unique, sleepy, off grid community that’s nestled at the very top of the Okanagan/Shuswap, and mere steps from the glacier mountains of the Monashees. There’s only two ways to get to Seymour Arm, either by boat or drive a logging road. That said however, once you’re there, its quaint beauty is immeasurable. Being there is like stepping back in time; it’s very community minded, casual, extremely relaxing and everyone helps each other. Folks regularly drive the gravel streets on their ATV’s, just as though it were their car (there’s always a few parked at the floating store!). Some visitors to Seymour Arm are there only to launch their boats so the can access their cabins, while others enjoy the pearly white sandy beaches. Campers, fishermen, hunters, gold-panners, swimmers, kayakers, canoeist, boaters, house-boaters and paddlers of all ages come to enjoy this region. One mustn’t (can’t!) forget Daniel’s store, it's love by all. They sell sporting goods, kids toys, alcohol, groceries, gas, and they rent water toys and sell local crafts too (this photo included). My children and grandchildren have very fond memories of the store; choosing their favorite penny candy or devouring an ice-cream cone on the picnic table on the store’s boardwalk was/is always revered as a special treat. There have been so many memories created and shared at the store and Seymour Arm; the valley is a profoundly large part of my love and family life.
