Since Traffic is light you will find all sorts of bicyclists heading towards the same destination
Grant Narrows is on the south side of Pitt Lake, a tidal lake that has tides influenced by the ocean. Actually Pitt Lake is the largest tidal lake in the world.
As you are making your way northward towards the lake you feel at one with nature, no signs of human development
There is a chill in the air, but warm in the sun. You can feel summer slipping away. Still there are people enjoying a day with nature
There seems to be a brisk business in renting canoes
There are excellent hiking trails on the other side of the water at Widgeon Creek and the only access is by water.
If you need a canoe, then this is the place
I don't think they are going to run out of canoes today where there is more supply than waiting customers
Some also bring their own boat
There are many cabins along the lake which are only accessible by boat as there are no roads. This fellow may be on his way home
And if you should so desire, you can also hire this water taxi
If you are hungry there is one food concession who serves up hamburgers with fries
and they also sell 2-stroke oil and mosquito repellant
I got the V-sign from momma's little helper
It was relaxing just soaking in the sun and watching the canoeists coming and going
The park caretaker lives on site and I noticed that "he" rides a cruiser
I noticed later that the day use parking area is FREE
On the way back to Maple Ridge we noticed some free-range chickens wandering about
Here is some information on Pitt Meadows (<-- click link), and Grant Narrows
Most of the land mass of Pitt Meadows is comprised of bog and protected by dykes
It's a peaceful place to spend a few hours
Bobskoot, you had a lovely day for an outing! Looks like nice country for a 2-wheeled excursion as well, though I'm guessing you and Yvonne went by car this time. Fall is coming for sure, but it's going to have to work a bit to kick our fabulous summer out of the way first.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
Chuck
One of my fantasy trips that I've never done and is probably too late is to go campaign in a canoe. This seems like the place to take the first step to figuring out if that is as much fun as it sounds. Cold however, even with a warm sun, is out of the question.
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog today.
Really nice pictures on your post. In '95 we drove up to Okanagan Lake for our vacation after spending time in Vancouver. Really pretty country and your lake shots remind me of that except this area has more forest. I really like the last photo of the bog.
Mike
After reading the caretakers sign, I guess that I can assume that if I have a non-emergency, I can walk right in unannounced?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful area, and very interesting about the tidal lake. No chance of that here in Kansas. Is that water as cold as it looks like it could be?
ReplyDeleteBob, this is Chessie.
ReplyDeleteThis reply has little to do with this wonderful travel blog you have here, at least this time.
I wanted to tell you, of all the replys regarding my Jocky...Yours was the one that hit home for me. Thank you for writing me....it's so hard for us when we lose our best friends who have lived in our homes and hearts for so long...I'm very glad to feel "attached" to someone else's grief as well as my own. It kind of legitimizes me, with out feeling like a drama queen.
Dear Bobskoot:
ReplyDeleteOn my last visit to Whistler, I drove north out of Vancouver ans marveled at the extent of beautiful open water so close to the urbam centers and suburbam communities. If I understand this correctly, the expanse featured in your blog today is only six miles from your house?! I'd have ride more than a day to find something like that here.
Now since you state the lake is tidal, I'm assuming the water is brackish. What kind of fish can you catch here? Also, is it possible to rent one of those cabins accessible only by canoe?
That could be a fun time. Great pictures.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Chuck:
ReplyDeleteYes, Sunday is "family" day. Can't be selfish and ride all the time. As you know Y has a condition which prevents her from riding or being a passenger so I can't have all the time to myself.
Mr Conchscooter:
I don't think canoes are that stable in the ocean waters of KW. You would need an outrigger. Perhaps you should experience the COLD once in a while to appreciate what you have
Mike:
We have a lot of lakes here in BC, and most are undeveloped except perhaps, for small sections so we have a lot of trees. That last photo shows dikes on both sides of the river. Without the dikes, the whole area would be under water
ET:
I think the caretaker is there as a security option and I think he would be of assistance if required, if he is not out riding
cpa3485/Jim:
Most of our lakes which are positioned North/South are fed from cold mountain streams or if blue, from glaciers, so they would be cold
Chessie:
I am saddened very time I arrive home and don't see her lying there. My normal routine was to check her food and water supply every night, and when I see her "empty" collar I am saddened that I made the decision . . .
Jack "r"IEPE:
Actually the lake is approx 60 kms (36 miles) from home. It takes around 90 minutes to navigate there using surface roads. There are no freeways or arterials in Vancouver. There are signal lights at every corner.
The ocean tides enter the Fraser River and the salt water of the ocean and the muddy brown of the Fraser mingle around New Westminster. From there it is fresh water. The Pitt River flows into & out of the Fraser River, so the flow changes direction as it feeds and empties Pitt Lake, of which Grant Narrows is on its southern end.
I'm not sure but I think the cabins are on land leased from the government and some may be available for rent. But you will need your own boat.
If you wish to rent a cabin, ride out here and perhaps we will find one somewhere in the Okanagan, where it is much warmer. or even one in Osoyoos
Bob, your post brings back some memories for me - Pitt Lake reminds me of a lake in upstate New York (I think it was called Cranberry Lake), where my Dad would take us canoeing. Fun times they were - thanks for jogging this deep memory.
ReplyDeleteBTW, got your e-mail, and replied. Saturday sounds great!