Preparation for Hiking the Enderby Cliffs

The annual Hike for Hospice up the Enderby Cliffs is quickly approaching on May 6th.We thought we might give it a try again this year since we enjoyed it so much last year. 

We have only just begun to get out hiking again after a year of house renos. In an effort to get in a bit better shape before attempting the 7.5 km (2200 vertical ft) to the top, we have been trying to get out on some of the local trails. This weekend we decided what better prep than to do a bit of the Cliffs themselves. So in between the rain on Saturday, we hiked up the first 1.5 km (650 vertical ft) to the Shrine. The 3 km round trip took about an hour and 20 minutes. Things were a little wet  and foggy with the rain but the trail was in pretty good condition. We also saw some wildlife on the way including a woodpecker and a little frog.

Woodpecker in the parking lot.

Birdwatching at the Enderby Cliffs

A foggy trek up the trail

Little frog friend.

Trail at the Enderby Cliffs.

Part of the old trail at the Enderby Cliffs (being reclaimed by nature).

The Shrine at the 1.5 km mark (and 650 vertical ft).

The group hike is an excellent choice for all ability levels as the group breaks up with the faster hikers moving up the hill first and a middle group for those in decent shape. Us slower hikers move at our own pace at the back of the group but we stick together and encourage each other up the trail. If you decide to hike the Cliffs, make sure you are prepared. Walking poles and knee braces are good to have if you have any stability or knee issues. It is also a good idea to have good walking shoes, plenty of water and a snack.

Anyone interested in joining the Hike for Hospice can meet at the Enderby IGA parking lot at 8 am on Sunday, May 6th. To register and for info call Judy at 250-832-7099. You can also check out the Shuswap Trail Alliance website.

Have you ever hiked the Enderby Cliffs? Share your experience hiking the Cliffs below in the comment section.

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Hiking the Park Hill Trail System

What a beautiful spring day today!!!! We got out and celebrated the Easter Weekend by doing a little 2.5 km hike on the Park Hill Trail System on Shuswap Lake. We had plenty of sunshine and the temperature was just perfect. 

The loops that we walked were in great condition and things are just starting to green up. There was only one spot we ran into that was a bit muddy. This trail is great for families and hikers of most fitness levels. The Park Hill Trail is part of an extensive network of trails built and maintained by the Shuswap Trail Alliance.

Well maintained trail at Park Hill.

Stump in the trail.

Park Hill Trail in the spring.

Squirrel on the path.

Beautiful trail.

Whats around the bend?

Spring green

 

Sunshine through the trees.

Glad to be out again enjoying the trails. With most of the house renos behind us we are eager to do a lot more hiking and paddling this summer. We are sure to visit this trail often as it is a favorite of ours. Do you have a favorite trail in the area? Do you prefer to hike, bike or horseback ride the trails? Let me know in the comment section below.

“Enderby In Motion” In Honour of Rick Hansen

Enderby is hosting its 1st Annual "Enderby in Motion" 5K Run, Walk or Wheel Event, in honor of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. Held on Saturday, March 31 at 8 am at the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce, community members can sign up to participate as sponsors,  volunteers or participators. There are a number of excellent prizes available to be won.

If you are interested in participating in the event, you must enter by March 25. Entry forms are available and can be dropped off at the Enderby Chamber. For more information or to sponsor or volunteer for the event, please contact Patricia Cech at 250-838-5640

1st Annual World Media Awards

I am excited to share that I have won the award for Best Travel Blog from the 1st Annual World Media Awards!! I want to thank the World Media Awards and congratulate all the other winners of this years awards. 

Best Travel Blog Virtual Trophy

The World Media Awards recognizes successful bloggers and publishers from across the globe. To see all of the 2012 winners, visit the World Media Awards website at http://themediaawards.com/winners.

A quote  from the Founder, Murray Newlands "I am thrilled to help shine a spotlight on some of the best blogs from around the world. I think it's important to hold up examples of bloggers and publishers doing great things." 

It is my goal to provide plenty more great information, pictures and videos of the Okanagan, Shuswap and surrounding regions this year. Let me know what you loved, what could be improved and what you want more of in the comments below.

Snowshoeing and Tobogganing at Larch Hills

I must confess it has been months since my last post. Our outdoor fun has been fewer and further between than we have wanted. That said we have had a bit of outdoor fun at Larch Hills, the local cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing destination. While the snow has come and gone with changing temperatures here in the North Okanagan, it has remained snowy up at higher elevations such as Larch Hills.

The beginning of December there was just enough snow to snowshoe on the more open trails. Come mid January, Larch Hills was the winter wonderland we love to play in. Now, in late February, we still have plenty of snow and it is still coming. If things keep going this way, we should be able to keep going up there to play in the snow till at least the end of March.

These pics are from early in the season. The open paths had plenty of snow but areas under heavy cover were still snow free. 

Snowshoe trail entrance

Open snowshoe trail

Snowshoe trail at Larch Hills

This next one was taken in January. Great snowshoeing to be found on all of the trails.

There is a great place to go sledding at Larch Hills. Beside the north side of the parking lot is the Ski Out down to John's Ski Shack. The first stretch of it beside the cabin makes for excellent tobogganing and it is rarely used so you won't be in the way of the cross-country skiers.

Sledding on a cloudy afternoon.

Tobogganing at Larch Hills

A sunny afternoon at Larch Hills

Sliding down the hill on our tummies!

We are still hoping to get out a bunch more between now and the melt to enjoy the snow. Have you gotten out as much as you wanted to this winter? Any great places you have played this winter? Let me know in the comments below.

Upcoming Christmas Events in the North Okanagan

It is that time of year again when we start to think about Christmas and begin our yearly preparations. As part of your preparations this year, you may wish to add some of the awesome Christmas events found in the North Okanagan.

2nd Annual Gingerbread House Event  (November 27th)

Make sure you come out to support the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs at this wonderful, family friendly event. See the amazing gingerbread creations, bring in your own gingerbread house or make one while you are there. The event is located at the Parkinson Recreation Centre on November 27th from 10am to 3pm.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gingerbreadEvent 
Twitter: @gingerKelowna  use #GingerbreadEvent

 

Enderby Community Christmas Celebration (Dec 2)

This family tradition includes a Santa Parade, River Candle Walk, sleigh rides, bonfire, carols, nativity and free soup and hot chocolate. An excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit, this family event starts with the Parade, located in Downtown Enderby on Cliff Ave at 6 pm.

Some Pics of Santa from the Community Christmas Celebration in years past.

Enderby's Santa getting ready to start the parade.

Santa waving at the crowds during the parade.

Santa in between visits with the children at the festivities after the parade.

Downtown Vernon's Festival of Christmas Traditions (November 25th)

Located  on 30th Avenue (from 29th Street to 35th Street) in Downtown Vernon, this Christmas Light-up includes entertainment, a bonfire, pony rides, carriage rides,  face painting, storytelling, a nativity, and a visit from Santa! The Festival of Christmas Traditions runs from 5:00pm - 9:00pm on Friday November 25th 2011.

If I have missed a local event, please let me know so I can include it. Planning on attending, please leave a comment below. 

Fall 2011 in Enderby, British Columbia

I must confess it has been a month since my last post (gasp!). I know, I know. It is not so much that I haven't been able to find a couple of minutes to write, more that I have not been able to find the time to get out and enjoy this incredible area. Renos combined with work and now Christmas has left us with little free time and we haven't had a chance to get out and do the things we love.

But while I am writing, every now and again, I take a look out at the magnificent view out our patio doors and sometimes even remember to snap a pic. We have a great view of not only Enderby, but the Enderby Cliffs and Mabel Lake Valley as well.

Pics taken early in the morning as mist was rising off the Shuswap River.

Mist coming off of Shuswap River.

View down Mabel Lake Valley in the morning.

While it hadn't rained anywhere in town that day, there was this amazing rainbow visible at sunset. A few days later we had this fabulous sunny day, something that does not happen all that often in Enderby in fall. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Enderby Cliffs were a striking pink. I caught a shot of it near the end of sunset.

A rainbow at sunset down Mabel Lake Valley.

A sunny fall day in Enerby.

Sunset on Enderby Cliffs.

I am also including a pic of our family of pumpkins from this Halloween.

Our pumpkins this Halloween.

Have you stopped to appreciate the spectacular fall colours this fall or a scenic sunrise or sunset? I would love to hear what you love best about the fall? Leave a comment below!