Bike Centennial Trail Washington State

It was time to be back on the bikes and this weekend we decided to head south to the Centennial Trail in Washington State.  The trail is 29 miles long and runs from just north of Bryant to the City of Snohomish.  Another rails to trails initiative the trail is designed for walkers, runners, cyclists and horseback riding...and we saw them all.  A few brave in line skaters were even braving the rain!

Trail access at Arlington

We decided to jump on the trail at Arlington.  There are many access points to the trail, so it is easy to hop on and off to explore the many local shops, parks and family attractions.  Arlington is a wonderful little town and definitely a blast from the past.  American flags proudly flying and good old small town charm everywhere!  Of course, Seahawk pride and evidence of the 12th man is also everywhere!

Go Hawks

Rob will tell you that no day trip is a success unless you begin your day in the Ma and Pa diner.  And so, without a second thought we found ourselves enjoying omelettes at the BlueBird Cafe...family owned since 1958.

Just outside of Arlington the trail is under construction, so riders are forced to ride in traffic for a short distance.  We found the drivers to be very considerate, but as always were grateful to be back on designated trail away from traffic and noise.  The trail featured many scenic views and rest points.  We simply can't recommend this trail enough.  It is an easy ride, well maintained, great access points and lots of services along the entire length of the trail.  Truly a gem!

A view of the lake

Scenic boardwalk to the lake

Unfortunately we have not been on our bikes this winter as much as we would like so we must confess that we were not in the best shape for a 60 mile jaunt.  (Mind willing - body ain't!)  As the rain and wind picked up for the return journey our legs began to give out.  It really was a test, both mentally and physically to get back to the trail head.  We were both fighting leg cramps and bike butt and at times had to get off and walk.  On the bright side, the weather had turned so nasty that there was no one left on the trail to witness our walk of shame.

I think it is clearing up!

We trudged along, and were absolutely thrilled to return to our van at the Trail head parking lot.  We made a promise to ourselves to pick up our work-out schedule and return to the Centennial Trail in the summer....rumour has it the ice cream stores along the route are amazing!

Giggle of the Day:

One of the joys of rails to trails routes is it usually means FLAT, and generally the Centennial Trail is a very easy ride.  However, there is one section featuring a slow steady climb - 642 feet.  On the bright side, when you reach the top of the hill, you are made honourary members of the Robert M. Culpeper Blistering Saddles Cycling Team!

Not really a team you want to join

Free Library - now that is community in action!

...for those feeling a little thirsty

Map and Route Tips:

Centennial Trail

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Centennial-Trail-Snohomish-County

Snow Shoe Mount Baker - Washington State

Many boast that one of the joys of living in the lower mainland area of British Columbia means that in the winter you have the opportunity to ski and play golf all in the same day.  Living here in the rain forest means that one often "forgets" about winter, as it never really feels like it.  (of course, our reference for defining winter is growing up in Alberta and Manitoba)  Well, this weekend we both craved WINTER.  Maybe the long hours on the couch watching our athletes compete in Sochi drew us to the mountains or maybe our recent cold snap reminded us of winter.  Whatever, the reason we decided to pack up our gear and head to Mount Baker in Washington State.

Creative Fencing at Glacier Ski Rentals

Yep...we were going in the right direction!

The only way to describe Baker is MAJESTIC.  The glacier covered peaks of Baker lie within Snoqualmie National Forest.   The following description is from the USA Forest Service website:

The most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness  is the 10,781 foot [3,286 meters] active volcano from which the wilderness takes its name. Mt. Baker is the northernmost volcano in the United States Cascade Range located 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The mountain is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Baker's summit, called Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Directly to the south is a smaller and younger crater, which is currently a center of periodic steam eruptions. Sherman Crater is only partially ice-filled and the rim's pinnacle, known as Sherman Peak, reaches an elevation of approximately 10,160 feet [3,097 meters].

Leaving the ski are boundary for the back country

We decided to start our day trip from the Mount Baker ski area.  We arrived to a full parking lot!  It was a winter wonderland and we were thrilled to see families skiing, snow-shoeing and sledding.  We made our way to the upper parking lot area, found the road up the mountain and entered the back country.  The snow was absolutely fantastic...quite a surprise as we had seen very little snow as we made our way up the mountain.  The weather conditions were not great, the light was flat and there was definitely a storm moving in.  We decided to not venture too far and chose to head to Artist Ridge in the Heather Meadows area.  This trail is well known for its many viewpoints - but today, was not the day to capture a view.  Visibility was really poor.  Despite the poor visibility we enjoyed bumping in to numerous winter enthusiasts and many snow hounds in search of fresh powder in the back country.  

Giggle of the Day:

We had a good giggle as we took note of how equipment has changed......

Map and Route tips:

Mayne Island by Bike

The Gulf Islands are one of British Columbia's  best kept secrets.  Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, there is so much to explore and discover and cycling is the way to do it.

Waiting to board the ferry at Tsawwassen

Nothing beats the January blahs better than a weekend getaway to Mayne Island.  Our friends (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) invited us for a weekend at their cottage.  We began early in the morning cycling to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.  It was a spooky ride as the fog was dense.  You always feel so vulnerable on your bike while riding in the fog, yet at the same time your senses seem to come alive.  We rode cautiously, listening to the call of the eagles and watching everything come to life.  The air was crisp and cool and as the fog began to lift we were treated to a wonderful sunrise.  It felt so good to be back on the bikes....mindlessly pedalling through the fog!

The ferry makes a quick stop at Galiano Island (another great bike destination) and then proceeds on to Mayne Island.  As you approach the dock at Mayne Island you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and either consciously or unconsciously begin to adapt to "Island time" The cycling on Mayne is wonderful...although be prepared for a few hills and cycle in single file as there are no shoulders.  Having said that, the drivers are thoughtful and give plenty of room when passing.

Beautiful views are plentiful

Snowdrops remind us that spring is around the corner

We cycled from the ferry to the cottage...which is truly a bit of heaven on earth.  The cottage reflects the hosts...warm & friendly...like a big hug.  It features panoramic ocean views - in fact, you can quickly lose track of time and also the will to move as you sit by the wood burning stove and gaze at the ocean.

There is much to do on Mayne - beautiful parks including one of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserves at Bennet Bay, beach combing, artists galleries and to our surprise a Japanese Garden.  This weekend we chose to hike to  the spectacular viewpoint on Mount Parke.  We were thrilled at the panoramic view, yet couldn't stay for long as we were losing daylight.

Mayne residents enjoying an all you can eat lunch buffet

The weekend went all too quickly and we left feeling rejuvenated and ready to return to explore more of the Island...next time by kayak?

Giggle of the day:

The weekend was full of laughter and great conversation.  Giggles were plentiful.  Here are a few:

While in Minor's Bay we decided to pop in to the local grocery store to pick up some lunch meat.  As we waited for service, a friendly voice came on the loud speaker and said,  "Shelly to the deli."  We burst in to laughter and thanked Shelly for the giggle and for the shaved ham...of course!

Car stops - The island features numerous car stops....a sign of community and of days gone by.  The signage both inspires and amuses!  Here's the scoop:

You are welcome to use our 25 Mayne Island Car Stops. This is free, voluntary, alternative transportation that is environmentally and community-friendly. We encourage drivers to share the ride, reducing fuel consumption and our ecological footprint. We encourage pedestrians who need a lift — including those arriving by ferry or boat — to try waiting at a Car Stop, and be open to the generosity of drivers. (Unlike a bus, there's no regular schedule; like a bus, you trust the driver.)

Car Stops signs are green and white road signs located at pullouts all around Mayne. They indicate the locations where drivers may expect to see passengers seeking a ride. They are two-way stops, so if you're standing there, indicate with your hand which way you're heading, and if you cross the street, be careful.

THE RULES:

• Drivers don't have to take the first in line;
• you don't have to accept a ride - that's fine.
• It's at your own risk if you take a lift,
• the ride is free, so consider it a gift.

CAR STOP - 

Last, but not least, as we rode back to the ferry dock to begin the trip home, we passed numerous Islanders on foot, with backpacks, suitcases, dollies all trudging along the main road back to the ferry.  It tickled us as we passed young and old on the "Mayne Island Pilgrimage."

Mayne Island "pilgrams" wait to disembark ... until we ride again!

Map and Route Tips:

BC Ferries - Schedules and Route information

Ski Whistler and Blackcomb, BC

They say a picture is worth a thousand words......

Upper Alpine

Sporting the Onesie!

Incredible views from the Peak to Peak Gondola

Shout out to Camp Jubilee....we wore our toques proudly!

Downloading....back to the Village for Apres Ski at the Garabaldi Lift Co.

Christmas in the Village

Steep and Deep?

Shannon Falls

Giggle of the Day

I know you will find it hard to believe (or maybe you won't!), but while skiing on Saturday morning we made a wrong turn off the Solar Coaster Express chair and found ourselves on the far side of Blackcomb Mountain.  Being early in the season, several lifts and runs were closed so we were feeling a little anxious that we may find ourselves at the bottom of a run with a long hike back up to a chair.  To our delight, we rounded a bend only to descend upon the BRAND NEW Crystal Ridge Express chair....and it was opening day!  We were greeted by live music, an open ceremony and free Kit Kats!  This is the first new chair to be opened on the mountain since 1994 and we were one of the first to ski it....talk about a wrong turn that went right!

To Get There;

Cycle - Lochside Trail - Tsawwassen to Victoria, BC

The Lochside and Galloping Goose trails on Vancouver Island, B.C. provide for a great day trip (or over-nighter), a way to beat the ferry line-ups (and ferry expenses) and a chance to travel past marinas, beaches, farmland, wetlands and visit beautiful downtown Victoria.  All this on dedicated multi-use trails!

Curious onlookers

Lochside Trail, Vancouver Island, BC

We cycled up  to purchase our tickets at the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal.  We patiently waited outside the booth for the attendant to notice us.  Finally, she opened the window and asked what we were doing in the cold and dark.  She joked that she wasn't used to seeing bikes at this time of year and at this time of day.  It was only 7 am and minus two degrees - we didn't understand her point.

View from the car deck of the ferry

You can't travel on the ferry without stopping in for a coffee and a little nibble.  They were selling gingerbread men at the cafeteria, so naturally we had to pick one up.   It was then that the debate began...there were both gingerbread men and women for sale.  Of course, we couldn't agree on which to choose.  Finally, the gingerbread woman won out....more icing....(her skirt!)  Proud of our ability to reach consensus we approached the cashier only to be pulled back into a debate over the politically correct way to name the tasty treat....the cashier decided on "ginger - person."

The crossing from the mainland to Vancouver Island takes just over 1.5 hours and is an incredibly scenic ride through Active Pass and the Gulf Islands.  Today we were treated to a spectacular sunrise and incredible views of Mount Baker.  After docking on the Island, cyclists are directed off the ferry to the trail which begins at the Swartz Bay terminal, near Lands End.  I just love that name - "Lands End"...it makes me think of Pirates and secluded coves, and secretly as I pedaled along I was hopeful that Captain Jack and the Black  Pearl would round the bend.  A pirates life for me!


Being November, and quite early in the morning, we find the trail has a nice layer of frost on it.  We take extra care as we certainly don't want to hit a patch of black ice and go head over heels!  We laugh as we stop to break ice on the farmers fields....it is a beautiful, sunny day - one of those crisp fall days that make you feel happy to be outside!

Frozen fields along the trail

As we cycle along we came across a pig farm and 2 of the largest pigs I have ever seen!  We joke about the smell bringing back memories of Minor Hockey locker rooms...and move along quickly.  We enter a shared trail through a beautiful forested area,  This stretch of the trail is very popular with the "horse" crowd, although today we are alone.  Maybe, too cold for the horses?

Hold the bacon!

The trail wasn't very busy, but those who did brave the early morning were a fun bunch.  We greeted the other riders and walkers with hearty good mornings and laughed as each and everyone we passed had to comment on the weather.  We could only imagine what our family on the Prairies would think of the "cold" comments!

Views of the wetlands

As you approach Victoria, the trail connects to the Galloping Goose, which you can follow to the Inner Harbour.  Again, we are thrilled at the ability to travel to downtown on a dedicated bike path.  FANTASTIC!  Once in downtown, we put on our tourist hats and visit the inner harbour, Fisherman's Wharf and a wonderful Irish pub for lunch!

Character house boats at Fishermans Wharf

I am relaxed!

Time always seems to fly by....especially in the Irish Pub and although we had planned to begin our return trip by 3pm in order to beat the darkness, we find ourselves running late.

Irish Times Pub - Victoria, BC

Despite our best efforts to get an early start back to the ferry, we found ourselves pedalling in darkness.  The trails were just too dark to continue on and we were moving at a snails pace as we tried to navigate the potholes and bumps in the pitch black. We decided to make our way up to the main highway and return to the ferry terminal on well lite roads.  Thank you MEC for the great bike lights!  Safety first! 

Expensive Giggle of the Day:

We really haven't been on our bikes much the last couple of weeks due to various work and "life" commitments and we were both in a state of withdrawal so to speak.  We spent a week of anticipation looking forward to our trip to Victoria.  Saturday finally arrived, and we jumped out of bed, loaded up the truck and drove to Tsawwassen.  We arrived at the ferry terminal and were so excited to start "spinning" that we unloaded the truck, jumped on our bikes and started pedaling to the ticket booth.  Later that day, it struck us that in our excitement to get moving....we had not bothered to plug the parking meter.  Later that night, we returned to our parking spot to be greeted with a $60.oo dollar ticket.  Could have been worse....the truck might have been towed.


Map and Route Tips:



BC Ferries  www.bcferries.ca

Lochside Trail  http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/lochside/

Galloping Goose  http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/galloping-goose/

Cycling the BC Parkway to Central Valley - Graffitti, cowboys and spawning salmon!

Exploring the lower mainland by bike is always a treat, and today was no exception.  We decided to begin our trip at the New Westminster Quay and head into Vancouver via the BC Parkway.  This multi-use urban trail is 26 kilometers long and follows the Expo Skytrain line from Surrey, to New West, South Burnaby and into Vancouver.

 The heavy fog that had blanketed the lower mainland for days magically lifted and we were treated to a bright, crisp, sunny fall day.  The colours of the leaves were magnificent and we enjoyed the sound of them crunching beneath our tires as we pedaled along.

View of the Fraser River near New Westminster Quay

Signs on dedicated bike paths....AWESOME!

It was another day of contrasts - industry along the river and rail lines, graffiti, high end condos and homelessness, yachts, shopping malls, sports fields, restaurants, bars and people, people, people!  We saw it all.  It truly is remarkable that in a few short kilometres a cyclist travelling along the urban trails can pass through numerous municipalities and experience both the highs and the lows of our communities.

Anything in a size seven?

Brilliant Fall colours

Approaching downtown Vancouver

Was there a George Clooney sighting here?

We cycled along the waterfront to English Bay and Stanley Park enjoying the Sunday morning sights and sounds.  As we approached Canada Place, Rob noticed DeDutch Pannekoek House conveniently located right on the seawall.  The breakfast menu seemed to have his name on it so we had to stop.  Rob simply could not MASH one inch further.  It was such a warm day that we were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy our breakfast as we watched the float planes take off and land.

We decided to experiment and try a new route out of downtown.  We followed the Dunsmuir bike lane to Adanac and then began the climb out of Vancouver toward Simon Fraser University.  We were confident that we would be able to find our way back to the Central Valley Greenway....and after a few stops and starts that's exactly what we did!

Heading uphill towards Simon Fraser on the Frances Union Bikeway

The highlight of the day was on the Central Valley Greenway. As we entered the park there was a sign warning folk to be cautious as there was a bear in the area.  We thought that was a bit unusual...after all we were in the middle of Burnaby.  However,  as we pedaled along we could hear splashing coming from the stream below and quickly deduced why bears might be hanging out!  The salmon were putting on a show.  We hopped off our bikes and made our way down to the stream to watch the epic battle.  Salmon were coming up the stream in waves as they fought their way against the current.  It was inspiring to watch.  Credit to the restoration crew who has been working to restore the habitat!

Salmon fighting their way up Still Creek to spawn

Steps to help the salmon along their way

As usual the day ended far too quickly!  To celebrate the salmon sightings we stopped for a gelato....chocolate of course!  Another perfect day and perfect ride.

Guilt free Gelato break....life is good!

Giggle of the day:

As we came to a red light on Main Street near Science World, a young gentleman pulled up beside us and exclaimed "HOWDY PARTNER!".  He was dressed in full cowboy gear....boots, hat, jeans, vest and sheriff's badge.  (in fairness, we were in downtown Vancouver AND it was the weekend before Halloween).  The young man pulled a 26 ounce bottle of scotch out of his bike basket and asked if we would like a swig.  How generous!  We did notice that half the bottle was missing. We weren't sure if he was on his way to or from the party....or just keeping the party going.  Before we could ask, he gave a hoot and a yippee and was back on his way.  

Map and Route tips:

City of Vancouver  http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/cycling-routes-maps-and-trip-planner.aspx

BC Parkway  http://www.translink.ca/en/Getting-Around/Cycling/BC-Parkway.aspx

Central Valley Greenway   http://www.translink.ca/en/Getting-Around/Cycling/Central-Valley-Greenway.aspx

Burnaby bike Routes  http://www.burnaby.ca/Page386.aspx