Yesterday was the first day of spring...and actually felt like it. We decided it was a good day to go for a drive...and do a little hiking...and visit Golden Ears Provincial Park where we had never been before.
The park is about an hour's drive from our home...in an area of beautiful rugged mountains of the coastal range. It lies on the opposite side of the Fraser River from us...and somehow we just never head in that direction. Yesterday was the day!
We took our handy '52 Best Day Trips from Vancouver' guide with us...and set out on our adventure sometime after lunch. We took our time...and stopped at Tim Horton's for coffee...thinking we had hours to hike before the sun would be setting.
We arrived at the park entrance after 4 pm to discover that 'winter hours' were from 8 am until 5:30 pm...at which time the gates were locked. The hike to the falls that we had planned would have taken two hours...so we were clearly too late. It seemed B.C. Parks were still in winter mode...and we were not!
So we drove a few miles into the park...took a sneak peek at Allouette Lake...and carried on our way. We'll be back to hike another day...when there is no threat of being locked in!
Our route home took us over the 'new' Golden Ears Bridge...which opened in the summer of 2009. Prior to that time...the only way across the river at this point was a ferry.
It was a quick trip across the river...almost free sailing (though we know we will be getting a bill in the mail sometime soon, since it is a toll bridge).
And that was how we spent the first day of spring. How about you?
I'm intrigued to know the reason for the name 'Golden Ears', Judy.
ReplyDeleteThey take a picture and send you a bill so you don't have to stop and pay a toll? Interesting. That park definitely looks like one to return to...very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like another great place in your area for a hike, although I suppose not great enough that you'd want to be locked in for the night.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that when you go back again you will be bringing your camera.
Happy Spring.
Too bad the park was still on winter hours because it sounds like it would have been a pretty hike. I haven't been across that bridge yet - it's certainly pretty.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful drive even if the hike didn't materialize.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. We have very few beautiful preserve areas close to home. We used to go quite frequently when the kids were younger as we camped a lot but as I've gotten older, and appreciate those things more, I find that I don't have the time, or I should say, I don't make the time to go enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteOur fist day of spring was filled with thunderstorms and torrential downpours. But, at least it warm. :)
Elizabethd...
ReplyDeleteGolden Ears is the name of the summit that lies just north of Maple Ridge. It was originally referred to as Golden Eyries, possibly for the golden eagles that were observed near the summit. The name was changed to Golden Ears because of the twin summits at the top of the mountain....which look like golden ears in the setting sun. There's always a reason for a name, it seems.
Vee...that's right. The bridge has an electronic tolling system, where we pay without slowing down...through an automated video recognition method. 'Frequent flyers' have a Quickpass transponder and cross for $2.80. Since we don't have that...we will be paying $3.95 when the bill arrives in the mail.
Thank you Judy...I thought there would be a good reason.
ReplyDeleteI've never been there either! Will need to go sometime... We welcomed spring with a wonderful bike ride on Saturday and a walk yesterday! xo
ReplyDeleteOur 520 floating bridge will be a toll bridge soon. I'm going to have to check to see if they'll be nice and mail a bill or if they'll zing ya! Love your relaxed attitude about hiking the day away. :0)
ReplyDeleteYea, Spring is finally here. We watched March Madness, our boys came over for "Sunday Family Dinner" as our grandson calls it.
ReplyDeleteWe also played in the yard, and I spotted our first tulip.
What a beautiful area with such stunning views! Aren't you glad land like this has been preserved as parkland for future generations to enjoy? I'd be curious as to why it has the name "Golden Ears."
ReplyDeleteWe spent the first day of Sring's afternoon at the NY Botanical Garden's orchid show ..a true delight!
We had a wiener roast at allouette lake some time ago (in summer). It is a lovely spot. We also have not taken the toll bridge yet but I mentioned it yesterday . .and thought it would have been funny to pass you on the bridge. We got stuck at Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteSorry ...I just read your response to Elizabethd about the Golden Ears name. Very interesting! I thought maybe there was a pretty echo heard there! :)
ReplyDeleteOh the hike to the falls would have been so much fun and photo fantastic! By the way, what is happening to the mennonite in you?....You paid to cross a bridge when you know that the bridge further down is free?!! "Ach du lieber!" And that route would have taken you right past Lepp Farms where you could have saved the money from the toll and bought 2 halvah bars! LOL.
ReplyDeleteWe've not yet crossed that bridge but going to Golden Ears would be beautiful. We often see it as we driving into the Valley from the ferry.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous mountains! I can't wait to show my children those someday!
ReplyDeleteFrom Chuckanut to Golden Ears. I can't believe it..that you drove there to find it closed...I know you will always have another idea packed in your back pocket.
ReplyDeleteNext time...go hiking..and call me to bail you out. That's what we did all day yesterday.
You know, I am thinking I want to move to your part of the world. I cannot believe how many beautiful parks you all have. I like that you have visits and that I get to visit it too, via your blog. What a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
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