Halloween Hike
We had decided the night before that rather than stay and home handing out treats to little ghosts and goblins; it would be a good chance for another grouse hunting trip. Leaving home just after lunch we would hunt until it got dark and then we would stop at A & W for a burger before going home. Each year as Halloween approaches, we remember this very spooky hike. Even today our kids in their thirty ’s fondly recall that particular hike.
Piling into the car after lunch, we drove to Naramata and there turned off on the Smethurst Road. This took us pass the Kettle Valley Rail line and up to the second level where we briefly investigated the rock ovens. Reaching the next level we took the old railway bed to Chute Lake. Here we turn off and headed up to the Reservoir.
Parking at the dam, we bundled up and head up in search of a little used road. There was a nip in the air and the leaves were still slowly swirling to the ground and were crunching under foot. I lead the way up the road twenty two ready listening both for birds and to the chatter of Annemarie, Michael and John as they trailed along with Tricia. I used to joke, that like a golfer this was my hunting handicap. The day was grey and we were now up in the clouds which diffuse what light there was.
The old road was nearly overgrown in places as is weaved through the thick growth of lodgepole pine. The low ground cover had an abundance of low bush huckleberry bushes. Several grouse come to scratch the banks of the old road were added to our pack sacks.
Several miles later, dusk began to fall fast so we headed back, a little disappointed that we had not found Big Meadow Lake. By now the kids grew quiet and we grew closer as a group. Fog drifted slowly and the lodgepole pines creaked somewhat eerily in the gathering darkness. Clouds allowed an occasional glimpse of the moon through some starkly bare poplar trees. A snowy owl glided silently over head for some reason keeping us company.
No need to tell ghost stories to set the mood, each creak of the trees and the hoots of the owl and the constant swirling of the fog had the kids a bit frightened and they were now hand and hand with my wife and I. Without a flashlight we slowly felt our way along the track back to the car.
The trip down the mountain was very quiet as I was concentrating on peering into the fog that at times cut the car lights distance to feet rather than yards. Checking the back set we found they were not sleeping, but sitting quietly but wide eyes looking into the fog.
At last we reached Penticton and made our way to A & W for the promised burgers. It was here that the kids began to talk and relive the hike.
Why not give the kids a different memory this year and take any old road in the thick bush and go for a Halloween hike. Hiking need not just be a warm weather sport. I haven’t been up this way since the fires, but the hiking/cross country trails up the Carmi Road or any of the old roads up this way make and excellent outing. Teach them to value the outdoors.
I sure do remember that hike, it was really spooky ... the funny part is, I only remember the hiking after it got dark, I don't remember the hunting/hiking up until that point!
ReplyDeleteI think your post got a little scrambled, though, Dad, you may need to do some cut and paste (that end sentence has fallen down from further up the page!)
What a great idea! Lots of people are looking for Hallowe'en alternatives for their family - and I can't think of a better one :-)
ReplyDeleteThere are huckleberries up there? What time of year are they usually ripe? I want to check that out!
I imagine they are coming ripe about now, But they do come ripe at different times at different elevations. Sometimes you can smell them before you can see them.
ReplyDelete