Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Meandering Markham

After reading an email wrong, and showing up to work for a 6am shift I didn't have, I was thrilled to be able to do brunch with my two sisters in the morning on Sunday. Our original plan was to do a hike in the early afternoon, but we didn't manage to get on the road until almost 3pm. (Someone decided they needed a nap, I won't mention names) 

So we headed for Golden Ears Provincial Park, in two cars to accommodate all the dogs and people. Even the drive into the park was beautiful, with tall green trees towering on either side of the road. 


We knew were were going to be rushed to get to the lake, and back before sunset, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to go all together. The parking lot was packed when we got there, but most people on the trail were heading in the opposite direction to us. 




Above all, that made the trail super peaceful. The trees broke away to give us a sneak peek of the river that ran beside us to the lake, and beautiful view ahead. It was hard not to run down to the riverbank at every opportunity, as all the gaps in the trees offered their own unique perspective on the scenery. 




The trail has some out houses at the beginning and just before the lake, which was helpful. But when we walked out on that beach, it took my breath away. It was dusk, and the water was so calm it was like glass. The river that fed into the lake was a beautiful emerald green colour, and save a couple groups, we had the place to ourselves. 




The beach was mostly rocky, save a sandy part that jutted out farther into the middle of the lake. It was begging for a yoga pose shot in my sisters words. How could I disappoint her? 




The dogs had so much fun running and playing around, but the water was even too cold for them, being glacier fed. 



We frolicked as long as we could, but we knew we had to beat the clock to get back before it was too dark to navigate the trail, and the gate at the entrance to the park was due to close. The hike itself was mostly flat and obstacle free, more like a sunday stroll, and just my style. I'd do this one again in a heartbeat!