That snow rain forest!

Spring is making an appearance. According to the calendar, it is past due – we’ve had a fleeting glimpse in the city, but last week there was a wet hint out in the mountains.DSCF4462

We were in Yoho once again! We woke up to snowfall, and a promising day for snowshoeing. Being active and outdoorsy types, we spent the morning in the cabin, having that all important second cup of coffee. And an even more important third cup.DSCF4473

The snow ceased, and we dragged ourselves outside, ready and able, fully caffeinated for the trail ahead. Yes, the snow had stopped, and oh no, the rain started. Still, it was only a light rainfall, and that wasn’t going to be a problem.DSCF4476

At the trailhead we could see the pathway was well packed, and opted to leave our snowshoes behind. It was easy walking provided you stayed in the centre of the trail, with the only difficulty being if you stepped too far to the left or right and post-holed up to knee height. Being a fast learner, I figured that out by the third or fourth time…

Once into the trees, we thought we’d have more shelter from what was now quite heavy rainfall. This was quite true, although there was no respite from the heavy clumps of snow that began to fall from wet branches. It made for great sights and sounds, but we soon found ourselves running a snow gauntlet. I felt like Clint Eastwood in that old movie. It should be remade as an outdoor adventure movie, with the guns and bullets replaced with rain and snow. I’d go see it.

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Go ahead, clump, make my day
Being active and outdoorsy types, we were well prepared for cold and snowy weather. Sadly, our cold and snowy gear was doing an effective job of soaking up all the (even heavier) rain. Snow repellent gear isn’t rain repellent gear, or at least, not my jacket. I was gaining weight by the minute. I felt like Steven Seagal in any movie with Steven Seagal.DSCF4472

As the rain continued to fall, the pathway was becoming rather less well packed, and degrading rapidly. It would collapse underfoot without warning, causing a stumble or tumble or two. The falling down – I felt like Michael Douglas in that old movie – and the constant aerial snow bombardment was beginning to take a toll. Lovely though the setting was, I was getting just a bit weary.DSCF4461

We decided to turn back, retracing our steps along the swiftly eroding path. It seemed to be crumbling beneath our feet and before our eyes. I felt like Harrison Ford in one of those old archaeology movies. Plaidcamper Jones and the Doomed Snowshoe Trail. They should make that, and I’m available if Harrison is busy…

Absolutely sodden, but strangely happy, we made it out of the snow rain forest and back to the cabin. Adventurous fun in a white and emerald forest. I felt like an extra in that old movie by John Boorman (ok, I’ll stop that now…)

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Is Charley Boorman in there?
 Exhilarating signs of spring – not buds and birdsong, but rain and snow bombs – had us smiling as we had a cup of of coffee to recover. Hollywood, I know you’re reading this, and you’re very welcome to move ahead with the remakes. I do my own stunts.

Thanks for reading, please feel free to share a story or leave a comment, and have a wonderful weekend!

PS Steven Seagal, I apologize. You are prolific, and I enjoyed the one where you played the president’s chef who also just happened to be ex-special forces. The one set on a train, not the boat one. I’m not ex-special forces, but I am an ex-chef and admire your knife skills. I like trains, too.

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plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

15 thoughts on “That snow rain forest!”

  1. I feel as though I’ve just sat through a trailer load of movies all set in the Wild West of your beautiful backyard. What a fantastic fun post with lots of awe inspiring photos as usual. Loved it!

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  3. Man…..what a gnarly (and I don’t generally use that word) experience, I had to laugh at you (with you, actually) trying to avoid snow bombs. I understand exactly what you are talking about, it can be quite wet and miserable but at least spring is on its way! Have a wonderful weekend, now I want to watch some movies!

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  4. Great moments here from the green & white early spring squelchiness (sic). If a video is ever made of these wandering adventures, the movie actors you mention might be okay to use in a pinch, but only you would know how to convincingly deal with that demonic white clump overhead.!

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    1. Thanks, Walt! I could be in the movies, but truthfully, I’ve a face for radio…Still, I get the daily performance that is teaching, and as you know, it’s always a show!
      I hope your week is going well!

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  7. You made me laugh but glad I’m just dealing with aftermaths of Cyclone Debbie … never liked the cold and damp! Had more than enough of it living thru a few Himalayan winters in a concrete box/room with power turned off for up to 8 days … brrrrh. You can keep the cold!

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    1. Cyclones for some, snow storms for others, we all seem to get something interesting…that Debbie sure was something. Happy to read you rode it out not too badly.
      Our cold up here isn’t too bad – it’s (usually) a dry cold, and nothing proper gear can’t handle. It’s only when we think it’ll be cold and then it rains that it gets uncomfortable!
      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment, much appreciated.

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