Ride the Rim 2015 - Cycling Crater Lake National Park - Oregon

Envision a volcanic caldera formed over 7,700 years ago.  Nestled in this caldera is a lake so spectacular it leaves you speechless.  Now picture the deepest, prettiest colour of blue that you can imagine.  Add old growth forests, snow-capped peaks and open meadows blanketing the volcano’s outer slopes.  THAT is Crater Lake, one of Oregon’s natural wonders.  Located in Crater Lake National Park, the area is a mecca for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.  From sightseeing to back country hiking, skiing and camping, there are many activities to keep visitors busy.

Wizard Island

We were drawn to the Park to participate in Ride the Rim, one of Crater Lake’s vehicle-free days.  During the event motorized traffic is excluded along East Rim Drive.  Cyclists, walkers, joggers and hikers are invited to share the scenic byway.  It was an incredible opportunity to experience the crater and we were thrilled to be taking part!

Panoramic View from East Rim Drive

I am sure cyclists around the world would agree that nothing beats a car free ride.  Whether it be a trail, special event or early morning outing the sheer joy of riding alone on the road, without the fear of being run over or the smell of exhaust is something to be treasured.  What struck us most about the ride was the beauty and the silence.  At first it seemed surreal, almost eerie, to be cycling side by side along the rim of a crater in total silence, but we quickly became accustomed to it.  We felt even more connected to the natural beauty of the area.  A once in a lifetime experience, for sure!

Our day began early.  We packed up the camp stove, oatmeal and coffee and enjoyed a sunrise breakfast on the rim of the crater.  We ate in silence as we watched the morning light hit Wizard Island, which in fact is a volcano inside a volcano.  Unbelievable!

You can't beat the view 

Wizard Island is a volcano in a volcano

Fueled by breaky and inspired by the scenery, we decided it was time to hop on the bikes.  To say the ride was physically demanding would be an understatement.  The route is 33 miles long and we would argue there is not an inch of “flat” on the entire route.  You are either grinding and mashing your way up or screaming downhill at speeds that make most cyclists (apart from the Young Stuff and Road Warriors) nervous.  Fortunately, the route features thirty overlooks and pull-outs, and we stopped at each and every one of them!  We giggled as we read the route description, “cyclists unaccustomed to high altitudes may find that the elevation makes breathing difficult.”  Although we climbed to 7,700 feet, I would suggest it was the long, steep climbs that made breathing “difficult.”

North Junction Parking Area at 7,025 feet

Rock walls line this section of the route

The water is a deep, deep blue colour

We were excited to see a huge cross section of people, all ages, all shapes, sizes and fitness levels participating in the ride.  It was a festive day and we were amazed at the many different styles of bikes we saw:

• Racing bikes
• Mountain bikes
• Touring bikes
• Cruisers
• Trail a Bike
• Electric bikes
• Recumbent bikes
• Hand Pedal bikes

Volunteers manned rest stops along the route and provided water, snacks and encouragement to the riders.  There was a sense of camaraderie amongst the participants and we enjoyed sharing stories and laughs at the look-outs and rest stops.

Approaching the Mount Scott Rest Stop

Riders break up the climb and enjoy the views

Unfortunately, my day ended on a low.  I lost the mental game and I think it will haunt me until we return to Ride the Rim again.  We descended from the Dutton Ridge rest stop to the Park Headquarters.  As we approached the gate, volunteers cheered us on and directed us to the bike shuttles.  I was thrilled!  What a sense of accomplishment.  It was then that Rob pointed out our car was parked at Rim Village and that we needed to keep going.  I felt a deep sense of despair as we began to cycle up West Rim Drive.  The climb was quite steep and this stretch of road was open to vehicles.  After a wonderful car free day it felt quite overwhelming to me to be cycling in traffic.  I battled for a couple of miles, and then I QUIT.  I never QUIT!  I can’t believe that I QUIT! Rob looked at me in disbelief, but wisely decided not to argue with me.  I turned back to wait at the shuttle point and Rob rode alone to retrieve the car.  As soon as he was out of sight, I regretted my decision.  I debated trying to get back on the bike, but I simply didn’t have the mental or physical strength.  It was a great lesson in mind over matter and I vow to return to complete the ride…..because despite the end to my day, this was one of the most beautiful, challenging and unique day trips we have ever done.

Crater Lake captured our hearts!

Phantom Ship - resembles a small sailboat

Thanks to the event organizers, sponsors and incredible volunteers and kudos to those who imagined a car free day on the Rim.  We can’t think of a better way to experience Crater Lake!

Thank you Ride the Rim 2015

Giggle of the Day:

From Mount Hood to the coast, Oregon is one of our favourite States to visit!  Magnificent beaches, lush forests and friendly folk make it a hot spot for outdoor adventures.  We would be remiss to point out that Oregon also has a reputation for its “hippie” culture and it was Oregonian hippies who provided us with our giggle of the day.  We crossed the border into Oregon, made our way over the Columbia River and successfully navigated through Portland when we decided to pull in to a rest stop and stretch our legs.  As we approached the parking lot we spotted this custom ride…..complete with motivational quotes and a chicken coop on the roof.  Welcome to Oregon!

Here we go...again!

Map and Route Tips:

Travel Oregon created a wonderful promo campaign featuring the 7 Natural Wonders of Oregon.  Take a peek at their video, and then book your vacation.

Crater Lake National Park has two motels and two campgrounds.  Reservations are recommended and can be made in advance.  We pitched our tent at Mazama Campground.  Check out the Lodging and Camping Brochure.

Campsite at Mazama Campground

Do you know these trails?

Do you know these trails?
Exploring Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, Surrey BC

The bright September sunshine poured through my office window as I tried to focus my attention on my work task list.  Bills, invoices and spreadsheets called out to me, yet I could not pass up the opportunity for an "outdoor break" to celebrate this glorious fall day.  Being short on time, I decided on a brisk walk in the neighbourhood.

True confession time - Rob and I are extremely spoiled.  We live within a hop, step and a jump of Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, one of the City of Surrey's true gems.  This area was one of the first designated urban forests in Canada and is one of Surrey's largest parks.

Can you imagine an urban forest at your fingertips?  Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park is a 130 hectare natural second growth forest.  Douglas Fir, Vine Maple and Huckleberry bushes line the trails which are home to banana slugs, spotted towhees and the occasional black tailed deer.  If you look closely you can see a few stumps, remnants of the logging that took place in the early 1900's.  These stumps are now nurse stumps and support all kinds of new growth.

On this particular day, I was taking my time, strolling along Chickadee Loop when a couple approached me.  They were completely lost and attempting to make their way back to their car.  They asked me if I knew the trails.  Of course I was happy to help and confidently pointed them in the direction of the parking lot.

Did I know these trails?  The memories began to flood in.  As I continued walking, I began to reflect on how well I actually did know the trails and more importantly the joy the urban forest has brought our family.

We have been exploring Sunnyside Acres for over 23 years!  In the beginning, when our children were toddlers, our visits to the park were like expeditions.  We equipped ourselves with rain gear, sunhats, sunscreen, strollers (now called infant transportation systems) and of course SNACKS!  It would take us almost a full day to complete the 4 km loop!  We would stop to examine every slug, snail and tree stump that lay before us.

Our family, like the forest, grew and changed.  We transitioned from strollers and tricycles to running shoes and bicycles.  Our speed to complete the loop increased dramatically, yet each and every one of us still finds a sense of peace and calm when visiting the trails to stroll, walk, ride or run.

Over the years, we have participated in many community habitat restoration events in the park.  As a family we feel a sense of ownership, connectedness, pride and protectiveness for this very special place.  And so, YES - I DO know these trails and I sincerely hope many more families will come to appreciate them the way we do!

Giggle of the Day:

There is a downhill section of the trail that twists and turns as you gradually descend.  Looking at the terrain now, it does not seem like much, but 20 years ago it seemed quite steep.  At the time, our son would insist on riding his tricycle along this section of trail.  I could barely watch as he would remove his hands from the handlebars and take his feet off the peddles.  He would scream with glee as he barrelled along the trail.  I would shut my eyes, hold my breath and wait for either the sounds of a crash or the joyful sound of another successful ride.  I caught up to him after one particularly fast descent, and he looked up at me and exclaimed, "MOM - wouldn't it be great if the whole world was downhill!"


Map and Route Tips:

Thank you to the City of Surrey, the dedicated volunteers who make up the Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society and to those trailblazers in 1988 who asked the community "Do you want this area to be preserved?"

Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Trail Map

Parking is available in a designated area - enter off 24th Ave.

And...check out this video featuring sounds from some of my favourite green spaces in Surrey.  EcoMUSICology & Surrey's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

#truesurrey #explorebc #surreybc #family #discoveroutdoors #getoutside

I am the Weakest Link

As a fall chill begins to hit the air, and the September Labour Day long weekend approaches, I find myself reflecting on the summer.  The days have gone all too quickly, with so many trips and adventures still on the wish list!  This has been a monumental summer for us in many ways.  We have watched our “flock of baby birds” with awe, pride and sometimes a sense of terror and foreboding as they have embarked on their own adventures.

Family Kayak Trip - Sechelt 

It seems like yesterday we were packing diapers, soothers, stuffies and SNACKS into our back packs – (essential survival items for outdoor travel with toddlers).   Now, we find ourselves anxiously awaiting trip reports and news from our adult children as they cycle to Mexico, paddle the waters of BC and guide in the unpredictable waters of the Hecate Strait, off Haida Gwaii.

Bunny Boyz arrive at the border to Mexico

Adam leads a Ridge Wilderness Group in a Moving Water Canoe Course

Emma strolls the beach during a Moresby Explorers Tour

Rob and I feel such a sense of pride as we watch Ian, Adam and Emma embrace the outdoors and challenge themselves to take risks and seek adventure.  However, it has become abundantly clear that I am now the weakest link.  In all honesty, I have probably been the weakest link for quite a long time, but it was this summer that it became obvious - even to me!  I began to notice everyone asking if I was all right, if I needed help.  While I am comforted by the fact that my family cares about me, it is quite unsettling to realize that I am the one that is slowing the pace of the group, and the one that the group worries about most.

Our style of out tripping has definitely evolved from those early years.  We are no longer about the speeds and distance or the weight of the pack.  And yes, it is a little harder to roll out of that sleeping bag on a cold and rainy morning, but at the risk of sounding cliché, we are taking time to smell the roses.  So, as we begin to plan our next trip, we may shorten our mileage, walk a few hills and accept help when offered. 

San Juan Islands

Rob sets up camp

YES - I am the Weakest Link….. and I think I love my new role!  Now, could someone please help me with this heavy pack?

I am the Weakest Link