Last week Wayne, John and I celebrated the break in rainy weather and the lengthening days with a boat trip to the Head of Powell Lake.
Powell Lake is a glacial carved fjord that filled with fresh water after the end of the ice age,
trapping salt water from the ancient ocean at the bottom. It's a big lake that's 51 kilometres (32 miles) long with 480 kilometres (300 miles) of shoreline.
Like all fjords, the rocky walls are steep. While most are covered with trees, there are some bare outcroppings. These areas are home to
Mountain Goats. From a distance they stand out as small white dots on the moss covered rocks. This time of year they are easier to see. The snow level has pushed them lower on the cliffs, just about 120 metres (400 feet) above the water level.
This trip we saw a group of four followed by a single goat in a separate location.
The days are short, so we had to leave the Head after lunch and a quick hike along the logging road. Then we skirted around the empty logging booms on our way down the lake.
We would have liked more time to explore, but the short winter day made us hurry on our way. -- Margy
Powell Lake is a glacial carved fjord that filled with fresh water after the end of the ice age, trapping salt water from the ancient ocean at the bottom. It's a big lake that's 51 kilometres (32 miles) long with 480 kilometres (300 miles) of shoreline.
Like all fjords, the rocky walls are steep. While most are covered with trees, there are some bare outcroppings. These areas are home to Mountain Goats. From a distance they stand out as small white dots on the moss covered rocks. This time of year they are easier to see. The snow level has pushed them lower on the cliffs, just about 120 metres (400 feet) above the water level.
This trip we saw a group of four followed by a single goat in a separate location.
The days are short, so we had to leave the Head after lunch and a quick hike along the logging road. Then we skirted around the empty logging booms on our way down the lake.
We would have liked more time to explore, but the short winter day made us hurry on our way. -- Margy
Margy, what a thrilling trip. The mountain photos are just spectacular. Also thrilling is seeing the animals in the wild...thanks so much for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Margy...how does the salt water affect the lake?
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating. Winter is when we have time to explore but short days don't give you much time to do it.
Hope your Christmas was fine and you have a great New Year.
Smiles
Very nice. I like the remote feel. I like the fjord. Interesting narrative too.
ReplyDeleteLovely trip and great photos - a winter capture.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for visiting my blog. Happy new year to you.
Great pictures I like your mountains. I really like the wake behind the boat picture. Looking forward to coffee time it's bee a while.
ReplyDelete~~Hugs~~
Thanks everyone for the visit and comments. Here is an answer to Carolyn's question about salt water in Powell Lake.
ReplyDeleteThe salinity doesn't start until about 400 feet below the surface and in some places the lake is over 1000 feet deep. It doesn't affect the surface or creatures, but the depths are sterile with no oxygen. There are only a few fjord cut-off lakes in the world. Another one I know about is in Norway. That makes sense. Their topography is much like BC. - Margy
Great story and photos. Looks cold. The days are getting longer but just doesn't seem like it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, the mountains remind me of a few spots in Alaska. The lake looks like a great place to explore, maybe one of these days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to celebrate the lengthening days!
ReplyDeleteMargy just keep the wonderful Pics and write ups coming. I Love to visit here!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Margy and the goats are fantastic. Are you spending New Year's at the cabin?
ReplyDelete