Harrison Trip (Snow) Report April 26 & 27 (picture heavy)

[pmj]

I went to Harrison Lake area, 2-18 to look for bear but mainly to do a scouting trip. I drove until I was stopped by snow at the 650 m level. I hiked from there up to a ridge that was at 1500m level.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3100530_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13909&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

I parked my car when I ran into snow in a shaded area at the 650m level. It was in the afternoon when I started hiking. The snow was on and off up to 850 m depending on the amount of shade.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3090460_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13901&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)






http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3090466_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13904&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)


After 850 m it was solid snow on the skidder road (south facing slope) I was going up. The snow continued to get deeper as I climbed. The snow was soft in the afternoon sun. It was tough slogging through the snow as I sank in 6 to 12 inches each step.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3090463_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13902&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)
My campsite was on the ridge in the distance, halfway between the peak and the right side of this picture.


http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3100528_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13908&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)
Further up these creeks were covered by snow bridges.

After a hike of 5 km most of the way through soft snow, I reached my destination on a ridge at 1447m (4,750'). It was really tough slogging through the snow. I sure could have used snow shoes or skies.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3100495_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13906&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)





http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P3100511_.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=13907&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

It was nice scenery. I also got the good weather that I needed for the trip. I like to test my gear and this was a good learning experience. On a side note so this thread does not go astray, I took the necessary precautions to be safe on this overnight solo trip. I had cell phone reception from my camp so I could check in with my wife.


Statistics:
Duration: 1 night. April 26 to April 27.
Weather: Sunday sunny then cloudy, with a touch of fine rain and snow. Over night -5 with some snow. Monday sunny.
Total elevation gain: 805 m (2,640 ft).
Pack weight: 66 lbs.
Distance: total 10 km.
Time in: 5 hours. Afternoon snow was soft. I would sink in 6 to 12 inches each step. (Did I say it was up hill?)
Time out: 2 hrs 20 minutes. The morning the snow was hard and easy walking on the way out. I stopped to take a lot of pictures.

Paul

[Steeleco]

That determination!! Did you see much sign of animal acivity?
Great story, thanks.

[Dirty]

Any bear sign?

[twoSevenO]

nice story and pics. Did you see any signs?
Also, me thinks you need to cut your pack weight down a tad :P

[xcaribooer]

Are the forestry gates open there this time of year?

[gr8d8b8]

I think you were too high up, look for the southern grass slopes, but thats just my opinion. (feed)

[Marc]

Looks like a fun time Paul, I've got a hankering to do some back pack hunting/fishing trips but not sure my knee would be up to it after my surgery last summer. Only one way to find out I guess. Start on a km or two hike and see how things go from there. Did you pack a ground mat or had you anticipated on sleeping on snow?

[bsa30-06]

sounds like a awesome solo adventure, thanks for sharing and posting pics.

[BlacktailStalker]

Good for the heart if for nothing else.
Good on ya.
I've done about 5 of those hikes in 12" of wet snow this year, I can relate, 2 steps feels like 4.

[Grizzly Squirrel]

Looks like you had a great time!

Very scenic area.

[TIKA 300]

:frown: :cry: Im jealous....
Thanks for the post....
PS:great pics

[pmj]

Thanks for the comments. I sure enjoyed it:grin:. I have done alpine before but not in this type of conditions. It was a chance to test my gear and my fitness level. I have been working out at the gym all winter and I wanted a test to see if it did any good.


nice story and pics. Did you see any signs?
Also, me thinks you need to cut your pack weight down a tad :P

I did not see any sign other than one set of fox tracks. I found a frozen grouse in the thicket when I took a short cut at a switch back. It was on a snow pedestal so it must have died in the middle of winter because the snow around it had melted. There was rabbit sign also in the dense bush.

This was a solo scouting trip, in winter conditions so I made sure I had enough gear to be safe. I did not worry about the weight. My tent is a 4 season and sleeping bag good to -15. There are things I can do to lighten my pack by buying a lighter:gun, tripod, binocs, sleeping bag, tent, clothing, but they all cost $$$. The equipment I have is what I have to work with so it will have to do. But it is waaaay.. better than being at work.


Are the forestry gates open there this time of year?
Yes the gate was open on this road.


I think you were too high up, look for the southern grass slopes, but thats just my opinion. (feed)

I agree with you.
I called it a scouting trip because my bear hunting ended when I parked the car at the snow level. I was looking at some access routes for fall black tail hunting. There was not enough green in this valley to have the bears out. I also was not planning on packing out bear meat by my self unless he walked out to meet me at my car:D.


Looks like a fun time Paul, I've got a hankering to do some back pack hunting/fishing trips but not sure my knee would be up to it after my surgery last summer. Only one way to find out I guess. Start on a km or two hike and see how things go from there. Did you pack a ground mat or had you anticipated on sleeping on snow?

Hi Marc,
I would not go with out the hiking poles. They help spread the weight, provide support in ackward situations and absorbe the weight of the pack. I would suggest you try them.

I started 2 years ago. I bought a pack and started hiking around the block. I remember for the first week I did 2 laps around the neighbourhood. It was about 800 m:oops: (horizontal not vertical). I worked my way up trying to be smart and not get hurt. Started going to the gym when I started to get injuries from walking on the hard street. I slowly increased the distance.

I have a Therma Rest 4 pad I sleep on. I can put it right on snow and the cold does not come through. I need a good sleeping surface otherwise my back will complain. It is self inflating:roll:. The only concern I have is it would make for a long night if I get a puncture in the Therma rest. It does come with a repair kit you can carry.

[Mik]

Looks like a great trip, thanks for posting the story and pics.

[hunter1947]

Nice pic as for a fun trip ,pic show all http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif.