#chilliwackrivervalley

[g-marcus]

Exploring The weather on the West Coast is moving back to more normal, here’s to the enjoyment of exploring. Merry Christmas.🎄 #chilliwackrivervalley #roadstotravel #highways #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmMEdEpkqV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[danjokic]

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A post shared by Dan Jokic (@danjokic)

Chilliwack River. #chilliwack #chilliwackrivervalley #hiking #hikingadventures

[astorywild]

24hrs of MacFarlane 

It was 1730 by the time my accomplice (norconwild) and I were at the trailhead, and the late start meant we would have to push hard or be left with miles to go in the dark. This much needed mountain retreat could not have come at a better time, after a frustrating and long week in the city, an uncontrolled, left eye stress spasm being the proof. After two hours of pounding up the trail without break, our sweat soaked shirts were saturated with proof of our efforts. We emerged from the dense Pacific Northwest forest in time to see the sun disappear into the valley, and I felt the pressure of the city ease as I pulled fresh mountain air deep into my lungs. At last light we checked the map once more, pulled headlamps from our packs and began upward again. After an hour of stumbling through sub-alpine boulder fields in the dark we reached the alpine plateau that held Upper Pierce Lake, our goal for the night. With the silhouette of the rising cliffs around us we set up our tent-less camp next to the glacial water. After a supper of 3 bean chili, chocolate, tea and the warmth of some scotch, we crawled into our sleeping bags beneath a blanket of stars naming all the constellations we knew (two of them). We shared stories of far off places – a harrowing descent from Everest basecamp, canoe trips in northern Laos, volcano summits in Guatemala - and then shared stories closer to our hearts before the sound of lapping water put us to sleep. At 0530 the alarm sounded for our sunrise summit ascent. With duct tape covering blistered feet from tired boots, we climbed the northeast ridge illuminated by moonlight. Scrambling upwards we left our base camp far beneath, reaching the false summit as the sky started to gain colour. Ten minutes later we were at the peak with smiles on our faces and a subdued celebratory hand shake. We then sat down in the silence of the pre-dawn calm. The city far below in the valley was asleep as the horizon became a glowing pastel gradient with the North Cascade mountains reaching for the heavens all around us. We had found the elusive light – and we had it all to ourselves. For six, maybe seven minutes I stood enraptured in the moment – letting the stresses of everyday life slip. Soaking it in and holding onto every second so I could remember this place, this peace, refreshing the mind and rejuvenating the soul. Then the sun broke the horizon, and the peaks around us bathed in a golden hue - the Cheam range with Rexford standing proud, Slesse towering upwards, American Border peak almost within reaching distance and Shuksan a stone’s throw south beyond that. We spent another hour atop the mountain letting the morning sun fill us with warmth before descending. After breakfast and camp coffee we made time to properly appreciate the alpine lake. A 25ft drop provided freedom from gravity as we leapt from its edge and floated free through the air before submerging ourselves in the frigid waters. Breathless and chilled – but feeling life in every part of the body - I climbed out of the lake sprawling out on the sun soaked rocks like a lazy dog and closed my eyes. I realized the twitch was gone. The mountain retreat had done its job - Equanimity.

[g-marcus]

Forest Pond There were various trails created by wildlife leading to the pond. #frozenpond #forestpond #pondice #winterice #chilliwackrivervalley #explorechilliwack #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmHSnUap28w/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

Dense Forests The forest was dense leaving little room to walk along the river as it made its way from the mountain lake to the valley. #chilliwackriver #chilliwackrivervalley #winterscenes #riversandforests #landscapephotos #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmCLNzRJ5q5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

Mountains Rule The mountains rule over the valley. The forest at times blocks blocks seeing the majestic peaks, but are there, topping every scene. #mountainpeaks #forestscape #chilliwackrivervalley #landscapephotos #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_s9BoJlIS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

Cold Water The sound and colour of the rushing river kept pulling me closer. I took small measured steps. The slippery snow-covered rocks created a barrier that l respected. Cold water, dry warm photographer. #chilliwackriver #chilliwackrivervalley #winterriver #exploringchilliwack #longexposurephotos #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl8_Vz_PVc_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

One of those Days On some days the dark forests just burst with light. Just walking and enjoying. #chilliwackrivervalley #foresttherapy #forestphoto #winterseason #sunlightbrilliant #mytravellinglens #explorechilliwack (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6cc2jJ8kI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

Lines of the Chilliwack While the Chilliwack River was low, the fast moving water had beautiful lines. Just watching and listening to the water flow was so relaxing. #chilliwackriver #chilliwackrivervalley #longexposurephotos #explorechilliwack #mytravellinglens (at Chilliwack River Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClG40D8pcHv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[g-marcus]

Around the Bend The stream flows are low but I love the feeling of the unknown as the creek comes around a bend creating a sense of the known. The sounds and beauty of the water rushing over the rocks is a real pull for me. #tamihicreek #chilliwackrivervalley #longexposurephoto #longexposurephotos #waterscenes #naturesbest #mytravellinglens (at Tamihi Creek) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClEP4M-Pc2r/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=