We decided to spend a weekend at home, but did find time to do some exploring in our own backyard. This place never ceases to amaze us. 32klm from our back door is Mt Hermann. The attraction here is you can drive to the top. The climb is all dirt road through a mining lease, with the last 4klm being 4WD to take you above the tree line and make it to the summit, but it is definitely fun and worth the effort. Incredible rocky outcrops and alpine panoramic views of the Rockies. It is uncanny to be standing on the top of the world in 30deg heat and be looking at ice capped mountains. Unfortunately a little hazy today so not brilliant photos but a real experience. Mother nature can be really brutal here, but another side of her is very evident on the mountain top in summer with the all the wildflowers on display.

Descending from the mountain we drove another 30klm up the Murray River Forest Service Road to the 33klm mark to a spot known as the Greg Duke area. Here we walked 500m through the forest to Irene Lake. Once again another picturesque, pristine lake, which we had entirely to ourselves. There was plenty of evidence of bears, moose and deer but none to be seen today. It was a perfect spot to have the picnic lunch Joan had prepared and packed. It was warm enough after lunch to venture into the water but not warm enough to take the big plunge.

On the trip home we detoured to Barbour Falls. A short hike through the forests and along very steep drop-offs and vertical cliffs to a viewpoint just past these very impressive falls. From the car park to home was only 20 minutes and we still time for an afternoon nap.

Next weekend we are planning a trip down south, past Prince George to McBride, hopefully to witness the salmon spawning (and perhaps the bears feasting). Until then take care and stay happy............Peter & Joan.