Idaho Peak, Selkirk Mountains

The challenge for today - to be on the road for 08.30 h. The aim being to walk to the summit of Idaho Peak before noon. Not bad for 13 individuals, we were travelling  on Highway 3A an hour later, heading towards Sandon via Taghum, South Slocan, a right onto Highway 6 at Cresent Valley through Winlaw, Slocan, Silverton, New Denver then a right onto Highway 31A. During the Winlaw to Slocan section we were queued in a traffic hold up owing to resurfacing - massive twelve wheeler trucks passed by depositing asphalt, followed by rolling machinery, a succession of men and woman with hand held radios and stop, or slow signs indicated instructions to the drivers. The section from New Denver towards Silverton was not the normal highway, the surfacing varied, the climb upwards through a densely  conifer covered steep incline on one side of the highway and a boulder strewn river on our right with man made groynes of huge tree trunks filled with equally massive boulders in an effort to prevent destruction of the road side gave an insight to the drive ahead. 

Ten kilometres of steep incline from Silverton to Idaho Peak commenced with a single track road, switch back turns, alternating with steep drops, soft road track edges, warnings that there were few passing places, that working machinery may be on the road, and not to attempt the drive in adverse weather conditions. We arrived in the small car park with relief. Car park? Our two people carriers were surrounded by 4 wheel drive wagons that are able to power their way through logging roads, snow and water and with ease up the 10 kilometre road  - though Marcus and Thom must take credit for negoitating the track competently and without mishap. 

The advisory notice included information such as this is bear country, walk in groups, make noise, do not walk in thunder storms, take water.......The single track trail to the summit passed through an alpine meadow, with brightly coloured flowers. Pauline and I sat here and admired the view whilst the remainder do of the party made their way to the peak. They were rewarded with incredible 360 degree views and watched as preparations were made for para gliders to launch themselves from the 6000 foot summit. 

Dust covered children arrived at the base of the trail in need of an ice cream. After negotiating the descent into Silverton with only the need to pass one other vehicle we chose ice creams from The Prospectors Place, read about the once bustling silver ore town of the 1800s and walked around abandoned machinery. 

Though food has not been consumed since early morning, the request to swim whilst the sun shone meant a small detour after New Denver down to a beachside which gave a magnificent view of this section of  Kootney Lake. Thom, Ashley and Marcus joined the children in the lake. A raft enabled them to either jump off, as in Isaac's preference, dive into the water. Four clean children were towelled, dressed and shepherded into vehicles to continue the next leg of the journey towards Nelson and food! 12 hours after breakfast, we were at the Kootney Smokehouse choosing from the menu - a starter of chicken wings, ribs and poutine was rapidly eaten, followed by a variety of delicious pizzas. Oh, and I ordered a locally brewed vodka and a second. 

Another full day, happy children and adults, many memories and photographs.