Sometimes you make the peak, sometimes you get stuck in the creek

AvCan Vancouver Island , Tuesday 28th March, 2023 2:50PM

In true Canadian tradition, after this wintery week, we felt it was time to head south and check out the Cowichan lake area. With hearts full of ambition and sights set high, we planned for a trip up Mount Landale. With seamless travel up the Chemainus main, we found patchy snow starting at 32 km, and parked at the turn off for the Franklin main. We eyed up the route to Whymper on our way by, this was our second choice for the day. From there we jumped on our sleds and headed up. The wind was howling and we could see snow blowing off the summit ahead of us, but it was 9 degrees at the truck at 500 m. Progress was good until the road started climbing, then the combination of washouts and thick alder slashed our hopes of making the peak today. Although our dreams didn't become reality today, we have not given up on visiting this enticing area, we will be back Cowichan!

Snow conditions were: Wet. Weather conditions were: Warm. We rode: Sunny slopes. Riding quality was ok.

Avalache Conditions: Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.