It was an eclectic day. Fifty shades of larches, an abandoned cabin, smoke, and bears. Driving west on the Trans Canada Highway the sky didn’t look promising. A cloud inversion coupled with smoke in the upper atmosphere gave us dismal flat light. We started out shortly after 9 a.m. and reached the mine around noon. Despite the smoke, larches displayed vibrant pops of colors but Mt Temple was draped in thick smoke and barely visible across the way. After lunch we decided that going to the ridge would be useless because there was no view. Going down we spotted an abandoned building, perhaps once used by miners that frequented the area. This was interesting so we stopped to explore. Thank you Damian,Alicja,Janice,Teresa,Suzy,Katrin and Glenda for your great company. Yours truly Christine c/s/p

After hiking in the trees a few hours we finally reach larches.

Larches remain vibrant despite the haze.

Once above the trees we noticed a thick haze in the valley below.

Smoke blocked out the sun enough for a daylight silhouette.

Traversing the rock slope to Protection Mine.

Mt Temple is barely visible and this is why we didn't go further.

Looking out from the mine.

Ramblers. Thanks D.G. for taking the photo.

Passing by larches on the way down.

We stumbled upon an abandoned log structure on the way down.

Remnants of a kitchen?

A bear at the end of the day.