Wildlings resort
If you read my blog regularly and religiously, you will know from my recent blog post about the botanizing I did at the Wildlings Resort. But there is more. This blog post will show you how landscape professional Vas vacations.
Since the landscape season goes all year, in all sorts of weather, it’s critical for landscapers to take time off. So, while my younger co-workers were consuming copious amounts of alcohol and legal marijuana, I put my black tights on and grabbed my mountain bike.
Simple plan
(Disclaimer: I never recommend heading into the forest alone; bring a buddy and let people know where you’re going).
Since only I brought a mountain bike, I had to go alone. But not to worry, my plan was simple. First I let people know where I was going; second, I packed water, noise makers for annoying animals not used to seeing good-looking immigrants, and a basic first air kit. My cell phone was charged and it had reception. The key was a $5 bear bell hanging from my bike seat.
Leaving the Wildings Resort gate, I turned left which took me around Surrey lake’s right shore. Then I continued straight past Sussex lake until I reached an open, sand pit type area. Until this point, I had the Coquihalla highway on my right.
From the sand pit area I turned left and started climbing towards Bob’s lake. This is where you will get your exercise. On this climb you will cross one forestry road so continue straight up towards Bob’s lake.
Brutal Bob’s lake
Bob’s lake is actually very pretty. Here I found the only sign of civilization: a white pick-up truck. I wouldn’t see any humans or animals in the three hours I spent on my bike. This probably had to do with my 10:15am departure on a sunny day.
The trail goes left around Bob’s lake and it’s super gnarly, full of tree roots.
Now climbing out of Bob’s lake I came to a three-way crossing without any signs. Going down to the lake didn’t make sense so I went straight. This was a very pleasant mistake because it took me to Harold lake and an empty cabin. That’s where the trail ended so I knew what to do.
Back at the three way crossing, I headed up and it was brutally steep. I’m never ashamed to admit that I walked a huge chunk of this section until I could feel a nice breeze on my face.
Downhill
Once I emerged from the forest, I had a nice view of the forested landscape and the power lines which guide you back to the Wildlings Resort. Now it was all downhill and it was glorious while it lasted.
The final section is on flat forestry roads until you reach the Wildlings Resort sign. The marijuana cloud rising over the resort guided me home to my cozy cabin.
The rumor started on the company WhatsApp said I biked for three hours and napped for six! While it proved that my boss could easily do stand-up comedy, it was completely inaccurate.
Back in my cabin, I recovered by reading Daniel Matthews’s book “Trees in trouble” about the pine forests of Western America and the trouble they’re in with beetle attacks, forest fires and global warming.
I remember the breeze coming off the lake hitting me and then I was out……
No chores
Life is busy, with work and family commitments so it’s important to spend a few days resting. No chores, no deadlines, no appointments, just hours to fill up however you want. Wildlings resort is a great place to relax.
