Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
We just finished packing up the lodge for another season. It was a season of two extremes; June and July were cool and wet while August and September were both brilliant. Some years we can be plagued with snow and having to put chains on our vehicle wheels just to get out at the end of the season. None of that the past two years and what a treat that is. Now that we are finsihed up we anxiously wait for the snow to come and blanket the hiking trails and turn it into a winter paradise for skiing and snowshoeing. If you arer wondering what O’Hara is like in the winter gives us a call and see what space we still have available.
Have a wonderful fall.
Monday, November 29th, 2010
As Canadians we tend to be obsessed with talking about the weather and this summer was no different. Rather than dwell on the negative lets just say that our season ended in October with some of the most fabulous weather we have ever had at that time of the year. The crisp and cool mornings and evenings were contrasted by the sunny and warm mid day. I can still feel the warmth of the sun sitting up at lake McArthur one afternoon taking in the snow covered peaks and teh brilliant blue lake. Now as the snow flies and the lake freezes over our thoughts turn to skiing. Ski season for the lodge starts at the end of January when the summer trails are well covered with that beautiful fluffy powder that the Rockies are known for. No one can predict with any certainty how much we will get, however what we do know is that come January our guests will be enjoying touring and snowshoeing around the valley.
In the meantime we are already preparing for next summers season; answering phones, booking folks in and getting organized. Part of that “getting organized” portion is selecting wines to add to our all BC wine list. A chore, which admittedly involves a significant amount of sampling! The BC wine scene has evolved dramatically over the past 10 years earning a respect from both Canadians and International oenophiles. As the number of wineries and award winning wines increases the “chore” of selecting wines has actually become easier as the number of varietals and styles to choose from has grown exponentially. Looking back over the past season I thought it would be fun to share with you a sampling of some of the wineries and the wines, which our guests found particularly appealing.
Whites
- Dunham and Froese Amicitia White
- Blasted Church Hatfields Fuse
- Joie Noble Blend
- Laughing Stock Blind Trust White
- Cassini Cellars Viogner
Reds
- Dunham and Froese MDC
- Howling Bluff Pinot Noir
- Herder Josephine
- Seven Stones Meritage
- 8th Generation Merlot
- Stoneboat Pinotage
- La Frenz Syrah
- Road 13 5th Element
- Perseus Synergy Syrah
- See Ya Later Ranche Rover Syrah
- Road 13 Jackpot
This is only a small sampling of the multitude of labels we have carried. Keep looking back for more suggestions.
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
The summer was slow coming this year with the ice finally melting off of Lake MacArthur a week ago. Despite the late ice melt the hiking has been wonderful with the meadows starting to show some of their finest Alpine beauties. he highlight this summer so far has been the abundance of Wolverine sightings. Normally an elusive animal, folks have seen them on the glacier, scrambling over rock piles and one group even witnessed one attack a ground squirrel. Goats too have been spotted with a group of 13 hanging around MacArthur pass area.
Friday, June 18th, 2010
The cobwebs are gone, the water is running and the new staff are ready for the summer. The last three weeks has been full of a flurry of activity as we wake up the lodge after its spring nap. It is always exciting to start the new season with the return of familiar faces to our staff ranks and the addition of some new ones as well.
Although the Marmots appear to still be sleeping we have seen up to 13 mountain goats, with their young kids, grazing up on the slopes of Wiwaxy. This seems to be our resident crew, spending the winter months hunkered down amongst the snow on Opabin and the Huber ledges. The other treat this spring was the sighting of a Wolverine. During our ski touring trips in the winter we often see their tracks however we rarely get a glimpse of one.
Everyday new flowers are poking out of the ground; buttercups, Anemones and Globe Flowers abound at this time of the year down by the lakeshore. The wiwaxy trail unveils a number of early bloomers with its south exposure. A good flower book will help you identify those plants not quite in bloom.
We are excited about the start of the new season and look forward to seeing you this summer.
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Every year we wish for heaps of snow in the winter and then a glorious spring to melt it away for great hiking in June. This may be the year! Last week Parks completed the plowing of the road and the sun was beating down this past weekend, clearing the snow around the lake.
We are looking forward to returning to the lake; smelling that clear mountain air, welcoming the staff and getting the lodge polished up for our first visitors in June.
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
After 2 months of wonderful skiing we have put the lodge to bed for another season. As we were skiing down the road, on our way out, the snow was falling. It kind of makes for a bitter sweet ending to the season.
We will now be gearing up for our summer season, which begins June 18th. There are still a few spots available for our Wine event on the opening weekend. Give us a call if you are interested. The office will be closed beginning March 30th and remain closed until April 21st. If you have any questions regarding summer reservations please give us a call after that time.
