Harrison West

It was such a lovely day to enjoy the back country and so I was expecting to find some good opportunities for photos. I also organized a radio test with the guys at home so set up and operating had to be slotted into our driving schedule. Our first stop on the way in was at the first side road off on the lake side of the road. This branch follows the transmission line all the way back to the Harrison River. That is a lovely drive with a great view at the end but for today we stayed at the start of it and gathered a few images of Echo Island. The water colour was exquisite and with the warm sun I was just thoroughly enjoying being here.

After admiring the view and studying an abandoned truck down slope from the road we continued heading up the mainline. At one point I spotted a nice small swampy pond below the road with an access road just back from where we were. I had Ethan turn back and we drove down the access road and I got out to walk to the pond where I gathered a number of photos of the stumps in the water. Their reflections were quite impressive in the still water. After enjoying the pond, I pushed my way back through the bare brush and returned to the truck. The access road curved around the lake and eventually joined the mainline. 

We started back up the West Harrison and came up to a truck we had passed earlier. They pulled over to let us pass them once again. This happened twice more before we finally lost them. They were likely getting a bit curious about our disappearances and return. The road was completely clear of snow but it was filled with several groups of quads which were swarming past us throughout the day. They often looked surprised to see us there. Before we arrived at the Mystery Creek fork, I was concerned that our clear road would be blocked by snow as it was at this point we encountered the first snow on the road a few months back. Back then the road had been plowed up to this point and then continued on up the Mystery fork. Today it was reversed and our fork was clear and the Mystery side completely snowed in! As it was now getting towards lunch time we decided to head to 20 mile bay and eat our meal there. We were surprised to find the gate to the main campsite open and so we made our way in and soon were stopped in one of the best camping spots. There was only one other group spending the week-end enjoying the place.There was such a great view south that we decided to relax a bit before lunch, I gathered a few photos and then started setting up my HF radio equipment. Meanwhile Ethan organized our burners and food and started preparing lunch. After eating, I started operating the radio, it was too early to try the guys at home so I chatted with a few across the continent. After a few contacts the chap camping a few spots down from us wandered over and asked about the equipment. I spent the next 40 minutes talking about ham radio with him. When he finally had had enough it was time to call the home team. It was an easy contact and we chatted for a half hour. Then it was time to pack up, gather a few more photos and then head out.