Thetis Lake 50/2 weeks

Our fairly large group at Thetis Lake.

Hillary and I planning our trail attack before the group's arrival.

What a glorious day for our 50th hike of the year. It was a brisk cold day but just cool enough for the work out that awaited us as we headed around lower Thetis Lake. We were joined by Marlen, Hillary, Wayne and Pauline as well as Bernie, Alisa and our new friend Jeremy. We were a large enough bunch on trail to raise comments from passing hikers and when I looked back it did seem as though a tour bus had dropped a group off for the day.

Since I am behind on the 52 week challenge this ended up being the first hike of the new year and I couldn't have asked for a better day, or a more beautiful location nor a better group to share the morning with.

One of the beauties of a large group hike; we get to split off for small group conversations.

yes, we all belong together...and then some.

Beautiful Thetis Lake looking out over the island.

It was a vigorous enough hike that hats and gloves were removed during the walk but a cool enough day that we donned them again if we stopped for any length of time. At the tip of the lake where the water is more shallow, Mother Nature was working on some lovely ice patterns as she prepared a half-hearted icing over of the water. It was an unsuccessful attempt but we enjoyed seeing it none the less.

The tip of lower Thetis where the ice tried to move in.

The lovely ice patterns. We listened to its eerie call when it was stressed by weight.

Marlen came up with a clever means of conveyance should any friends peter out.
(its just a stick)

The worse part; having to say goodbye.
The best part; deciding to head to the Asian Noodle House for lunch!