We’ve done this hike a couple times with Whiskey but what makes it so strange this year is that Cypress Mountain has no snow! The ski mountain is bare this year and I’ve never seen it like this, especially in January.
The Cypress Ski slopes in January
Not much snow on the trails either, but a little slippery
beautiful mist on a snow covered pond
Whiskey blends in, this is her land!
Eagle Bluffs is a great short hike if you are ok with a steady incline. The elevation is only 350 meters and is over pretty quickly. Once you reach the top of the elevation climb, there is a nice view from Black Mountain and then you head through a meandering trail to Eagle Bluffs for a beautiful view of the city. It’s a great 3-4 hour hike from the Cypress parking lots but be warned you’ll need to get a free yellow “hiking pass” to walk past the ski area during the ski season (you can get the pass at the old lodge where the buses pick up and drop off).
A little stream of melting water
Vancouver’s mountains are gorgeous
pausing for a break on top of Black Mountain
A view from Black Mountain
the trail is sometimes also the stream
Normally I wouldn’t attempt this hike in winter because of the incline and the snow (well maybe with snowshoes), but there was barely anything this year and with only a couple slippery bits, we could easily accomplish it in hiking boots.
markers and trail is very easy to follow
breathtaking view from the Bluffs
the city from the mountain
Whiskey just wants to play with the snowboarders
We had a bit of trouble keeping our curious Vizsla off the ski slopes, as the hike follows the ski slope up. Be sure to keep your dog on-leash if there is any traffic! Whiskey was exceptionally bouncy today and must have ran 3x times the path going up and down like it was nothing. This must be an “extra bouncy” stage of puppy-hood.
Dog mountain has been our go-to mountain since we’ve had Whiskey. Close to town, an amazing view (though not this time), a short-ish length with an interesting trail and dog-friendly…what else do you want? We knew this hike is pretty popular so assumed the trail would have been packed enough for normal boots, although in some places it was icy enough that small crampons would have been an option.
the first 10 mins of any walk with these two is nuts
the gorgeous Millie with her Christmas collar
a conversation
kangarooing through the snow
another version of the raindeer
Whiskey is still all legs
Whiskey and her half-sister Millie ran up and down like little speed-demons. There’s a section where normally there is a pond and a small open area that was untouched. They kangarooed through the deep snow and we were laughing so hard! Millie even ran so hard her poor paws started bleeding. It’s a good thing her parents had boots to slip on at the peak. As soon as the boots came on, she was happily galloping away again. They puppies also started shivering once we stopped for pictures so we put the jackets on.
No need to throw sticks with these two
flying vizslas!
this trail is so much fun, snow/rain/sun
Whiskey has her Christmas bow on
treats? gimmie!
There was no view because of the clouds but we took a picture anyways. Lets hope these dogs sleep for at least a couple hours now!
We’re very late this year for snow on the mountains and today we finally had a good dump up at Seymour Mountain. The mountain still isn’t fully open for skiing so we had several slopes to ourselves. We took the Goldie Lake Loop and were the only ones on the trail (we could tell because we were the only footprints in foot-high snow).
She’s flying!
new snowfall
so proud of my happy puppy!
It’s such a different element to hike in
small snow covered lakes
Whiskey and her Great Dane puppy buddy Hanna (7 months) were so excited about the snowfall. They chased snowballs, ran ahead on the short trail, and met many other happy dogs at the parking lot all under the thickening snowstorm.
Another great day for a hike last weekend. It’s been raining so much that parts of Vancouver have been under threat of flooding but everything stopped by the time the weekend hit. We decided to push forward with slowly increasing our hiking distances and drove over to Cypress to do St. Marks Summit (11km, 460m gain, 4 hours)
St Marks trail
really really dry ski slopes
Scouting out the trail in front
Daddy showing Whiskey how to climb
St. Marks is the first summit on the Howe Sound Crest Trail that goes from Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain to close to Squamish at 30km over several mountains. Luckily it’s dog friendly and we saw very few people on the way. Usually the trail is much more populated but it’s off season and the threat of snow on the trails keeps most people away. It’s been too warm to even gather much snow on the top of the trails but it was snowing for most of our hike! It’s so beautiful.
Snow! It’s snowing big snowflakes
Switchbacks going up
Happy hikers
We went through many types of atmosphere up here
Whiskey had a couple adventures this time. At one point she had climbed up a steep rocky point and couldn’t figure out her way down for a couple minutes. Then poor Whiskey was happily galloping around at some point and fell through a pond covered in ice and snow. She was so cold but it seemed to make her run around even faster. We kept her moving and chasing sticks and didn’t stop very long at the top (there was no view in the clouds but the view is usually breathtaking). Soon she dried out and we were back on the dry ski slopes.
Poor thing can’t get down
I match the tree!
Who’s that in the crack?
How beautiful can British Columbia be?
It was so nice to get outside in the crisp air without the hassle of snowshoes. I’ve been carrying a small jar of Musher’s Secret Paw Wax just in case her paws have trouble in the snow and ice but so far we’ve had no issues. I was a wee bit worried that it was a longer hike than normal for Whiskey but she spent the rest of the night running around at a friend’s house and never really crashed much. It’s weird because it seems like hiking energizes her instead of making her tired. Usually she spends the day sleeping and doesn’t seem so excitable.
This weekend we finally had beautiful weather and enough time to head to Squamish for “The Chief” hike. One of our old favorites it has become so popular that over the last 5 years it’s come to rival the “Grouse Grind” for the must-do hike in Vancouver (even though I don’t consider the grind a hike). I now only do the Chief when conditions are such that I can avoid crowds. In November when the trail is full of ice and snow, the peaks chilly with arctic winds, we met relatively few hikers and had a blast.
on top of the Squamish world
Ice and sun
Whereas 7 years ago when I first did this hike there were few stairs and it really did feel like a natural hike, nowadays the trail is mostly comprised of man-made wooden or rock stairs, especially to the first peak. There are 3 peaks in total and I normally climb the third, then second and call it done. Most people do the peaks in numerical order so you avoid any lineups going the opposite way. Also the trail down from 3rd peak is the most rugged and hardest on bad knees (we’ve got a few bad knees in our pack) so I prefer going up that way.
We start at the Shannon Falls parking
Just starting out
Seriously Mom? You want me to climb that?
I’m doing it! Whooop!
Whiskey was super stoked to get going, especially since she was shivering right out of the car. Of course as soon as we started the upward trail we were all shedding our layers and pretty soon down to one shirt.
Puppy on a mountain
On Third Peak
It’s an amazing view from here
Looking north to Whistler
In the summer I would lie down and nap here
Watch out for chipmunks and crows that like to lure the dogs to the edge
Looking south from 2nd peak
The peak on 3rd was happily wind-free, and as we crossed the quick section to 2nd peak the sun was threatening to set. Coming down from 2nd peak is a challenge with a dog (many people don’t attempt 2nd with a large dog) because there is a ladder and chain section. Whiskey was a little nervous but was carried down with no drama (except the Vizsla drama). Check out those sad sad eyes! She was gripping so hard, I sometimes wonder that she isn’t human.
Heading down from 2nd peak
It’s a good thing she’s so used to being carried
Oh that sad face
the drama! It was too icy to put her down
awwwww
Here I’m happy I don’t have a larger dog
We handed her down
For those that want to avoid crowds in the summer, a nice side trail off from Chief is the Upper Shannon Falls hike. I’m sure we’ll do that one with Whiskey soon! I’m just super stoked that she’s big enough now to do “proper” hikes.
It’s currently the awkward time of the year in Vancouver when it’s cold and rainy but the mountains have yet to become snowy. Our normal hikes are blocked by clouds for views while the trails have become streams (and no snowshoeing yet). Where to go for a quick afternoon hike? North Vancouver of course!
our climbing Vizsla
streams in the trails
Daddy’s girl
I’m constantly surprised by my mountain goat
where’s the stick?
While Deep Cove, Lighthouse Park, and Lynn Valley become packed with families when the skies are low and grey, Brother’s Creek on the bottom of Cypress Mountain is somewhat empty. There are a variety of trails and loops here and many of them are more “natural”, less groomed, which is what we prefer. In half of these trails the rainfall has turned them into streams but it’s nothing a water-proof ankle boot can’t deal with. Whiskey had loads of fun chasing sticks, climbing logs, and posing for photos.
Our Whiskey girl discovers the remains of an old sawmill
how pretty is the rain in the sunbeams?
majestic forest in our backyards
Beams through the clouds
We still have phone connection here so with our GPS phones we can’t get lost and can create whatever route we want. There is even a section of old growth trees you can check out (9m in diameter). When we began this hike in the rain, the clouds passed through the trees creating amazing lighting and after an hour the sun came out making me wish we had attempted a longer hike! Next week.
Canadian graffiti
Mom why do we need to stop every meter for photos?
At the end of October we went off for a long diving vacation in Mexico. Suffice to say, the trip didn’t go to plan and we were both counting the days until we could come back and snuggle with Whiskey.
Mexico’s Great White Sharks (not dog friendly)
We picked her up at the boarder’s the day after we landed and were welcomed with a bundle of wiggles, nibbles (she still nibbles when she is too excited) and loads of licks. There’s nothing like coming home to a Vizsla! Best.Day.EVER
A Mexican blanket for Whiskey
Apparently she was perfectly behaved and got along famously with the house dog (standard poodle) and another GSP that was also being boarded. They went on at least one hike a day and she was so exhausted when we got home. So far she’s been right back to our schedule with few behavior changes we assume is just part of her maturing. The boarding experience was so great that we don’t even feel guilty about it.
an empty kibble bag keeps her entertained for quite awhile
paws everywhere!
She had no accidents at the home, was great on recall, and only missed one meal (Whiskey has about 1 meal a month she just decides she doesn’t want). She’s also changed quite a bit. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but she’s bigger and her muscles have filled in a bit. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have her back in my life! Excuse me while I go demand more cuddles…
can’t move…I’m stuck
And Moo. Still up to no good, we had a fabulous house sitter that watched over her.
We were lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving up on Sunshine Coast with new friends this year. There were a couple knitters in the group who helped me finish my first little project: a snood/neck-warmer for Whiskey. I just ordered some knitting needles so I can learn over the winter.
Whiskey modelling my incomplete project
We had a great time outdoors and Whiskey made a new friend: Sam, the Australian Shepherd. The two spent the weekend chasing each other and guarding the cabin. There were a couple of hikes we fit in before it got too rainy. Afterwards, we set to work creating Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.
heading over on the ferry
sunset at Kent beach
with Sam the Australian Shepherd
ripping up the beach with fun
more new friends
someone is getting real heavy!
Sunshine Coast has beautiful trails
lots of bridges here
off leash for the weekend
we saw a bunch of bears fishing salmon (dogs were in the car)
someone thinks she’s a person
The rains started the last day and poor Whiskey gets so cold that I’m going to have to get her (or knit her) a nice winter jacket soon.
Over the last couple weeks we’ve been trying different options for when we’re both working during the day. We both work from 9-6 and bike to work so it’s actually 8:45-6:20 we are out of the house. At first I thought it was really expensive for dog services but over time I’m seeing how much it makes sense and how much happier Whiskey is if she gets the exercise. For all the options we still walk her in the morning for 30-45mins (with most of it off leash) and also another walk as soon as we come home. This is our experience so far:
Dog hiking (1.5 hours hiking, 3 hours out) $22
It’s actually difficult to find a very good company with openings because they’re usually scheduled with regulars so we’ve had to use two different companies so far. We give them the key and they come at around 12-12:30 and bring her back around 3-3:30. I found some “hikes” were actually to a beach and park so we prefer the one company that actually hikes. All hikes are off-leash and regulated to max 6 dogs. Both companies have reported that Whiskey has been great and has really good recall. She’s been “one of the easiest puppies” which is great to hear! The downside is she’s locked in her crate the rest of the day.
sample picture of usual hikes with company #1
of course she’s on a log!
At the park (not always a hike with company#2)
Daycare $22 +($25 in car rental)
We’ve only tried this twice and it was the most difficult because we need to grab a Car2go each time (we are working on buying a car soon). Driving in rush hour traffic to drop her off and pick her up is also frustrating. Mix that with potential carsickness, parking, and the daycare closes at 6:30- it became our last option. The daycare itself was great though and she was happy to lie down when she came home.
Whiskey with “Bruce Wayne”
someone is a tired puppy
rubber floors so they don’t slip and hurt joints
Petsitting $35
We found someone on Dogvacay (think AirBnB but for dogs) who lives pretty close so we’ve been dropping her off once a week there. It’s more expensive but it means no crate time, one on one attention, petting, and a home environment. She gets to sleep in the bed and go out for a long walk to the park.
Coming home at lunchtime $0
Cheapest option but much more work! We need to bike home at lunch and because the biking takes up half our lunch, we tag-team taking Whiskey to the park and getting her some outside time. It’s great to spend more time with her and she’s always so happy! It’s much harder on rainy days though, and we live in Vancouver (Raincouver)
Our current schedule is Monday: hike Tuesday: hike Wednesday: petsitting Thursday: hike Friday: come home
I think in the end I would like to leave Whiskey in the bedroom (we only have 2 rooms in our loft) and have her hike everyday.
So ever since we’ve had Moo and Whiskey, one or both of us has been off work. We’re lucky we both work as contractors and it’s easy to take time off. Last week marked the start of everyone going back to work full time and our poor pets have lost their 24/7 cuddle service. Aside from the tough choices of what to do with a puppy while we’re both working, we’ve really enjoyed the time off bonding with our furry babies.
While Moo-cat had been refining her insane treat-sniff-and-recover abilities (she opens zippers, kitchen drawers and zip locked bags of kibble), Whiskey had been getting in some crate practice for the inevitable time where we have to face reality and go back to work.
8 weeks
11 weeks
19 weeks
22 weeks
Crating
Whiskey hasn’t liked her crate since we’ve got her. I think it’s partially because she’s very confident and doesn’t need it as a “safe” place. She’s never slept it in by choice. She much prefers our bed, our couch, or her bowser bed, even the carpet or hardwood floor than her crate! We’ve lined it with blankets, soft foam bed, even our worn shirts. We’ve covered it with a blanket and played the radio. She prefers sleeping stretched out taking the entire couch. Since the first night, we’ve had her sleeping during the night in her crate and she gets to come to bed in the mornings for snuggles. We eagerly await the day she will be old enough to be left in our bedroom while we’re at work.
Daycares, hikes, boarding, petsitting
While we are at work we’ve been trying doggy daycare, dog hiking services, personal pet-sitting, and just leaving her in the crate with a lunchtime visit. We are quite spoiled for choice in Vancouver since there is a huge pet industry here. So far, she’s only peed in the crate once during the last week, but she’s never been in the crate for more than 4 hours. We’re now facing a difficult period because we’ve chosen to wait until she is older before we spay her. Many daycares don’t accept unfixed dogs over 6 months and we are also worried that her heat could happen while we are on vacation in a couple months. We are currently interviewing dog boarders for our upcoming vacation. Our bouncy baby’s going to be a teenager soon!
