nature awakening
The hot sunny weather has woken everyone up! The forest is buzzing with activity. “Classic Whistler”... our commute to Lord of the Squirrels was delayed by Momma bear with cubs. She was the biggest bear that I’ve seen climb a tree! I also startled several Grouse this week. The hens feign injury to bravely lure predators away from their brood. Dark eyed Junco parents bounce just out of reach from intruders while making a sharp “TCHOK, TCHOK, TCHOK” sound. Stellar’s Jay chicks are bigger than I expected - their “fluff” makes them outsize the parents. Bumble Bees also seem really huge this year, perhaps we’re in for a bumper berry crop? Back up on LOTS, the black flies were active as well… It was a “bug net necessary” situation at 1200 meters of elevation. The crew constructed smoothing ramps through the lowest viewpoint and armoured holes working up to the exit of LESS. After upgrading the skinny to a wider decked bridge, we managed to give LESS a solid raking and cleared all of the drains. At time of writing, there was only one patch of snow left, so my earlier prediction was correct: LESS into Lower LOTS is open for the season! Please ride mindfully if you see the “TRAIL WORK AHEAD” signs as we’re not quite done with repairs on LESS. Next week, we’re hauling the big drill up there to fight with some bedrock in the tighter turns near LOTS.
no rain, no dig (sad face)
The weather’s been a little too pleasant (keeping the Wildfire Risk rating at HIGH) so we once again postponed this week’s volunteer trail night. The forecast seems promising for us to dig in the MORNING on June 22 AND 29, PLUS June 24th in the EVENING! (fingers crossed). We’re benching in a smooth bypass and redesign of Danimal South from Industrial Waste to Rock Rabbit. The bypass will provide an appropriate blue option to exit from LOTS/Chipmunk/Waste. Meeting location, time and sign up to help at these events HERE.
See you on the Trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
