Migawd, things are happening fast now, and still no hurry for any of it.  I came down out of the mountains at D’Arcy, B.C. and Anderson Lake on the 12th, and had a glider ride scheduled for 10:00 AM.  No thermal activity this early, and there was no wind for ridge lift, so the 180 hp Citabria tow plane pulled us a long, long way up over the ice fields of 8200 ft. Callaghan Mountain, west of Pemberton.  That’s it in the distance ahead of us……………..

Reflections inside the canopy were terrible and nothing to be done about them.   The Glacier Tour is advertised as 50 minutes, and these folks wanted to make very sure I got my money’s worth.  They certainly didn’t stint on tow plane time.  We were close to 9,000 ft over a large glacier at cut loose time………………

Now, on our own, we took an up close and personal look at those glaciers.  Terminology is fun - we call ‘em “glay-shers,” the English, like ol’ David Attenborough, call them “glass-ee-ers,” and the local Canadians call ‘em Ice Fields.  Appropriate, eh ??  This is looking more or less northwest, and the mountains go on for 100’s of miles.  Bella Coola is about 200 miles over yonder.  Remember the flying pics from there from the last 2 years ??  I’ll be there again in a couple of weeks……………….

Looking southeast down the Pemberton valley, with Lillooet Lake in the distance, and Lillooet River right down the middle.  Pemberton is at center right.  This picturesque little town is only 20 or 30 miles northeast of Whistler, site of the up-coming 2010 Winter Olympics, and is exploding with growth.  The difference from last year is un-believable………………

Looking the other way, the Pemberton Meadows area is known widely for virus-free seed potatoes, which it can control by virtue of its’ isolation.  The road to Bralorne Mines that was so rough I gave up on it takes off to the right at the far end.  Rugged, rugged country……………..

That’s OK, I got the boat into the ends of the lakes and made the trips by water.  More fun, anyway.  Coming to the end of the trip, that’s the airport just about in the center.  Mt. Callaghan in the distance;  8,000+ ft Mt. Currie to the left, Pemberton Village almost hidden by the wingtip………………

Here’s pilot Aaron (with sunglasses) and the Super Blanik sailplane.  He’s a very pleasant young feller who really knows his area, and was a pleasure to fly with.  Ol’ Lar got to ride in the front seat.  What a view ! ! !…..and quiet………………

This made a very pleasant diversion before heading on up to Joffre Lakes (google it) for a nice, strenuous, cold, wet climb up to the glaciers that afternoon.                 Lar, in Williams Lake, B.C. for a couple of days.

–
Larry Bourne
Santa Fe, NM
www.gogittum.com
www.gogittum.com/blog

Posted: June 18th, 2009 under 08 Vacation, 08-8-12 Pemberton Sailplane.
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