Following in the footsteps of Up the Lake, a second regional book regarding the Powell River region, entitled Up the Main, has been released by Powell River Books. This new publication focuses on Powell River stories, including boating, fishing, hiking, and kayaking, with an emphasis on ATV riding. A recent interview with the author in RidersWest magazine documents how this book was researched:

http://www.riderswestmag.com/features/nov_05/interview_with_writer.htm

Powell River Books is a new regional publisher specializing in stories of coastal BC. A PhotoCD containing slideshows and individual photos of the Powell River region (related to the making of the new book series) was released simultaneously with Up the Main. These publications are available from local retailers or via mail order, with additional information and a listing of retailers at:

http://www.PowellRiverBooks.com

A third book in this series, entitled Up the Strait, is scheduled for release in June 20006.

The Clansman Pipe Band website is now online at:

http://www.clansmanpipeband.org

This site includes photos, audio samples, a Calendar of Events, historical information, and information about the School of Piping.

A new regional publisher, Powell River Books, has released its first book, a 218-page publication entitled Up the Lake. These Canadian stories of Coastal British Columbia highlight the Powell River region. This first publication includes 63 illustrations, with stories of outdoor explorations fromJervis Inlet to Desolation Sound. You probably won't be surprised to learn (from the title) that Powell Lake is the focus of this first publication. For more details regarding this book or to order online, visit the Powell River Books web site:

http://www.PowellRiverBooks.com

A second publication, now in-progress, wlll be entitled Up the Main. It will concentrate on ATV explorations in the Powell River region. You'll see an extensive advertising campaign for Powell River Books in April, with an advertisement in the Peak that will direct the public to local Powell River retailers who will stock this new book at discounted prices. Those who read Up the Lake are encouraged to provide feedback for future publications at the Powell River Books web site.

I started cold water swimming last year. You may ask, 'Why?' It is a new experience and from what I found out there may be some health benefit to it. Anyway I made a few observations.

The new interactive map is out! With advance in technology we can do a lot of things over the internet. The map program can extract information from our database and post them on the map background. We have incorporated the Virtual Tours into the maps. http://www.roughlife.com/map/

Tour Desolation Sound in a scarab. Click here.

Eldred River Valley contains a very extensive array of granite big walls that easily rival Yosemite. The area is easily accessed via two wheel drive vehicle (high clearance) and should appeal to any climber with an exploratory bent. Several routes have been put up ranging in difficulty from III/5.9 to VI/5.11/A4+. To reach the Eldred, travel via B.C. ferries to Powell River, then go to Lang Bay Approximately 15 km south of the Westveiw ferry terminal, or if landing at Saltery bay 10 km north. From Lang bay store head about 1km north to the goat lake main logging road. Follow the goat main for 35 miles (logging road signage is in miles in P.R.) after this pleasant two-hour drive you can't miss the walls. Access to Psyche Slab is from the pullout at mile 35 the West Main Wall trail starts at 36.5. The logging road is closed to the public from 5am Until 6pm Monday until Friday. Generally speaking traveling when the road is active should be avoided as 100 tonne logging trucks pose a serious objective hazard, use extreme caution at all times on the logging road. For further information, access or logistical support please contact Colin Dionne at Fjord Coast Expeditions in Powell River. Phone: (604) 487-0487 email: fjordcoast@shaw.ca 

Driving distances

The Austrian fellow name Schmonk and fellow climbers explored a number of mountains in the Powell River Area. One year they heard about this place where the loggers were getting snowed in, in the following year they went into this bowl and decided that the Freda Mountain area would be good for developing a downhill ski slope.

Recommendations and Information

Do the trail from north to south, since water taxi connections at the end of the hike are chancy. Call one of the water taxi's to book your trip. The trail head starts just north of Sarah Bay, where the cable post and service road is visible from the water.

For the real Roughlifer, you can walk to the trailhead from Lund using the dirt road to Bliss Landing (a hideout for Yank$), then follow the power pole line to the Sarah Bay. It is a long haul.

Purify your water, even though supplies should be safe.

Consider staying at Cedar Lodge at the end of day 2. Safe parking is available at the lodge. They may be able to arrange delivery of your car once your hike is completed ?

Allow 10 - 15 km per day, unless you know you can comfortably do more .

A cellular phone is a good safety device - make sure that the battery is fully charged.

Beware! Late fall to early spring may find snow in the Confederation Lake area. It is at 600+ m elevation and can be cold. There is a warm cabin with a stove and firewood, but it's first come, first served. In addition, spring visitors may have to work their way around winter blowdowns and slides on this trail. Be Careful!

There are now kilometer markers in place. Three inches orange squares give your distance from the Sarah Point trailhead. These should correspond with your trail guide distances.

TRANSPORTATION TO SARAH POINT FROM LUND

Lund Water Taxi (604)483-9749 Lund to Sarah Point (start of SCT) 20 minutes ride. Call for reservations.

Savary Shuttle Water Taxi (604)483-9906 Lund to Sarah Point (start of SCT) 20 minutes ride. Call for reservations.

Places to Park

Paid parking at Lund Hotel parking lot.

Paid parking at Shinglemill marina parking lot.

Parking at Powell River Taxi (483-3666) in Wildwood. Approximately $32.00 to Lund by taxi.

In 2004 a new bus route is provided by the municipality and BC Transit between Powell River and Lund. Check for the daily schedule.

For current condition of the trail, click here: http://www.roughlife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=6&showtopic=76

For photo album: http://www.prfilm.ca/gallery/sct

For virtual tours: http://www.roughlife.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album05

Map is available from the Map library or Downloads,