Dec 2nd, McIntyre Bluffs…… Lions and tigers and bears…..Oh my……!!!!

We set off to try our hand (or feet) at Keogan Mountain…the weather was warmer than it is going to be for a bit so we thought we would try this one. But…arriving at where google maps took us to the trailhead…it starts in the middle of a vineyard that states ‘by appointment only’ on the gate. (Boooo…..!!)

So a quick adjustment to see what else was around….took us to McIntyre Bluffs….the hike is through Willowbrook Parkland ( https://www.willowbrookparkland.com/ ) which is a private park that asks for a $5 per person …$10 seemed like a good deal for the day so off we trotted….especially when the signs on the gate seemed to promise us Lions and tigers and bears…….

With no real chance to research or prep this on…I was not entirely sure what to expect…..but the start through the forest was promising…..

The trail made some promises….Rattlesnake Trail leading to Rattlesnake Lake……quite lovely…but no snakes…!!!

The reviews said to expect some near vertical inclines on the path…….when one is 4 km in to a 10 km out and back hike…without having encountered any serious elevation yet….I was starting to get a bit worried.

It turns out that perception is everything….!! Yes there were a couple of short steep climbs on the path……but we have seen, and done, MUCH worse…..!!!

Once you get to the bluffs….the view literally takes your breath. We have driven by these cliffs many times and stayed at Gallagher Lakes at the foot of the cliff, and now we were at the top. It is a sheer drop down to the highway….but its a ‘top of the world’ kind of place and on this beautiful blue sky day…the view is all the way down the valley across Oliver. Osoyoos and the countryside beyond are just visible in the background. The world had become miniature in that moment…!!!

This was probably one of the busiest places we have been at elevation…there were two other couples that had brought their lunch for this spot….a stellar idea……!!!

We stopped for a water break and some snacks. As we sat basking, the wind that had been promised in the forecast started up…a warm south wind, but a strong one…so it was time to head back down……

For a last minute pick…it was a pretty good day I would have to say…

And given the wind that whipped up…we were quite thankful we were not up Keogan mountain…….maybe another day…!!!

Next trip was an attempt at the Observatory loop……(a crazy adventure due to another ‘access denied’ and last minute change of plan …!!!!)

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