We got there early so that we could have all day to explore and relax. We set up the tent, made lunch, read for a bit (Harry Potter, and the Chamber of Secrets for me because I am finally re-reading the series), and then we decided to go for a walk. We came across these staircases going really far down off of a path and headed down them to see where it led. It ended up coming across the most beautiful little oasis with a waterfall and small beach. Despite there being about 20 crowded down there, we still stayed because it was so refreshing and calming.
After a couple hours, we headed back to the camp site and read a little longer. After we decided to start cooking dinner. We had delicious hot dogs (In my case, veggie dogs) and beer. And then we read again. We just wanted a relaxing weekend but to get out of the house. In the middle of the campsite, there was an amphitheater where in the evening they would be telling "local legends" and ghost stories. The second one got me rather excited and made Derek go to it with me. Unfortunately, it was overrun by kids so, out of sheer boredom and annoyance, we went back to the campsite after two ghost stories.
We ended up getting out the monopoly game and played it for hours before finally heading to bed.
I always lose, yet I love playing!
The next day, we planned to hike Mt. Finlayson. Even with breathing problems, I was determined to get to the top. But to our surprise, as we were driving there, we noticed that there was not an inch of blue sky anywhere and that the entire sky was orange, even though it was supposed to be a beautifully sunny day.
As we were approaching the parkinglot, we heard on the radio about the 180 forest fires in BC and how it was the fresh, dirty smoke from all of that, that was covering our sky. And I started to panic that the smoke would make my breathing even worse, but I will still determined to make it! So we started walking, and soon what felt like rock climbing from the steep mountain. It was my first time ever climbing from the steep side, and as terrified as I was, it was also the most exhilarating, exciting thing I've ever done. I am still counting the days until I get to do it again!
The close we got to the top, the more smoke we could smell and taste, the sun was blood red shining down on us and we were exhausted. When we finally reached the top, the city looked like it had just experienced an apocalypse. The air was dark and eerie. Thick smoke covering everything and it just felt unsettling and creepy.
