This impressive hike was done a couple of years ago, before I started my blog. Unfortunately, there were some family members who missed the first hike. Happy to report that the Plaxton's and the Thompson's were the reason for this second ascent to the summit of the Enderby Cliffs.
It was a beautiful day. Sun was out, no clouds, and the temperature peaked at 30C mid-afternoon.
Enderby is located about an hour north of Kelowna, in an area known as the North Okanagan. The Enderby Cliffs rise 500 meters above the Okanagan Valley, where the Shuswap River flows. The Cliffs are majestic, and the sheer drops off the edge are beathtaking and majestic. As you drive through Enderby on #97 Highway, look to the east, and you will see them.
The cliffs once were a volcanic lava bed, until the glaciers moved through, and carved through the area. I hope the following photographs do the hike and scenery justice.
Using my FitBit technology, here are some statistics:
* steps- 27,500
* distance- 16 kms
* time (including lunch break)- 5 hours
We would categorize the difficulty of the hike as moderate to strenuous. The trails are good and well maintained, for the most part, but good foot wear is essential. Hiking boots are recommended, but at the very least good running shoes. Leave your flip flops in the trunk!
Allow time to enjoy the views from the top of the cliffs. You can see Shuswap Lake to the north, and Okanagan Lake to the south. We had a nice lunch, and re-energized for the long haul back down to the parking lot.
I hope these photographs do justice to the hike. As you scroll through the photos, you can click on them to enlarge them.
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1) Our hiking group at the parking lot:
From left to right as you look behind me- Brenda, Charlene, Denise, Carrie, Greg, Michelle, Callee, Jan, Sandy, Larry and Glenn.
2) On the trail, heading through a forested area. Lots of red cedar and poplar. Steady climbing. The climb to the top of the cliffs is all uphill, full of switch backs, and some steep sections. Enderby can be seen in the background.
3) Lots of basalt rock formations, from volcanic eruptions many millenia ago. That is Greg posing on a large rock on the side of the trail.
4) Lots of wild flowers to enjoy.
5) Our first views of the Cliffs! This is my niece Calle and her dog, Barley. Above Callee's head is the summit of the Cliffs.We had lunch in the tree line along the top of the cliffs. We are still 45 minutes to an hour from the Summit!
6) More views of the Cliffs, as we got our courage up to make the ascent to the top!
7) Wow! Just- wow!
8) Larry posing on the edge of a cliff!
9) Glenn settled in for a photo of the valley below us, and the town of Enderby, and more cliff images.
After the hike, we hit the beach in Enderby and some of the hikers waded into the cool waters of the Shuswap River to cool off their overheated feet, and sooth some sore knees and ankles.
When we got back to Kelowna, we gathered at my place for pizza and beer, but the demands of the day sent everyone home pretty early!
Thanks everyone for a fun day in the sun!
Don.
