The Alpine Meadows of Manning Park

As we drove the winding road higher into the clouds, the park was lost below us in the low-hanging mists. Only barely were we able to see the once beautiful green trees now ravished by the pine beetle bug that has taken such a large toll on the trees in the area.

Reaching the summit, and the meadows, the air became crisp with a slight wind blowing from the higher regions. Certain paths only were designated as walking trails so that the fragile flowers growing in the meadow would not be trampled by human feet. But, as everywhere, signs are largely ignored and people do what people want to do.

Following one trail for a short distance, we saw that it meandered through the meadows until it was no longer visible before disappearing into the high hills in the distance. On closer inspection, I'm sure they would have revealed mountainous terrain suitable only for experienced hikers.

Not being such hikers, we reluctantly turned around but the mountain whispered at our backs. We knew there would be much to see had we followed our hearts and continued along the trail.