Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Foggy Trees

Hike to Saint Marks Summit

I haven't been hiking much this year, such is the life with young twins.  I look forward to the day they can join me, but for now the tougher hikes have to be without them.  Since it's now fall, I figured this weekend was one of my last chances to get up into the mountains.  I decided to try Saint Marks Summit, which is close to Vancouver and only 11km so something I could finish before lunch.  I roped my friend Andrew into joining me, and he brought along his great awesome dog Genny. [See previous hikes in Lynn Valley, the Chief, and the Lions.]

The overall route is 11km round trip, and it took us almost exactly two hours to get to the summit.  In total, it was a four hour hike with close to 30 minutes at the summit.  On a clear day, you may want to spend more time at the top, but as you will see from the photos today was not such a day.  Feel free to browse these sites for details on the hike: Trail Peak, Vancouver Trails, Live Trails.  The route to Saint Marks is just part of a longer trail called the Howe Sound Crest trail which will take you past the Lions and eventually Porteau Cove.

My map of the route, it is very well marked, look for the signs and the orange trail markers.

You start off in the Cypress Mountain parking lot, head to the far north of the lot and up towards the chair lifts.  You will stay to the left and look for a route marker saying "Howe Sound Crest Trail".

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail Head

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Howe Sound Crest Trail

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Well Marked

For the first half, the trail gains elevation but it's well maintained (and they continue to upgrade this trail).

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Genny

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail and Andrew

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail

Eventually though, the upgrades end and the trail becomes more natural.

 

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail Conditions and Dog

 

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail Conditions

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Genny and Trail

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Andrew

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Rooty Trail

Can you spot Genny?

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Trail Conditions 2

After two hours, you reach the summit.  From other photos I have seen the view is stunning.  For us, we were socked in with heavy cloud cover.

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Summit Trail Marker

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Foggy Summit

 

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Foggy Summit Stump

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Cloudy View

A panorama, iPhone vs Nikon

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - At the Summit - iPhone Panorama

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - D810 Panorama

Not the easiest descent.  On the way down we passed a yahoo wearing flip flops!  I really couldn't believe he made it as far as he did, and I'm sure his footwear will get destroyed and he will have to complete his journey barefoot.  These are the types of people North Shore Search and Rescue have to go pull down off the mountain.

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Andrew and Genny

Probably my favorite photo from the trip.

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Foggy Trees

Then the weather started to fog my lens, so I packed it in from that point.

Saint Marks Summit Hike - Sept 2016 - Tree


Shelter Dogs Vancouver: 2013-02-22 : Puppy 2

Shelter Dogs Feb 22 2013

Another batch of puppies and dogs available for adoption from Vancouver Animal Control. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.  Don't buy a pet through Craigslist or other online sources, adopt a pet from your local animal shelter.

 


Vancouver Animal Control : Shelter Dogs : Dec 14 2012 (Puppies!)

Shelter Dogs Dec 14 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.

Yesterday, I went to the shelter to photograph a litter of puppies.  They look like little polar bears, so damn cute.


Vancouver Animal Control : Shelter Dogs For Adoption : 2012-11-09

Shelter Dogs Nov 10 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.


Vancouver Animal Control - Dogs For Adoption : September 13 2012

Shelter Dogs Sept 13 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.


Vancouver Animal Control - Dogs For Adoption : August 30 2012

Shelter Dogs August 30 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.

Some very cute dogs in the bunch. My favorite is Tug, the little bull terrier.

These images should automatically display in high resolution for anyone who has one of the fancy new Macs with a Retina display.


Vancouver Shelter Dogs : 2012-07-14: Fluffy Giant 1

Shelter Dogs July 14 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.


Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Jack Russel Terrier 4

Shelter Dogs June 27 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I'm happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.

Another black lab, likely a mix.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Black Lab

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Black Lab

 

A hyper but very cute little puppy.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Crazy Puppy

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppy 1

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppy 2

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppy 3

 

This old guy really liked getting some attention.  Hopefully he finds a home.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Old guy

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Old guy

 

A young and playful dog, likely pit/shepherd mix.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Pittie Mix

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Pittie Mix 2

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Pittie Mix 3

 

More puppies! Awesome little dogs, friendly and playful.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppies

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppies 2

 

They seemed to like my hat

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppies Hat

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppies Skunk Eye

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Puppies Feet

 

And a Jack Russel Terrier. Couldn't decide if she wanted to play or just get some rubs.

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Jack Russel Terrier 3

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Jack Russel Terrier

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Jack Russel Terrier 2

Shelter Dogs for Adoption : 2012-06-27 : Jack Russel Terrier 4


Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 1

Shelter Dogs June 23 2012

When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I'm happy to help out when I can.  It helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.

There were a few new faces on my most recent visit, some great dogs.  I started off with a cute beagle, very friendly and loves to play.  When he runs his ears flap around like he is trying to fly :)

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 1

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 3

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 2

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 4

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Beagle 5

 

Next up was this fluffy little Maltese who constantly tried to climb into my lap.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Fluffy 2

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Fluffy 1

 

Then I met this young boxer.  He just vibrates with excitement when you play with him.  Awesome dog.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Boxer (Ripple) 1

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Boxer (Ripple) 3

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Boxer (Ripple) 2

 

There were two puppies to play with too.Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Puppy 1

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Puppy 2

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Puppy 2 Tug

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Puppy Run

 

This young girl took some work, was more interested in the dogs around her than getting photos taken.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Brownie

 

A black lab likely won't last long down there, always popular.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Black Lab 1

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Black Lab 2

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Black Lab dog house
We put some of the dogs together, they had a great time.  The beagle has so much energy, can play for hours.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Chase 2

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Chase 1

 

But the tables were turned on the little guy when we put him in with the boxer.  Oh crap, I'm out of here!

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Chase 3

 

Make a move sucker...

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Chase 4

 

Oh crap, I guess that's the move.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Chase 5
Better hide in here for a bit. (No beagles were harmed in the making of these photos :) )

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Hide

 

And some of the bunnies currently available.

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Bunny 1

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Bunny 3

Shelter Dogs : 2012-06-23 : Bunny 2

 

And finally, when I got home I decided to get a few shots of my own dogs.  Jammie will always sit for the camera, a good and obedient dog.

Jammie mouth

 

Cedric is an old and grumpy guy, wanted no part of it.

Cedric does not care


Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pit Bull

Shelter Dogs May 11 2012

Another trip to Vancouver Animal Control to photograph dogs.  Photos from previous visits can be seen here.  As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.

First up, this young pit bull who is a bit chunky but loves to play.

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pit Bull

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pit Bull

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pit Bull

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pit Bull

I had to visit the puppies again, they are great dogs and won't last long.  Previous photos of these little guys are here.

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Puppies

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Puppies

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Puppies

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Puppies

A playful and very cute Pomeranian.

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pomeranian

Call of the wild

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pomeranian

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pomeranian

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - Pomeranian

And a German Shepherd who was more interested in napping in the grass than having her photo taken.

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

Vancouver Animal Control - Shelter Dogs - 2012-05-11 - German Shepherd

 

 


Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs May 5 2012

Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here.  As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.

The three puppies on this page are very cute and friendly, they all tried to crawl into my lap as I was taking photos.  They have the most amazing crystal blue eyes I have ever seen!  But first, this young German Shepherd.  Playful and energetic, loves to play fetch.

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Now the puppies!

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

 

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control

Shelter Dogs 2012-05-05 Vancouver Animal Control
For anyone curious, this was the fist time I shot dogs at the shelter with my Nikon D800. I used the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 lens but I think next time I'll try a 50mm f/1.8 prime. Overall, I have some learning to do with the focus system of the D800 but it is producing great images.


Shelter Dogs March 17 2012 1

Shelter Dogs March 17 2012

Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here.  As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.

The little husky puppies are still there, and still cute.  The first dog today was Root Beer, a very active but loving young pit bull.

 

At one point go got a case of the zoomies.

 

This girl likes to lean on you while getting some attention, I don't think she knows how big she is.

 

Coming in for my close up.

 

 

 

A young shih tzu, very playful.

 


This guy looks grumpy, is missing a tooth, but he is a friendly giant.

 

And a new litter of puppies!  Furry face ones too, my favorite


20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012-6712-MKH_mini

Shelter Dogs March 10 2012

Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here.  As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.

My favorite dog of the day, this hyper little puppy Spotz.  He can't sit still for more than two seconds, so it's amazing I got any decent photos of him at all.

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012-6706-MKH_mini

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012-6712-MKH_mini

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012-6715-MKH_mini

 

This one seems a bit sad, like he is waiting for someone to come and adopt him.

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 2

Coming in for my closeup :)

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 3

 

Monty, he likes to give hugs.

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 5

Give me a hug.

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 6

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 9

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 8

 

Finally, the two little husky puppies. One has freckles on her nose.

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 11

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 10

 

Didn't like it...

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 4

20120310-Shelter Dogs March 10 2012 12


Puppies & Bunnies 2

Puppies & Bunnies

I took another trip to the Vancouver Animal Control shelter today to take photos of their dogs available for adoption.  Photos from my previous visit can be seen here.  As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.

 

I don't think this black lab will be there long.

 

Cute little Boston Terrier, he jumps around like a maniac.

 

My favorite dog of the day, a blue heeler.

He kept trying to climb into my lap.

 

Hound dog.

 

They don't always want to cooperate.

 

The fuzzy Rottweiler.

 

Funny dome head, but cute.

 

Almost every dog was black, the hardest to photograph!

 

Fuzz face puppies, so cute! 4 of them, they look like little Ewoks.

 

And a few bunnies too, even with fancy hair.


Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

Every now and then, I help out at Vancouver Animal Control by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption.  I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I'm happy to help out when I can.  I haven't done this too many times, but I hope to continue as it helps me and helps the dogs.  You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things).  Today I met a few great dogs, and I even had a Jack Russel nut me so I can check that off the bucket list.

Very cute but somewhat wild puppy :)
Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

"Judge" the pit/lab that likes to lean on you.
Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

 

Goofy but cute looking and very friendly
Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

Unhappy camper.

`Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

 

Shelter Dogs Dec 10 2011

 


 

These are some images from previous shoots at the shelter.
Shelter Dogs Sept 27 2011

 

Shelter Dogs Sept 27 2011
Shelter Dogs Sept 27 2011
Shelter Dogs Sept 27 2011
Shelter Dogs Sept 27 2011


American Pitbull Terrier - High Resolution Photo

Photo: Pitbull for adoption

I volunteer at Vancouver Animal Control to take photos of dogs available for adoption.  I hope the quality of the photos increases the dogs changes of getting adopted.  It is a lot of fun and very rewarding as well.   This 'cow patch'  pitbull was a big softie.


Chocolate Lab for Adoption at Vancouver Animal Control

Photo: Chocolate Lab for Adoption

I volunteer at Vancouver Animal Control to take photos of dogs available for adoption.  I hope the quality of the photos increases the dogs changes of getting adopted.  It is a lot of fun and very rewarding as well.   This chocolate lab was a lot of fun to shoot.

Chocolate Lab for Adoption at Vancouver Animal Control