Fall In Love With The Outdoors

With summer slowing down and the days getting shorter again, we have been taking some time to notice the leaves that have begun to fall. If you are feeling like you need some motivation to get outside, we have come up with a few strategies to get you out the door on dark, chilly evenings or early mornings. We’ve also thought up a list of nice routes you can run or hike to see some lovely fall colours.

Keeping safe while outside in the dark

• Always let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. This should be done in the daylight too. It is so, so important that someone knows where you are going so that if you don’t return, they know where to start looking for you.
• It can be useful to have a way of making noise while on the move (this does NOT have to be bear bells). But something like playing a podcast out loud or even making clapping sounds alert wildlife that you’re near and that they should stay away.
• Carry what you might need from the 10 essentials and the bare essentials list. See here: https://pacificpinerunningco.com/blog/2018/4/3/packing-for-a-trail-run-the-essentials
• Know before you go. Check out the route ahead of time and know where you’re going.
• Look up trail reports. It’s also a good idea to look up the trail you plan on using ahead of time to see any trail reports from recent trail users. You can also look up trail groups and ask them on the trail conditions.
• Run with a group! There is additional comfort in numbers.
• Always carry your own first aid supplies, even when in a group.
• Bring your furry friend along. Dogs are great pals to have on the run.
• Know the local number for search and rescue or emergencies.
• Dress for the weather! Bring nice warm clothes (preferably sealed in ziplock bags to keep them dry) for dropping temperatures.
• If wearing headphones, keep the volume low. We recommend only one earbud or wearing a brand like Aftershokz.
• Consider carrying pepper spray or a knife.

Fall In Love With the Outdoors while keeping safe outdoors. It’s also a good idea to learn to distinguish animal prints – a medium to large dog can have shockingly big paw prints. We also recommend to:

1. Know which critters frequent your region (snakes, bears, cougars, wasps)
2. Know wildlife incidents are RARE
3. Carry bear spray
4. Know what to do if you encounter wildlife through your local resources:

1. 1. Bear Smart website: http://www.bearsmart.com/play/bear-encounters/
   2. Wild Safe BC website: https://wildsafebc.com/species/

And now that you’re all safe in the dark, you might be wondering about some nice places to run or hike to see some fall colours in the daytime!

Great Spots to See Fall Colours in the Fraser Valley

This is by no means an exhaustive list but we wanted to highlight a few nice spots to see some sweet yellow and orange colours. Grab your trail shoes and check these places out! Best enjoyed late September to late October.

1. Mt. Frosty trail – Manning Park
2. Green Timbers Urban Forest – Surrey
3. Sumas Mountain – Abbotsford
4. Vedder Mountain – Chilliwack
5. Campbell Valley Regional Park – Langley
6. Burnaby Lake – Burnaby

Fall In Love With The Outdoors!

Have a great fall everyone!

Katrina and Jenny
Pacific Pine Running Co.
www.pacificpinerunningco.com

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