The Sandilands Fire

Okay, so I know I mentioned the fire in a previous post but I haven't posted any pics as of yet. I'm still not sure what the outcomes will be from this fire. Obviously forest fires can be a natural thing and clear out the old to allow for new growth to occur but when fires happen through careless means (like ATV derbys held in provincial parks?) I get a little steamed. I already was upset from all the erosion caused by ATVs - especially in soil as easily disturbed as some of the sandy areas in the Sandilands.

The pic below is taken courtesy of my friend Pat at a section on what call the Race Trail as that is where our local mtn bike race association has held cross-country races. About 70% of the trail has been effected by the fire - some sections completely charred, other sections not as bad but I'm assuming with time - most of the trees will not recover & eventually be pushed over by winds.

Below is my lovely steed - with a backdrop of a burnt stand of pine trees & some curious "sand-boils" - which conveniently made a great place to stand up my bike in.

This is the trailhead to the race area which isn't as damaged but the heat cooked the needles of the pines and thus they are changing colour.

A close-up of the coloured-needles.

And this last shot is a picture of a different trailhead - we call the black single-track - it actually is a trail that comes of the black ski-trail.I'll post some more pics in the future...including some melted ski-signs.