Fire season - no fun for exploring the island!

I had big plans this summer to hike as many mountains as possible on the island, but unfortunately nearly all the backroads and main hiking spots are closed because it's just too risky for fires with the dry weather. I managed to get up Mount Benson before the fires started - well, almost. The first fire on the island had actually just started the day before this picture was taken. You can't see it from this angle, but there was a small smoldering patch in a logged area just off to the right. It seemed so benign at the time, but now the entire province is riddled in fires. 

As soon as the closures are lifted, I will be hiking Arrowsmith (with my trusty girl Juno, of course) and then moving on to explore the peaks and sub-alpine ranges in Strathcona.