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Day 1 Ribbon Lake Kananaskis Prov Park 2017

Ribbon Lake from South Buller Pass

Day 1 Buller Mt Day Use Area to Ribbon Lake Campground 10.2 km 691 m Elevation Gain, 369 m Elevation Loss, 4 hrs 8 min.

After leaving summer school late (normally I am done by 1 pm), we got ready as quickly as possible and drove the 45 minutes from our home in Canmore to the Buller Mt Day Use Area located near the end of Spray Lakes on the Spray Lakes Road (Hwy 742). We started hiking just after 4 pm.

Rockin’ some new packs: my 85L Osprey Aether AG complete with Frosty Paws and Laura’s Deuter Futura Vario 45+10
Laura heads out of the parking lot. Mt Buller to our left and blue skies all around.

We hiked out of the parking lot and across the Spray road and down over a nice bridge over a small creek. The initial part of the trail was through very dense forest. The first trail junction is with a trail that heads to a scramblers route up Mt. Engadine. Shortly after we came to another trail junction where we joined the High Rockies Trail. The High Rockies Trail is a portion of the Trans Canada Trail, also known at the Great Trail, which runs between the Goat Creek Day Use Area in Spray Valley Provincial Park and the AB/BC border in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. We crossed another bridge at the 1 km mark and immediately split from the High Rockies Trial. We headed up a short steep climb away from the creek and then the trail levelled off as we hiked up the valley between Mt. Buller and Mt. Engadine, much of the time through an old burn left by a prescribed fire in 2011.

Laura hiking through the burn
Purple Loosestrife growing in abundance in the burn areas
Contrast of life and death

We climbed a steady 220 m over the next 3 km, when we reached the confluence of Buller Creek, which we had been following, and the creek draining Mt. Engadine. A few metres past the confluence we came to a trail junction with the North Buller Pass trail. We turned to the right (southeast) away from Buller Creek and continued up the valley with Mt. Engadine to our right and Buller Pass Peak to our left.

Buller Creek–we headed off to the right.

We hiked along, continuing at the same steady uphill pace. Just before the 2-hour mark, at just over 5 km, the trail cut hard up to the left. It was not a long climb, just a sudden change of pitch. This led us to a high alpine bowl. Trees were thinning out and we left the last of the burn. We had done half the distance in 2 hrs and had climbed 435 m.

Laura coming up to the rise in the trail
On the way up, using my knee brace
Frosty is on the trip. Buller Pass Peak in the background

We curved around Buller Pass Peak, changing from southeast to northeast. We were in quite a flat valley that would lead us up to the climb over South Buller Pass.

Our first look at South Buller Pass
We did not drop down to the lower part of the valley but maintained our height, hiking almost right down the centre of the picture.
Laura is really enjoying herself.

After the nice trail trail over the high alpine landscape we transitioned onto a more gravelly surface for the hike up to South Buller Pass. The trail rose 240 m over the next 1.2 km. The lack of vegetation made judging the distance challenging. We made a bet on how long it would take to get to the top. I think I said 20 min, Laura 30 min. It took almost 40 min from the point we made our bet to stand atop South Buller Pass.

The trail heads up the left side of the photo. along the top of the lateral moraine, then to the left before angling up the slope to the right to reach the pass.
There is quite a lot of water flowing out of the waterfall. The water flows under the rocks and through the limestone, called karst topography.
Heading up
Laura working her way through the bolder field
Looking back to where we were
Still 100 m to the top–it took about 15 minutes to complete the few zigs and zags we had left.
Looking back down the valley–you can see Mt. Eon on the right; Mt. Assinboine should come into view soon.

It had taken us about 3 hrs to reach South Buller Pass. We had covered a distance of 7 km but still had a little over 3 km left to get to Ribbon Lake. It was 7 pm and we had not had dinner yet so we could not dally and take in the views. Quickly looking west I could make out Mt Assiniboine towering over the surrounding mountains and looking east over the pass we could see our destination, Ribbon Lake.

View from the pass to Mt. Assiniboine
Close-up of the above shot. Eon Mountain at centre, then the long ridge of Aye Mountain leading to Mt Assiniboine on the right. Mt Assinboine stands at 3,618 m tall, over 300 m above Eon.
The two peaks of Mt. Kidd framing Ribbon Lake, our destination
Close-up of Ribbon Lake–the campground is on the lakeside closest to us.

The trip down was very straightforward. After negotiating scree and a rocky tread for 25 minutes we came to an alpine meadow. The trail became softer and flowers bloomed all around. A very beat-up sign gave directions at a junction. I snapped photos along the way and Laura kept up a good pace, forcing me to play catch-up.

Looking southeast over Guinn’s Pass to Fortress Ridge. On my trip to Ribbon Lake in 2016 with Emily we hiked over the pass and down to Galatea. The other side of the pass is entirely covered in grass and vegetation, the complete opposite of this side.
Laura working her way down the rocks
Poles came in handy on the unstable surface.
More firm path is just below.
Can follow the trail through the trees into the distance
At least four types of flowers in one shot
Laura surrounded by fields of flowers
Ribbon Lake, closer now, only 25 minutes away
Just 40 minutes since we left the pass and into the thick forest
An old but handy sign. Only 20 minutes to camp

From the sign we headed down a steep slope, paralleling a nice tumbling waterfall. The surface was pretty loose so we had to watch our footing. Across another field full of flowers then through some trees and we arrived at Ribbon Lake about 8:10 pm. I was pretty happy with a four-hour trip but we had to set up camp and have dinner in the already quickly fading light.

Down the slope and across the plank at the bottom
Nice tumbling waterfall
Still smiling as we come to the end of the hike
One last field of colour
Our first view of Ribbon Lake
The steep limestone cliffs of the Livingston Formation topped by the Etherington Formation. 320 million years ago this was all under water in a warm shallow sea, now it sits more than 2500m above sea level.

When Emily I came to Ribbon Lake in 2017 the campground was full. The eating area was a beehive of activity and there was fire going in the firepit. This time there was only one other tent in the campground and we did not see the couple anywhere but at their campsite. We first quickly set up the tent and then headed to the eating area for dinner. It was 8:40 pm when we had all the the stuff out for dinner so I hurriedly set up my stove to cook the pizza.

The eating area. Room for lots of people. Bear lockers at the back and wood available for the fire pit. The toilets were fibreglass rockets just behind the trees on the left.
Our tent just set off in the trees on the left
The backcountry oven

It was going to take some time to heat the pizza so I pulled a special treat for us out of my backpack, ice cream! It was getting a little cool for ice cream but we did not have time for it during our hike due to the late start. Coupled with wine the ice cream made a great start to dinner!

Laura enjoying some ice cream for dinner
It was still pretty solid–need a really well-insulated coffee go-mug to make it work.
Frosty wondering when the wine is going to be poured

We gave up waiting for the pizza to heat up after 20 minutes. It was getting dark and we were hungry. The pizza was no longer cold but was definitely not hot. I give the effort a C-minus. Should have done some testing at home.

Frosty checking if the pizza was ready
Touching the bottom of the pizza to my face I could feel the warmth.

After putting everything away we got ready for bed. Just before heading into the tent we were visited at the table by a member of the local wildlife. We spent a few minutes watching the little fellow before he hopped away and we likewise headed to our tent.

Our evening visitor

I read for a few minutes before we headed off to sleep. We had to be home the next day by early afternoon so we needed a good sleep to get an earlyish start.

Good night from Ribbon Lake

Ribbon Lake 2017 Day 2

Ribbon Lake 2017 Home

bootwreckers

View looking West over the Tonto Platform from the View looking West over the Tonto Platform from the South Kaibab Trail.

This April will be our 10 year anniversary of our first trip to the Grand Canyon.

It is truly one of my happy places, have visited five times and camped below the rim three times.

Looking to get back sometime soon, but good things are worth the wait.

#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #100yearsofgrand #100yearsofbeauty #100yearsofgrandcanyon
Sunday morning sunrise! There are perks for getti Sunday morning sunrise!

There are perks for getting up early on a Sunday to go grocery shopping, and the mountain sunrises are one of them.

Shot off my phone from the parking in downtown Canmore.

#sunrise #sunrisephotography #sunrise_sunset_photogroup #earth #outside #outdoors #naturephotography #nature #naturelovers #sky #skyphotography #sky_brilliance
No doubt 2020 was a prickly year, and 2021 has sta No doubt 2020 was a prickly year, and 2021 has started out a little rough.

Just like hiking, if we keep going we will see beauty in amongst the prickles, but we need to stay on the trail.

Here's to good times ahead.

From our hike last year Emily hiking among the cactii towards the feature we affectionately named the Thumb, Passage 16 on the Arizona Trail

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail #loveazt  #azt #arizonatrailassociation
Looking at a fun trip last summer through Yoho NP Looking at a fun trip last summer through Yoho NP with @sio.mellors 

Lots of waterfalls to see in the park, Laughing Falls is a fun and loud falls right off the main trail located surprisingly, next to Laughing Falls CG.

We stopped by on our way to Twin Falls CG after spending the day hiking the Iceline Trail

Like this photo of Siobhan getting close to the falls for her own picture. 

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #waterfall #waterfallphotography #waterfallsofinstagram
Haiduk Lake, Banff NP. Haiduk Lake is just beyond Haiduk Lake, Banff NP.

Haiduk Lake is just beyond Whistling Pass as you hike from Egypt Lake to Balls Pass Junction.

Very pretty Lake. We were lucky enough to pass by early in the morning as we hiked from Egypt Lake to Floe Lake during our #gdt hike this summer.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #alpine #lifeelevated #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
#kananaskis #kananaskiscountry
Chasing th Aurora on Friday night at Lake Minnewan Chasing th Aurora on Friday night at Lake Minnewanka in Banff NP.

Sadly it did not come right out to play,  but was obviously a lot of light coming from th North East.

Always fun to be outside in a dark place to see th glory of the night sky.

#outside, #hiking #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #astrophotography, #milkyway #kootenaylife #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks
#parkscanada #northernlights #aurora #auroras #auroramax
Hiking the GDT Day 1. I was almost completely sa Hiking the GDT Day 1. 

I was almost completely satisfied with or trip on the Great Divide Trail when on Day 1 we finished the uphill to Turbine Canyon and popped out of the woods and saw this amazing alpine vista.

I remember remarking to Emily "this is why I hike"

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #alpine #lifeelevated #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
#kananaskis #kananaskiscountry
Morning from Floe Lake with Floe Peak selection of Morning from Floe Lake with Floe Peak selection off the mirror smooth waters.

Another amazing morning hiking the GDT.

Never get tired of Floe Lake, was my third visit and just a year after my previous visit.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #mirrorphotography #lake
Golden hour! Morning sun shining off of Tumbling Golden hour!

Morning sun shining off of Tumbling Glacier and the Rockwall. 

Waking up at Tumbling Creek Campground during my Great Divide Hike this summer. 

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography
Flower Field, Tumbling Pass, Kootenay NP. From la Flower Field, Tumbling Pass, Kootenay NP.

From last summer's Great Divide Trail hike. At th top of Tumbling Pass on the Rockwall, treated to a visual feast of colour.

Awesome day, epic hike.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
As we head into winter, a shot from last spring at As we head into winter, a shot from last spring at the end of winter. The snow was just clearing from the trails, and flowers poking through to greet the warmth.

Heading out over Rockwall Pass, Kootenay NP, with @kbsymington  and @neil.real.deal .

Had some snowfields to cross, good day out on th trail

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia
Fun photo from Twin Falls Campground in Yoho Natio Fun photo from Twin Falls Campground in Yoho National Park.

As night fell I was able to take some long exposure shots of Twin Falls Creek as it tumbles through the campground.

Fun 3 day trip with @sio.mellors.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #hikingadventures #longexposure #longexposurephotography #river
Top of Guinns Pass, Kananaskis Country 2016 Guinn Top of Guinns Pass, Kananaskis Country 2016

Guinns Pass connects the valley with Ribbon Lake and Ribbon Creek and the valley with Lillian Lake and Galetea Creek. Stunning views in all directions from the top of the pass.

There is also a scramble up the connecting ridge to the east up to Guinns Peak and onto Mt Kidd South.

Great two days hiking with @emilysjumpinginpuddles

#hikingwithdogs, #hiking, #hikingdogsofinstagram, #outside, #kananaskiscountry, #kananaskis, #spcacanmore, #spcarescue, #snowyowlsleddogtours, #snowyowldogsledtours, #retiredsleddog, #retiredhusky, #backpacking, #tongueouttuesday, #canmore, #canmorealberta, #adventure,
Larch season is coming to an end in the Rockies, b Larch season is coming to an end in the Rockies, but last weekend we were treated to quite a display near Taylor Lake in Banff NP

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada #larches #fall #autumn
Amazing sunset over Floe Lake. An early evening s Amazing sunset over Floe Lake.

An early evening storm and the setting sun shining up and reflecting off the clouds. Completely surreal. 

August 17th

Kootenay NP

Part of a 10 day hike along the Great Divide Trail, from Upper Kananaskis Lake to Field, BC

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
Well, my epic 15 day hike became a totally epic 10 Well, my epic 15 day hike became a totally epic 10 day adventure.

Lots of photos, but I will start with a picture of the adult wolf I saw just outside of Egypt Lake Campground.

I was luck to see probably the entire pack, 6 wolves, they were coming out of the woods and crossing the trail to Egypt Lake, and I just happened to be there with my camera.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #banffnationalpark #banffalberta 
 #egyptlake #wolf #wolves #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #wildwolf #wildwolves #gdt #greatdividetrail
Bathtub full of gear and Frosty Paws. Must mean ad Bathtub full of gear and Frosty Paws. Must mean adventure is near.

Leaving Tuesday for 15 days on the Great Divide Trail with daughter Emily. 

Hiking from Kananaskis Lakes to Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

1st stage is 7 days to Floe Lake, looking like th backpack will be around 45lbs, with tent, food and camera.

Should be a grand adventure.

#outside #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, 
#parkscanada #glaciernationalpark #bctourism #earthexperience
#sunrise #alpine #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography #alpinelake #amazingearth #morningmotivation #travelcanada #explorerockies
#travelcanada #mountainstories #explorecanada #theearthoutdoors #paradisecanada #gdt #greatdividetrail
Amazing backpacking trip through Yoho NP with Volc Amazing backpacking trip through Yoho NP with Volcano (@senioradventurepups)

Volcano is turning 13 the first week of August but still crushed the 12km from Laughing Falls CG to view Twin Falls and back to the car via the connector.

Volcano not a big fan of water falls, or me sticking the camera in her face, her expression says it all. But Twin Falls is beautiful and I caught a small rainbow at the bottom.

Had a blast with her, she is always keen to go, jst not as far as before.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #backpackingwithdogs #retiredhusky #retiredsleddog #alaskanhusky
Milky Way over Brachiopod Mt, Baker Lake, Banff NP Milky Way over Brachiopod Mt, Baker Lake, Banff NP. Super happy to get the reflections on stars in the lake.

Amazing trip to Baker Lake. The resident porcupine chewed a small hole in the fly.

Got up at 2am to take photos of the stars. On the way back, the porcupine was guarding my tent, had to gently shoo it away.

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
The light favours the early risers. The low angle The light favours the early risers.

The low angle morning rays from the sun makes a rainbow on Helmet Falls, Kootenay NP

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #helmetfalls
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