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Day 2 Floe Lake (Revisited) – Kootenay NP

The morning sun on Foster Peak.

Day 2 Floe Lake Campground to Floe Lake Parking Lot, 10.5 km 720 m elevation loss, 3 hrs.

Got out of the tent before 7 am to slightly cloudy skies and a brilliant sunrise reflecting off of the mountains above the lake. The weather forecast called for a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon. So we took our time to enjoy the sunrise.

Siobhan and the puppies enjoying the morning. Links still wearing his fleece jacket he sleeps in for warmth.

At some point during the breakfast routine we heard the distant rumbling of thunder. Volcano does not like loud noises so I made the decision that we should try and leave as fast as possible and “beat” the storm. Since it was so early and we had all day to complete a relatively short hike, we should have stayed in the tent and waited for the storm to pass. We did our best to eat quickly and pack up the tent. But by the time we were putting our packs on just after 8:30 am the thunder had closed in and it had started raining lightly. Siobhan had a rain jacket and rain skirt on. The skirt was a first for Siobhan and she really liked how well it worked keeping her both dry and cool. I opted to just use an umbrella. As the thunder past overhead I wondered about my choice as it was a metal umbrella.

Time to pack up the tent.

We hit the trail and the rain seemed to intensify. After a couple of minutes we were in the trees on the headwall so we decided to take shelter for a few minutes to wait for the rain to abate and the thunder to pass.

A wet start to the hike. Volcano lagging, she is NOT happy.
Siobhan smiling and maintaining a positive attitude. There is a lot of water running down the trail. Time is 8:40am.
A wet little boy.

We made our way slowly down the headwall stopping several times to take shelter from the rain and the thunder. The rain slowed to a little drizzle and the thunder moved off down the valley. I was hopefully we had “weathered” the worst of the storm. Even with multiple stops an starts as we descended trying to hide from the rain we arrived at the creek at the bottom of the headwall in under an hour.

Siobhan leading the puppies. We put a doggie rain jacket on Volcano, hoping the tight fit would act like a Thunder Jacket and help relive some of Volcano’s stress. Time is 9:11am.
The clouds are fairly high and bright, maybe the storm is over.
Tings are looking up, not raining much. You can see the edge of my bird umbrella. Time is 9:15am.

As we finished hiking down the headwall we had to go down the small creek that yesterday was a mere trickle but now had a very healthy flow. It was not dangerous but we had the dogs to consider and had to accept that our feet were going to be wet.

The trail goes straight down the creek. It is not very deep, but the rain has made the logs very slippery.
Siobhan encouraging Links across the stream.
A brave, trusting guy.
Successfully past that obstacle. Time is 9:35am.

The rain had almost let off. Volcano perked up somewhat a moved to front so I took her leash from Siobhan. While very cloudy the sky had brightened up somewhat so we made pretty good time for a while. We passed by a guy and his dog coming the other way. He said it had been one of the worst storms he had been in. We met a few more early hikers, all in good spirits and all very wet.

Thunder must have past by so Volcano has taken the lead. Time is 9:40am.
It is a cloudy, angry valley but there are some bright spots.
Well this was not here yesterday. Guess the bears are around even if you do not see them.

We made good progress for the next little while. I even stopped to take some scenic photos. I thought we were in the clear after the thunder storm had passed but then we started to hear the sound of thunder behind us. Another storm was going to come through the valley. Now that we were in the valley among the old burn, there was no where we could take shelter. We had no choice but to hurry along as fast as possible.

Siobhan crossing the bridge where the puppies enjoyed a long drink yesterday. No stopping today.
The trail is not wide enough for Volcano. She slips as her back foot falls off the trail. It is 10:04am and it is not raining.
Other people on the trail.
It is 10:15am, the weather does not look threatening behind us.
Some nice colours in the mist.

The weather caught up with us very quickly. The rain intensified and the thunder rumbled overhead. We tried to keep hustling forward towards the sanctuary that would be provided by the car. Volcano decided that she was having nothing to do with moving forward. She basically refused to walk. I use a body harness on both dogs and attempted to pull Volcano along the trail. It was not going to happen. Volcano was actually refusing to move. We could think of no other option other than carrying Volcano. I tried to carry her in my arms. But I was not able to carry her very far. So we hoisted her up onto my shoulders and I carried her on top of my backpack.

Siobhan snapped a photo of Volcano getting a free ride. The time is 10:53am.

Volcano was great on my shoulders. She did not squirm or wriggle. We walked as fast as we could. I was only able to carry Volcano for about 10 minutes on my shoulders before the weight was just too much for me. We put Volcano back on the ground and Siobhan asked if she should carry Volcano. We decided to try hiking first and if Volcano refused to walk Siobhan would pick her up. Begrudgingly Volcano did hike down the trail but she did hike behind me for a while.

Volcano walking on her own but not happy. She is though not all the way back at the end of the leash so is keeping up.
It is 11:15am, blue sky is peaking through the clouds.

We descend the switchbacks down to the bridge over Floe Creek. Volcano sensing where we are upped her pace and took the lead. The car must be near. Volcano lead us back to the bridge over Vermillion River and up to the parking lot at a good pace. We arrived at the parking lot at 11:39am, just over three hours after leaving the campground. We were wet but safe.

Volcano leading the way. Ploughing right through the puddles.
Siobhan leading Links.
The bridge across Vermillion River coming into view. Not far now. It is 11:32am.
Trail is pretty wet.
Never happier to see a parking lot. It is 11:38am.

We arrived back at the car. I put Volcano into the back seat and put Links into the back of the car. I have a Ford Flex, so both dogs had lots of space to themselves. I felt that Volcano needed some peace and quiet now that we were at the car and would better off not sharing space with Links who does not travel well.

Gear ready to be put back in the car.
Wet and soggy but still smiling. Was a trip full of memories. Car packed 11:48am.
So long from Floe Lake!

Floe Lake (Revisited) 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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