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Day 2 GDT 2021 – Aborted Section D

2021
2020
Same lake. Slightly different spot. Vastly different views

Day 2, August 6th, Yoho Lake CG to Iceline to Yoho Lake CG and onto Burgess Pass Trailhead. 24.7 km, 757 m elevation gain, 1314 m elevation loss, 9 hrs 20 min (all distances and elevation are as per the guide book, Viewranger App will vary), Kiwetinok Alternative (Segment 21).

The goal today was to make it through Kiwetinok gap and to descend the next valley to tree line. The hike was only to be 17 km long with the bulk of the hiking up good trail to Little Yoho CG and beyond to Kiwetinok Pass. After descending the pass I would be hiking off-trail for about 5 km. Emily was going to hike with me to Little Yoho and maybe all the way to Kiwetinok Pass before returning back to Yoho Lake to spend the night then returning to the car the following day. It had rained overnight but the morning was cloudy and dry. We had a relatively lazy start to the day not rising until 7:15 am. Breakfast and coffee were ready by 7:40 am. Emily set up her lovely solo tent that she used back on her John Muir Trail adventure in 2016 and we were off by 9:10 am.

Breakfast with a view of Yoho Lake
Emily coming back after checking out the red chairs.
The west peak of Wapta Mountain.
Emily’s spacious accommodations ready for her return.

We headed out at a reasonable clip. The initial part of the trail from Yoho Lake is quite steep gaining 120 m in the first kilometre. The trail levels off for the next 1.3 km before settling into a nice comfortable upward grade. Views soon began opening up across the valley. The usually spectacular view of Takakkaw Falls was ghost like through the smoke. We arrived at the junction with the Iceline Trail at 9:50 am.

Emily being her usual upbeat self on the trail.
Takakkaw Falls through the smoke.
Only 8.3 km to Little Yoho CG.

As we continued uphill the trail got a little busier. We were passed by some trail runners and a group of day hikers. The trail continued uphill but was never very steep. My spirits dropped as we hiked. I had put a lot of effort getting ready for the trip but the thick smoke that covered the mountains was weighing heavily on my mind. I hike because I enjoy the experience. If I cannot see the views and the very act of hiking could be having detrimental effects on my health, the smoke, then why am I hiking? The question of why I was out hiking kept playing over and over again in my head. The trail flattened out as we approached the high point of the Iceline and I started to get a headache. Whether the headache was a result of the smoke or the doubt in my mind of why I was hiking the end result was the same I came to conclusion to end the hike.

Looking back to Wapta Mt through the smoke.
Takakkaw Falls.
Emily in good spirits. Always happy to be hiking.
High on the Iceline.
Waterfalls and lakes.
The end of the line.

Shortly after turning back we met a couple we had talked to a couple of times earlier on the trail. We stopped to talk for about 25 minutes. They were visiting from Ontario so felt that they needed to stay on the trail. One reason was that they had another night planned on the trail and did not really want to spend a few hundred dollars on a hotel. While we were talking it started to lightly rain so at various times each of us put on our rain gear. We said our goodbyes and continued back down the trail. Despite the smoke the trail was quite busy. Approaching Yoho Lake CG we passed a large group of female hikers who must have come in from Emerald Lake. Arriving back at Yoho Lake we stopped to have a long lunch as it was still another 15 km back to the car and it was now 1:20 pm.

An unsettled sky.
Emily on the trail.

We would spend 55 minutes eating lunch. I surprised Emily when I suggested that she take down her tent and that we would not be staying. Emily thought that we could spend another evening camping in the backcountry. I had mentally checked out by this point and just wanted to get out of the smoke. I was aware that the smoke seemed to be lifting. We actually had a nice view of during lunch Wapta Mt. After several solid weeks of smoke I just could not consider that maybe the smoke would be finally moving away.

Lunch.
The water was mirror smooth and this was the best view of Wapta Mt we have had.

During lunch two hikers came crashing into camp. They were Jason and Bent who were hiking the Great Divide Trail. We chatted for a few minutes and then said our goodbyes. They had come from Field and were planning on staying at Little Yoho CG. I would run into both of them on Day 2 of my Section E hike and would spend the following two days with them. We started our journey back to the car at 2:10 pm. As we started along the Highline Trail under Watpa Mt I noticed how much clearer the view was across the valley to the President and Vice President.

Day 1
Day 2

As we headed along the Highline we met up with a family staying at Yoho Lake CG. They had a couple of young kids with them and a very happy doggie. The kids asked us all sorts of questions and we spent a few fun minutes engaging with them. Yoho Lake CG is a great starter backpacking trip for anyone. It is only a 4 km hike from Takakkaw Falls parking lot and you can access the Highline, which would normally have stunning views of Emerald Lake, and also explore the Iceline Trail.

Emerald Lake.

We made our way along the traverse under Wapta Mt and Mt Field. Coming up to the drainage that leads to Mt Field we had a bet about how long it would take us. From what I remembered my guess was way off. We looked back to the slopes below Mt Field from Burgess Pass and were able to spot a blue structure at the end of the trail to the Burgess Shale. I have seen quite a few documentaries about the Burgess Shale including a recent one on CBC and knowing the actual location of the shale beds gave me more context about the shows I had watched.

In the middle of the picture is the Burgess Shale.

As we headed down from the pass Emily remembered that she had read that there was suppose to be 50 or so switchbacks on the trail so she decided to count them. It was while we were descending that I began to ponder if the smoke was really lifting and could I continue on with the hike. I figured once back at the car we could drive to Takakkaw Falls parking lot and it was only a little over an hour back up to Yoho Lake. Then it would take me two days to catch back up to where I should be as my original plan for Day 3 was a fairly short day. Emily had difficulty in her counting deciding what qualified as a switchback. There were a few places where the trail curved but never really “switchbacked” in the other direction. I am pretty sure Emily counted about 45 switchbacks.

Mt Burgess.

We arrived back at the car at 6:30 pm. I decided that I really was not too keen on trying to complete the hike as it was still smokey and it was just as likely that the smoke would blow back in then actually clear off. The best idea would have been to have stayed at Yoho Lake CG and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon since Emily had a permit for another night. In the end the smoke did actually clear off. While I was disappointed not be hiking I still feel I made the best decision with the information I had. We had one more little adventure before we were finished. I put the Spot device on the roof of the car to get a clearer signal to let people know where we were. I then forgot about the Spot up on the roof and drove home. Arriving back in driveway I was surprised and happy to see that the Spot had stayed in place and made the trip home successfully.

Opps. The Spot survived a hair-raisng drive home on the roof.

Day 1 GDT Section E 2021

GDT Section E 2021 (aborted Section D) Home

bootwreckers

Day 5 and 6 of our Green River Canoe trip from 201 Day 5 and 6 of our Green River Canoe trip from 2017 is up on Bootwreckers, see link in Bio.

The day started in the dark with a hike up to the Dollhouse to watch the sunrise.

After doing an bit of exploring including a short hike out to Beehive Arch we headed back to camp to pack up and catch the jet boat ride back to Moab.

No trip to Moab is complete without a stop at the Moab Brewery, I had a tall smooth Derailleur Ale to compliment my mushroom, Swiss bacon burger.

Once back home it was time for snuggles with the little fella who waited patently for us whole we were away. Doggie snuggles for the win!

Another epic adventure in the books.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Instagram post 18017713981489587 Instagram post 18017713981489587
Just a few photos from my epic 3 day hike through Just a few photos from my epic 3 day hike through Superstion Mts of Arizona. 

I think it was Plan D or maybe E. Saw photos of th Grand Canyon and many of th roads there were closed, so good choice not to go.

Day 1 - First Water TH over to Ther Battleship via many stream crossings and camp near Black Top Mesa. Due to the heavy rains, water was not an issue.

Day 2 - up past Weavers Needle and over to camp below Miners Needle

Day 3 - Epic 26 km day up on down the Superstions Ridge Trail and back to the car. This was probably the second hardest day I hav e had on trail. The trail is more "route" very ill defined for the first 2/3rds of the way. Also includes numerous down climbs, I frequently tossed my poles down 3m (10ft) of more. This is not an easy trail, and the final descent down Siphon Wash is absolutely intense. After leaving camp at 7:15am (sunrise at 7:30) I arrived at the car at 5;45pm.

Needless to say I didn't do much Friday.

Will write more later.

Thanks to my adopted trail team, James, John, Kevin and Patrick. Four Med students from UofM who allowed me to tag along as the caboose for the first two days.

Now, time to fly home.....

#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
Sound On! About that hike.....it is not going to Sound On!

About that hike.....it is not going to happen this year.

A winter storm has come through, bringing rain, risk of flash floods and near freezing temperatures. At the prospect of hiking two or even three days in the rain, I kept hearing this voice in my head "You know, I'm not having any fun" , spoken by @kbsymington on day two of a four day hike, I could totally see that thought passing through my head if I went ahead with the hike.

I did meet my Trail Angel Bev the Kelvin TH and the scenery was just spectacular! I could hear the desert calling me. It was simply beautiful, but Bev didn't try to talk me into going and did say when I come back I was to contact her, can't wait.

My motel manger told me to go up Hwy 60 towards Globe, AZ, and check out the Queen River Canyon just after the tunnel.

It was a lot of fun to do a little exploring and it actually confirmed I made the right decision,  I got so cold in the few minutes I was out taking photos.

As I got back to the motel I was happy to see a ray of light at the horizon, maybe the rain is going to go away.

I also discovered my getting old hiking shoes leak.....

Planning on a 4 day trip around th Superstitions starting the day after tomorrow. 

Happy trails.

#aztsos #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
Happy New Year from Superior, Arizona. Getting re Happy New Year from Superior, Arizona.

Getting ready for 5 days on the Arizona Trail, passages 14 and 15, if the weather allows (could rain, hard, in the desert eh, who knew)

Now time for some sleep

#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
Day 4 on the Green River was another great day exp Day 4 on the Green River was another great day exploring canyons, hiking and of course paddling. Full summary on the website, see link in bio.

We started off the day exploring Jasper Canyon, found an amazing Anasazi house.

Then we hit the river and joined the Colorado River for the last couple of miles to our final desk at Spanish Bottom.

After dinner we took a quick hike up to Doll House, which we would revisit the next morning for sunrise.

A real mix of a day which made it a whole lotta fun.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial #river
Day 3 of our 2017 Green River Canoe trip up on Boo Day 3 of our 2017 Green River Canoe trip up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

15 mile paddle from Cabin Bottom to Jasper Canyon. 

Checked out Anasazi Petroglyphs at Cabin Bottom. Stopped to explore Turks Head Bottom where there were two sets of Anasazi dwellings. 

After a good day on the river enjoyed a beer given to us by some friendly boaters. 

Finished off th evening taking some fun night time photos of the stars and the tent.

Was an amazing trip with still one more day on the river and one day exploring.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial #river
On the river with Day of our 2017 trip down the Gr On the river with Day of our 2017 trip down the Green River, see link in bio for full summary.

Was a fantastic day with blue skies and warmer weather. We made two stops to explore Anderson Bottom and some Anasazi granaries that were located about 30ft up a cliff!

Stopped at Cabin Bottom where I dumped dinner in the sand but rescued it and got two free beers.

Finished the day off getting up at 3 am to take pictures of th Milky Way.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial

Always a great day being out on the river.
New post on the blog, background and Day 1 of our New post on the blog, background and Day 1 of our 2017 canoe trip down the Green River in Utah. See link in bio to our blog and full summary of the trip.

After doing the Colorado River in 2015 with my kids, this time it was just Laura and myself.

Owe spent a day in Salt Lake City before driving down to Moab. On the way we explored Wild Horse Canyon, our first slot Canyon hike.

We hit the river just after 11am the next day and while it was a little brisk we had a great day on the river with lunch and a short hike in Horsetheif  Canyon.

We camp at a place called Fort Bottom, where there was an old Anasazi structure and a house built by a would be cattle rancher.

Was a fantastic first day of a five day adventure. 

Photo 1 - Laura explore Wild Horse Canyon

Photo 2 - getting ready to start our river trip

Photo 3 - cliffs and arches

Photo 4 - canoe all tied up at Horsetheif Canyon

Photo 5 - Anasazi Petroglyphs

Photo 6 - Butte

Photo 7 - back on the river

Photo 8 - 1100 ft wall and Walker Cabin

Photo 9 - looking downstream

Photo 10 - Anasazi structure

Super fun adventure. More to come....

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
From my Great Divide Trail Section D hike this sum From my Great Divide Trail Section D hike this summer, a selection of flower photos from the first three days.

Burgess Pass Trailhead to Amiskwi Pass.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Angels Landing, Zion NP Hike 2015, trip summary up Angels Landing, Zion NP Hike 2015, trip summary up on the website, link in bio. Summary includes a few short videos of @sio.mellors
Giving her thoughts of the hike as we made our way up.

Angels Landing was a fun little hike with @sio.mellors at the end of our Colorado River Float Trip (Mikah had to head back home to work so missed the hike).

Angels Landing is unique with the use of chains along the route which has frequent exposure to shear cliffs of a 1000 ft.

The hike for us was quite straightforward except for the crowds. We frequently had to wait at a pinch point while 15 - 20 people came past going the other way.

In a effort to control the crowds today you need to reserve a time for your hike.

One of the amazing features of the hike is that the peak lies in the centre of Zion Valley providing for a a unique vantage point.

Lots of and a great day, Siobhan of course finished the hike with a solid nap back at the vistitors centre.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Day 4 of our Colorado Float Trip and Travel Day ba Day 4 of our Colorado Float Trip and Travel Day back to Salt Lake City are now posted, see link in Bio.

Day 4 started with a dark hike up from Spanish Bottom to the Doll House to watch the sunrise.

Both kids thought I was nuts, then they saw the sunrise and both agreed it was a great idea.

After the sunrise we explored the Doll House and then headed back to camp to pack up.

Our trip back to Moab up the river was in a Jet Boat, pick up time was about 10 am and the trip took a little more than 2 hrs.

We did not take a direct route back to Salt Lake City, but stopped by Goblin State Park, slept In Hanksville before visiting Capitol Reef where we hiked the Rim Overlook Trail and ate pie.

Awesome trip, cannot wait to go back.

Photos
1) sunrise at the Doll House

2) Siobhan (low), Mikah (high) perched for the sunrise

3) Exploring the Doll House

4) Me at the Doll House, wearing a red jacket, can you find me?

5) Jet Boat

6) The domes of Capitol Reef (they look like many of the State Capitol buildings in the USA, hence the name of the park

7) Fresh pie at Capitol Reef NP

8) Mikah at Goblin State Park

9) Mikah and Siobhan at Goblin State Park

10) the Goblin Army marching across the valley floor

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Go for a hike they said.....Great Divide Trail Sec Go for a hike they said.....Great Divide Trail Section D......Scenic Views with easy walking

Just finished 6 days on Section D, utterly epic adventure with the two of the most awesome hiking partners Lillian Zaremba and Sara (Dryas). The Team rocked the trail, couldn't have done it without you.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Day 3 of our 2015 Colorado River trip is posted, s Day 3 of our 2015 Colorado River trip is posted, see link in bio.

After th epic day prior this was a super relaxed day of just 13 miles and one stop.

Photo 1 - evening reflections at Spanish Bottom

Photo 2 - morning at camp

Photo 3 - breakfast time in our secluded backcountry campsite

Photo 4 - Mikah paddling back on the river

Photo 5 - a look at where the Loop Overlook trail brought us the day before

Photo 6 - investigating Anasazi Bottom

Photo 7 - Mikah and Siobhan at Anasazi Bottom

Photo 8 - Me at Anasazi Bottom

Photo 9 - arrival at Spanish Bottom, can see the pinnacles of th Doll House on the cliffs

Photo 10 - Looking down at camp at Spanish Bottom 

Another awesome day on the river.

Enjoy.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Day 2 Colorado Float Trip 2015, Little Bridge Cany Day 2 Colorado Float Trip 2015, Little Bridge Canyon to Random Camp on The Loop.

This was a huge day packed with ancient Anasazi ruins and various forms of rock art, and some big mileage paddling the river.

Full summary on our blog, link in bio.

Photo 1 - docked at the Loop Overlook Hike

Photo 2 - Siobhan and Mikah ready for another day of adventure 

Photo 3 - morning light on the river

Photo 4 - Big sky

Photo 5 - Siobhan and rock art at Big Bottom

Photo 6 - Mikah and Siobhan with more rock art, those hands on the wall were from a person living thousands of years ago, again at Bit Bottom

Photo 7 - Anasazi Granary

Photo 8 - Anasazi Granary Monument Creek

Photo 9 - looking downriver from Loop Overlook trail

Photo 10 - evening river vibes

Enjoy!

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
New post, throwback to 2015, our first canoe trip, New post, throwback to 2015, our first canoe trip, an adventure down the Colorado River from Moab to Spanish Bottom.

Posted the main page for the trip plus our travel day to Moab and Day 1 on the river.

This trip remains a favourite of ours as it was so different from all the hiking adventures. Although we did some hiking while on the river.

One of the great things about the trip is a person could go again, stop at different places and have an entirely different trip.

Photo 1 - evening on the Colorado, looking downriver from our campsite

Photo 2 - Siobhan getting a greasy meal at Five Guys in Salt Lake City

Photo 3 - with Wayne at the Budget Inn, Green River, and freshly baked blueberry muffins

Photo 4 - Siobhan getting ready

Photo 5 - Mikah checking their straps

Photo 6 - on th river

Photo 7 - happy paddler

Photo 8 - Siobhan up high taking in the view

Photo 9 - Mikah found their perch

Photo 10 - the view upstream from out campsite at Little Bridge Canyon

See link in bio to our blog and full summary of the trip.

Simply can't wait to go back.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Day 4 of our Labour Day Weekend trip through the E Day 4 of our Labour Day Weekend trip through the Egypt Lake area, Banff NP.

Hiked from Pharaoh Creek CG up over Healy Pass back to our car, now at the Sunshine Village Parking Lot.

Low stress day on the trail but the fall temperatures made for a great day in the backcountry.

Photo 1 - morning at Pharaoh Creek CG

Photo 2 - Chilly breakfast, yay for coffee

Photo 3 - approaching Egypt Lake Campground 

Photo 4 - fall colours and The Sphinx

Photo 5 - Pharaoh Peak 

Photo 6 - Golden meadows of Healy Pass

Photo 7 - looking back to the Egypt Lake area, can see Scarab and Egypt Lake

Photo 8 - view south all the way to Mt Assiniboine 

Photo 9 - creek crossing

Photo 10 - end of another successful adventure

Great trip, awesome hiking partner, @sio.mellors, looking forward to more adventures with her this summer.

For full summary see link in bio

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #teamzpacks

Happy trails!
Day 3 of our 2021 Labour Day Weekend trip through Day 3 of our 2021 Labour Day Weekend trip through the Egypt Lake area, Banff NP.

This day took us from the campground at Balls Pass Junction over Whistling Pass, with a detour up Pharaoh Peak, which wasn't without some drama.

Lunch was another side trip to Scarab Lake followed by an excursion to Egypt Lake.

Our final destination was Pharaoh Creek Campground. After a lovely evening the Milky Way came out to play.

Read the summary at www.Bootwreckers.com, link in bio.

Photo 1 - moody morning at Balls Pass Junction

Photo 2 - golden meadows as we approach Haiduk Lake

Photo 3 - making our way up Whistling Pass

Photo 4 - heading up Pharaoh Peak, and it really was this steep

Photo 5 - looking over Mummy and Scarab Lakes from the Pharaoh Peak.

Photo 6 - group shot on the way down

Photo 7 - at Egypt Lake

Photo 8 - Frosty Paws guarding the tent

Photo 9 - the Milky Way

Video - scree skiing down Pharaoh Peak

Another great day on the trail with @sio.mellors

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #teamzpacks
Day 2 of our Labour Day weekend trip through the E Day 2 of our Labour Day weekend trip through the Egypt Lake area, Banff NP is up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

The day was sunny and the skies were blue, it was simply an amazing day to be on the trail.

Out day started out retracing our steps from th previous evening back to Shadow Lake.

After lingering to take in the stunning view at the lake we had an easy hike to our campsite at Balls Pass Junction.

After setting up the tent and having lunch we headed up the short but steep trail to Ball Pass. Ball Pass is in mu opinion one of th premier viewpoints in Banff NP. 

After exploring Ball Pass we returned back to the campground and enjoyed a well earned stream chilled beer and a nap.

Clouds rolled in later in the day but it only lightly rained.

Was not the biggest mileage day on the trail but was proof that a great day on the trail.
Photo 1 - Siobhan looking at Mt Ball and it's Glacier from Ball Pass
Photo 2 - Siobhan checking directions
Photo 3 - Shadow Lake and Mt Ball
Photo 4 - Siobhan on bridge crossing outlet of Shadow Lake
Photo 5 - dried  strawberries on the trail
Photo 6 - heading up Ball Pass
Photo 7 - Siobhan looking over the valley from Ball Pass
Photo 8 - heading down from Ball Pass
Photo 9 - our reward for a good day on the trail
Photo 10 - finding peace and tranquility in the backcountry 

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
Day 1 of our amazing trip through the Egypt Lake a Day 1 of our amazing trip through the Egypt Lake area Labour Day Weekend, 2021 now posted up on our blog, link in bio. Another Grand adventure with one of my kids, @sio.mellors.

Our four day trip started at the Vista Lake Trailhead on Hwy 93 South. Up and over Gibbon Pass to camp at Shadow Lake Campground on day 1.

Day 2 was a short hike to Balls Pass Junction CG, then after a short break off to explore Ball Pass, in my opinion one of the best vistas anywhere.

Day 3 we hiked over Whistling Pass on the way to Pharaoh Creek CG, with a scramble up Pharaoh Peak, lunch at Scarab Lake, and a visit to Egypt Lake on the way.

Day 4 was hiking over Healy Pass and out to the Sunshine Village parking lot where our car had been moved to.

Lots of stories from this adventure,  was a lot of fun to revisit and write.

Photo 1 - evening as Shadow Lake

Photo 2 - pre-hike happy team photo

Photo 3 - Arnica Lake, where we had lunch

Photo 4 - the yellow of Larches starting to come in

Photo 5 - the golden meadows of th high alpine at Gibbon Pass

Photo 6 - view all the way to Mt Assiniboine from Gibbon Pass, about 70 km away

Photo 8 - mushrooms in the undergrowth as we approach Shadow Lake CG

Photo 9 - Frosty guarding our campsite

Photo 10 - still smiling at the end of th day at Shadow Lake

#parkscanada #parks
#shadowlake #banffalberta #banffnationalpark #banffcanada #banff #backpacking #camping #lake #egyptlake #Egyptlake  #backcountry #family #familytime #familytime❤️
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