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Day 2 Laughing and Twin Falls Yoho NP

Morning at Twin Falls.

Day 2 Laughing Falls Campground to Twin Falls to Takakkaw Falls Parking Lot , 12.3 km, 500m Elevation Gain, 600 m Elevation Loss, 31 hrs 45 min.

With an early evening I was awake by 6 am. We had a deadline today but I was not in too much of a rush and Volcano was sleeping so I stayed in my sleeping bag until 6:30 am when I felt it was time to get up. Volcano sleeps in an oversized fleece jacket for dogs. I know she is a sled dog but she has been spending her time indoors and does not have the coat that she once had. Went and retrieved our food from the bear hang and headed over to make breakfast. Volcano got fed before anything else. It was great to get up early as we had the eating area all to ourselves.

The Queen and her breakfast. Great view.
I am keen to get going in the morning but have to have a coffee. Breakfast is the chunk of Logan Bread beside my Spot device.
The kitchen.
Volcano wondering if there is such a thing as second breakfast.

Ate my Logan Bread while waiting for the coffee to boil then headed back to tear down camp. Was pretty happy with my tear-down procedure. Taking care of a dog and having a coffee for breakfast I was packed up and on the trail less than an hour after getting out of the tent. Other people in the camp where just staring to appear when we headed out on our hike for the day. In fact when we came back through 2.5 hours later there was still people in camp.

Our campsite was the area just to the left.

The trail cuts through the top of the campground. At this time of year there are a couple small streams running though the trail and the campground. When I came back with Siobhan at the end of August everything was dry. A quick look at Laughing Falls and we were on our way. We had only covered 200 m when we came to the junction with the trail up Little Yoho Valley. The trail leads to Little Yoho Campground and some amazing hiking but was not on our agenda today. We stayed right and headed on our way to Twin Falls. I had a few concerns at first on whether we would actually make it to Twin Falls. Volcano was looking disinterested and I really did not feel like forcing her to continue if she really did not want. A good bowel movement and we were off (and I do pack out my dogs poo, double bag it inside a ziploc). The trail is in excellent condition and only rises 70 m over the distance to Twin Falls CG, 2.5 km. We arrived at Twin Falls CG at 7 am hiking at a tad over 5 kph. We paused briefly to look at the campground. Checking out the eating area by the river before heading up to Twin Falls. The hike to the Twin Falls Chalet and the viewing to the base of the falls is only 1.5 km and 143 m of elevation.

The junction with Little Yoho trail.
Lots of places to visit but no distances.
Making excellent progress on great trail.
Trail does go uphill and is bit more rugged.
Turn left for Twin Falls and right for Yoho Glacier.
Twin Falls CG.

We covered the trail to Twin Falls Day Use area in 25 minutes taking a few breaks for photographs. The trail stays surprising close to the river and provides wonderful views of small canyons and gorges the river has carved as it tumbles to the valley below. Volcano was showing no hesitation and was off the front like the Lead Dog she is.

I like rocks.
The river tumbling down.
Lead Dawg.
Nice canyon.

It was 8:25 am when we arrived at the Twin Falls Day use area. Almost exactly 1 hour since leaving Laughing Falls CG. The lodge structure at Twin Falls was under renovations but despite tarps and scaffolding everywhere it did not look like a lot was going on. We made our way over to the area to view the falls. We met an older couple (older than me for sure) and talk for about 20 minutes. They were pretty funny. The women had all current gear on but the guy was old school. Big leather boots, external frame pack and a camera using film. If I remember correctly (I should take notes) they were professors from Calgary. After saying our goodbyes we made our way over to view the falls. Even from this distance the falls are quite spectacular. Apparently early in the 1900’s Parks Canada tried to blast the falls the make the chutes more equal. They initially succeeded in blocking one off entirely before correcting their error. Best let Mother Nature carve out the natural wonders of the world. Upon leaving the falls we headed to the east as we were going to take the Connector that passes by Marpole Lake and traverses under the Whaleback as it heads over to Little Yoho Valley Trail before joining the main trail at Laughing Falls to get back to the trailhead.

Useful signage at the day use area.
Twin Falls and a rainbow.
Close up of the falls.
Slightly different angle, have a small tree and a rainbow.
Have to head down to the bridge to cross the river to begin the connector.
A look up from below.
View from the bridge.

It was only a 600 m downhill walk to Marpole Lake. Immediately upon leaving the bridge the trail reduced to just a narrow path through the woods. There is definitely a lot less maintenance on the connector as opposed to the main trails. The sun was staring to rise high in the clear blue skies. We had been on the move for 1 hr 40 min and Volcano smartly stopped for a drink in the lake.

Marpole Lake looking west.
Volcano enjoying a quick drink.

On the Viewranger App there are two trails leaving Marpole Lake. The lower trail goes through the woods and has been decommissioned. I did not see the junction for the lower trail but we did come across the junction where the two trails rejoined at the other end. The trail head uphill for the 1.7 km, gaining 90 m of elevation. What made this section challenging and fun was navigating the rock field that has developed below the Whaleback as rocks have tumbled down off the high cliffs. I nicknamed this section Mordor. The rocks are very dark and even in the early morning sunshine were already radiating a lot of heat. I would not want to walk through this stretch in the afternoon.

Heading up hill in the golden light of the sun.
The view west. Can see Lake Marpole centre left.

While this section of trail may not get the treatment of the other trails in Yoho NP. There was some serious trail building that took place to make the trail across the boulder field. Climbing up over rocks was aided by steps that Parks Canada had built into the trail. The lack of contrast between the trail and the surrounding rocks did make it difficult for Volcano to lead the way. Volcano got off trail a couple of times and a few times looked back at me looking for direction.

Steps. Notice how dark the rock is.
Tail has a nice layer of gravel.
Looking back. Where is the trail? No wonder Volcano got confused.
Volcano leading the way through some well placed rocks by Parks Canada.
Enjoying a bit of shade and a nice dirt section of trail.
Volcano charging towards the exit from Mordor. Could have used a ride from the Great Eagles like Frodo got.

It had taken just 30 minutes to traverse the 1.5 km of Mordor. I was very happy to get back into the trees. We went downhill and came to the junction of the closed lower trail a short uphill brought us to the high point of the day where we joined with the trail that runs along Little Yoho River. The walk from the end of Mordor to the Little Yoho Trail was only about 3 minutes. Turning left (east) onto the Little Yoho Trail would take us back to Laughing Falls losing a 250 m elevation in 1.7 km.

The junction with the closed lower trail. Guess that is what those large logs indicate. Trail Closed.
Trail sign at the junction with the Little Yoho Trail. Guess we want to go down back to Laughing Falls.

The trail condition improved dramatically. We descended through several switchbacks to ease the gradient. It took just over 20 minutes to arrive back at the junction at Laughing Falls. It had been 2hrs 35 min since we left Laughing Falls and we had covered 7.9 km. All that was now left was the 4.5 km back to the car. It was 10 am which meant we would have lots of time to make it back home for the birthday party.

The main trails are of high quality in Yoho.
Volcano on the switchbacks. You can see the Yoho River in the top corner.
Junction back with the trail along the Yoho River.

fairly uneventful, met family and kids like Volcano, met Kevin Hebb

The hike back to the car was very straightforward retracing our steps from yesterday. What can make hiking so enjoyable are those unscripted moments especially when meeting people on the trail. Shortly after passing through Laughing Falls CG we met the group who had been skipping rocks across the river during dinner. They were two families with 4 kids under 8 and all had little backpacks. Hiking with Volcano always makes me a popular distraction for kids we meet on the trail. So we stopped and chatted while the kids all took turns patting Volcano. This was the last of 4 days on the trail for them. They had hiked to Laughing Falls CG, then to Little Yoho CG before returning to Laughing Falls for night 3. After leaving the families we quickly got back up to our brisk pace of about 5 kph. On the downhill section just before Angel Staircase Falls we ran into my retired supervising teacher from back in 2002 when I was a student teacher. More chatting ensued as we caught up on news. They were doing a day hike out to Laughing Falls. After we said our goodbyes it was a steady walk back to the car with a brief stop for water for Volcano in a side stream.

Having a little drink in the Yoho River. Not how the colour of the river changes halfway across as the water from the Little Yoho mixes in.
Great view as we get close to the walk in campground. Volcano not keen on yielding her right of way on the bridge.
I always carry my stuffy Frosty Paws on all my hikes. This couple had me beat. Look at the size of the head on the stuffy in her pack.
One last drink. We are less than 5 minutes from the car.

We arrived back at the car at 11:05 am 3hrs and 40 minutes since we started hiking. It was great to finish such a satisfying hike early. We had lots of time to get home for the party. Best of all Volcano looked really good despite having hiked a brisk 12 km.

Happy Gurl.

So glad I finally made it out to Yoho NP and very excited I would be returning in just over a month with Siobhan to do some more exploring. Now time for that birthday party.

Volcaono relaxing at the party with her BFF Links

Laughing and Twin Falls Home

bootwreckers

Takakkaw Falls from th Incline Trail, Yoho NP. Ph Takakkaw Falls from th Incline Trail, Yoho NP.

Photos of Takakkaw Falls taken from the Iceline Trail.

1) 1.6 second exposure of the falls

2) view of the falls and the Daly Glacier that feeds the water to th falls

The Iceline Trail was a nice way to get a more unique view of the falls and with fewer people.

Morning of day 2 of amazing trip last summer with @sio.mellors 

Yoho NP

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #falls #waterfallphotography #waterfall #waterfallsofinstagram
Going through some photos from summer 2020. I lik Going through some photos from summer 2020.

I liked this photo, captured the early morning at Yoho Lake CG on my trip with @sio.mellors 

Loved how the water grabbed th orange reflection off the bottom of the clouds as the sun just crested the horizon.

I enjoy getting up early when camping. Not only do I get to enjoy the peace and quiet of camp, but the light of the sun presents fleeting visual displays that are gone in moments.

Yoho NP

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #sunrise #morning #sunrisephotography  #lake #reflection #reflections
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
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