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Day 2 Mt Assiniboine Lollipop Banff NP

Marvelous Marvel Lake.

Day 2 Marvel Lake Campground to Allenby Junction Campground, 22.9 km, 750 m, Elevation Gain, 810 m Elevation Loss, 9 hrs 33 min.

Micah This was the feature day of the trip. It was a long day from beginning to end, but we stopped for extended periods of time at Marvel Lake, the overlook of Lake Gloria and at Mt Assinboine. There are places worth lingering, and these three locations are at the top of the list. I had a stroke of genius in the morning. I suggested, and Micah agreed, that we should pack up quickly and have breakfast at Marvel Lake. Breakfast for us is a 110 g of Logan Bread and a coffee, so it was really just making the coffee at Marvel Lake. We packed up quickly and left the campsite at 7 am.

Nice tidy campsite.

The trail leaves the campsite and quickly crosses a bridge over Bryant Creek. The bridge is much simpler than the ones that we crosses yesterday, but is more than adequate for the job. The bridge appears to be new, and remnants of an old washed out bridge was nearby. Obviously in the not so distant past there was a severe flood in the area.

The skinny bridge across Bryant Creek.
Bridge supports and an old trail, but no bridge.

There is a small pond just east of Marvel Lake, we took a quick detour to check out the pond. The early morning reflections were glorious.

Reflections in the unnamed pond.
Volcano never one to pass up an opportunity for a drink.
Panoramic of the pond looking west.

We only stayed at the pond for a couple of minutes, as the true prize was Marvel Lake (plus a coffee). We arrived at Marvel lake, and walked along the shore to find a nice view for breakfast. It had been 30 minutes since we left camp before we stopped to make coffee. Time for coffee and breakfast for us and Volcano.

Panoramic of Marvel Lake.
Our breakfast spot.
Micah has their notebook out, already the wind has picked up.
Volcano chillin by the lake.
Horace and Frosty hanging around, packs are ready to go, Volcano sniffing something.
Pretty Gurl!

We stayed for about 55 minutes, before figuring that we had a long way to go and other natural wonders to see. It was a glorious way to start the day. As we came to the end of the lake, there was an old boat and a house/shack thing, looking a little worse for wear. We also saw signs prohibiting camping at the lake, totally understandable, but a pity. It was about 800 m from breakfast to the intersection with the Marvel Pass Trail, which would take us to Wonder Pass. Arriving at Marvel Pass Trail, it had been 1 hr 35 min since we left the campsite, and we had traveled all of 2.7 km.

Wonder what the green shack thing is for?
Leaving the lake the trail offers two choices, back to Marvel Lake Campground, Br 13, or a short connector to Wonder Pass Junction.
Parks Canada making sure you know where you are, Volcano has gone the wrong way, we want to go the left (west).
We want Wonder Pass, turn left.

The trail continued as a forested walk. While a bit narrow, the trail was very good and gradually gained elevation as we walked above Marvel Lake. We emerged from the forest to an avalanche slope after about 25 minutes, which provided our first elevated view of Marvel Lake.

Micah appears to be trying to explain something to me.
Escaping the forest.

It was a nice trail to start the day, never too steep, lots of view in all directions. We crossed several avalanche paths and had to negotiate a couple of very eroded dry stream beds. We chatted all the way, discussing matters of great importance such as current state of pop culture. We arrived at the junction for Wonder Pass, having covered the last 4.5 km in 1 hr 15 min. It is now almost 10 am, we have been up for 4 hours, and have covered just 7 relatively easy kilometers.

Looking up at Wonder Peak on the left and Ely’s Dome on the right.
Crossing a avalanche path.
Micah taking in the views, Marvel lake and Mt Gloria in the distance.
Flowers in full bloom, lots of colours.
3 km to Wonder Pass, 6.2 km to Marvel Pass. Let’s head to Wonder Pass.

We are not going directly to Wonder Pass, but taking a side trip to an viewpoint for Lake Gloria. After a quick down and up, we started up Wonder Pass. The first part was defiantly the steepest section, rising 130 m in just 0.5 km. I was suffering somewhat on this part, luckily the trail actually flattened out for a bit before making a steady rise to our next junction.

Even Volcano looks like she’s working hard.
Trail has thankfully flattened out a bit.
Leaving the forest and entering the alpine meadow that is Wonder Pass.

As we left the forest and came to the higher alpine region of the pass, we passed a small snowfield still surviving this late into summer. Volcano having worked as a sled dog for most of her life has a great affinity for snow, and loves to have a good sniff and chomp at any snow we come across on our hikes.

Volcano checking out the snow under The Towers.

Volcano had a drink at a small creek draining Wonder Pass. One of the most exciting events on the trip happened. I spotted a lynx running in the distance. It had probably been hiking from us, but as we came closer on the trail, it bolted. We were never very close, probably at least 200 m away. yelled and grabbed my camera. Unfortunately in my excitement, I was never able to convey to Micah where the lynx was. She somehow did not find my repeating of “Over there, over there” to be very helpful. My camera was also set up for landscape photos, which is very different than what is required for fast moving objects. Alas, my photos are a little fuzzy, and Micah never saw the lynx.

The lynx, a smudge of brown running away.
Wide shot of The Towers, not sure why it is plural.

We arrived at our junction 10 minutes after the lynx, it was informally marked by a stick and a cairn. We headed back to Marvel Lake on a elevated trail. Initially our view was of Penny’s Peak As we continued down the trail, Mt Gloria and its glacier came into view. We were beginning to wonder where the overlook was, as the trail was diverting from what my app showed. We did persist and came to a wonderful open area with a view of the turquoise waters of Lake Gloria. I celebrated by tripping over a small stump and doing a complete roll over my backpack, luckily I did not hurt anything other than my pride.

The main trail is to the right, the trail we are following to the viewpoint is upper left, Penny’s Peak in the distance.
Micah taking in the view and not looking where they are going. Penny’s Peak looming large.
Micah checking out a pile of rocks at an intersection with a trail that heads up over the ridge. This is the trail that is marked on my Viewranger App, it is definitely not as well traveled as the one we stayed on.
Lake Gloria, with Mt Gloria and the Gloria Glacier above.
Lake Gloria surrounded by Mt Gloria, Aye Mountain, and our first view of Mt Assiniboine.
Our lunch spot, we hung out for 40 minutes..
The stump I tripped over.

We stayed to eat our lunch and enjoy our view for 40 minutes. It was then time to continue our trek, as we still had quite a way to hike and see, and it was now 12:20pm. We headed back along the way we had come, and rejoined the main trail. We stopped for a chat with a family who were hiking out to Mt Shark. They had come into the Assiniboine area from Sunshine Village and had stayed for a couple of days at Lake Magog. As we came to the top of the pass the vegetation thinned out, the landscape was dominated by grass and stunted trees.

Winding our way to the Pass.
Micah and Volcano at Wonder Pass.
One last look back.

We went over Wonder Pass at 1 pm, a whole new valley appeared before us. Accoriding to the sign, it was 5.5 km to Assiniboine Pass, which was halfway to our campground. We are entering Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park, and there was quite a bit of signage.

Nice clear signage.
We have a new valley to explore.
Lots of reading before you enter a BC Provincial Park.
A World Heritage Site, pretty exciting.

We head down towards Lake Magog. It was interesting how the trees return so abruptly as we descend, there is quite a define line where the trees come back. The trail is very well graded and the landscape is very pretty, meadows, flowers, creeks, waterfalls, it was a very pleasant stroll.

Very interesting part of the trail, as the trees were very spread out.
Waterfall, was quite far from the trail.
Simple bridges for stream crossings.
Flowers.
Tree growing out of the rock.
Flowers were everywhere, adding colour to the landscape.

A final boardwalk over a wetland brought us to the Naiset Cabins. we passed by quickly to get some face time with Mt Assiniboine.

Final boardwalk.
Our first unimpeded view of Mt Assiniboine from the front.
A view from our elevated bench.

Lake Magog campsite was visible on the far side of the lake. It was simply too far to walk to. It was 2 pm, we still had a bit over 6 km to hike after already hiking over 16 km. Volcano was amazing on this trip, but she was turning 12 years old, and I really did not think the added distance was worth a slightly better view. So we had a 20 minute rest, snacking while taking in the view of Lake Magog and Mt Assiniboine. The weather was very unsettled, so we decided we should get a move on to our campsite.

Headed over Assiniboine Pass. It would be a long day, but you could hike to Mt Assiniboine in one day.

The trail system in the Mt Assiniboine area is very busy, but BC Parks has sign posts at the major intersections. The trail was smooth and weaved in and out of trees and past through a number of large meadows, and had a couple short hills to keep the feelings in our legs fresh.

Cascade Peak in the distance, Volcano showing some signs of fatigue, following Micah .
O’Brien Meadow, looking north to Og Mountain and Windy Ridge, Golden Mt sitting on the horizon.
Trail leads to the O’Brien Meadow Group Campround, for groups up to 25, who knew?
Saying goodbye to Mt Assiniboine.

A short rise takes us to Assiniboine Pass, just under 10 minutes since we left O’Brien Meadow and about 40 minutes since we left our bench overlooking Mt Assiniboine. Mt Assiniboine Pass is nothing like Wonder Pass. It is heavily treed area, and there is nothing remarkable about Assiniboine Pass, other than being the high point between two valleys. We paused for a couple minutes to read all the information on the sign board, started our descent to Allenby Junction Campground.

The short climb to Assiniboine Pass.
The greeting to the pass.
On our way down, Micah still leading.

After a couple of minutes we come to a junction in the trail, hikers are directed to the right, nice Grizzly Bear warning sign! We pass a trail junction that leads to the Allenby Pass area. A large area north of were we are camping, including Allenby Pass is closed August 1st to small groups and to dogs.

Our little diversion and the Grizzly Warning.
Heading down, Volcano still letting Micah lead.
Views to the valley.

As we near the valley floor we begin to cross over many small creeks, keeping the feet dry becomes a challenge. We skirt along the edge of a lovely little canyon. A family of about 12 passes by us heading up the trail. They have small day packs, with the time of day, we figure that they are staying at the huts at Assinboine. At the back was the mother and two teenage girls, the girls did not look very pleased, and they were just beginning the climb to the pass.

Volcano moving back to the lead.
Small canyon.
Micah craning their neck to take in the view of Cascade Peak.
Waterfalls below Gibralter Rock.

After negotiating a small flooded area, the trail flattens out. We come to a nice meadow which offers 360 degree views, we pause to take in the scenery.

Sun setting behind Cascade Peak.
Micah looking west at the setting sun.
I believe that this is an extension of Og Mountain.
Micah looking east.

Five minute later we cross a cute little bridge and another 5 minutes has us arriving at Allenby Junction Campround, the time is 4:33 pm, so 9 hours 33 minutes after we left Marvel Lake Campground.

A robust bridge over a small stream.
Little short on details, BR 17 is Allenby CG, Br 14 is McBride CG and BR 13 is Marvel Lake CG.
Home, for the evening.

There are suppose to be five tent sites at the campground. Some of the designated sites had no space for a tent. Similar to Marvel Lake Campground, this is not a great example of what most Parks Canada campgrounds are like. There was evidence of work being done at the campground, and it did have brand new bear lockers. We chose a site slightly off the path. Micah and I set about putting up the tent while Volcano rested.

Volcano fell asleep on the first soft patch of ground she found, it was a big day for the old girl.
Tent sent up, pretty sure we both slept on some roots.

We explored the area a little, Bryant Creek runs nearby and made dinner at about 6 pm. Micah played a podcast about a South Pacific island that had its animal life destroyed by rats brought by explorers, and how a specific type of stick bug, that is found no where else, and was thought to have been extinct, as then found living on some tower rocks many miles away. Quite interesting. There were suppose to be other campers at the campground, but no one came, we owned the whole place. I tried to read, but I am not very good at it off the tablet, I kept closing my eyes. Micah read and wrote in their journal for while before calling it a night.

Dinner, listening to the podcast while the food rehydrated, Volcano doing some more resting.

Good night from Allenby Junction Campground.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Day 3 Mt Assinboine Lollipop

Mt Assiniboine Loop Home

bootwreckers

New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in Kootenay NP with @sio.mellors. Introduction and Day 1 up on Bootwreckers.

Trip was suppose to be hiking Northover Ridge in Kanananaskis but smoke had us change plans at the last minute.

This would be my third multi day trip on the Rockwall but the first for Siobhan.

Managed to get two camping sites on the Rockwall and instead of smoke we had to deal with the threat of rain.

We did get wet but we had a blast.

Day 1 is from Paint Pots TH to Helmet Falls CG, with a side trip to get up close the the falls. Pretty straightforward day but visiting Helmet Falls is always special.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

This day took us from a random camp on the Howse Floodplain to the Mustafa Canyon parking lot. This was an adventurous day with bushwhacking, stream crossings and dead fall but a simply glorious end to a wonderful hike on the GDT. 

Again thanks  to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. I am sure we will meet again on a trail someday.

Photo 1 - Morning Colors

Photo 2 - tents on the floodplain

Photo 3 - bushwhacking to start the day

Photo 4 - fields of flowers going to seed

Photo 5 - looking south down the Howse River

Photo 6 - thigh deep water crossing

Photo 7 - big views

Photo 8 - Sara crossing some dead fall

Photo 9 -Mistaya Canyon

Photo 10 - picked up a thru hiker named Roy, enjoying beverages left by Natasha and Kyle from Backpacks and Bikeracks

#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 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hik Day 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hike is posted on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Truly epic day on the trail. Pass through the debris of two avalanches, had lunch by a waterfall, crawled over so much dead fall and hiked on the Howse Flood Plain.

The sunset on the flood plain was one of most magical I have seen.

As always a big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Evening light on Picketpost Mt. #aztrail #aztasso Evening light on Picketpost Mt.

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15. Some photos of Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15.

Some photos of my recent hike down a couple of Passages of the Arizona Trail. 

The trail is so diverse, rolling terrain cut by shallow washes leads to the expanse of the desert then into rugged canyons and tall peaks, all in a space of 92 km (58 miles).

Had a great time, some blisters gave me some concerns but they seem to be doing fine now that they are out of my hiking shoes.

Got lucky with Trail Magic courtesy of Condiments who drove his 4x4 deep into an unarmed wash, was really in the middle of no where, and then again at the start of Passage 15, missed the Trail Angel's name, the wind was so loud.

Like to thank my Trail Angels, Carole for driving me to Oracle to start the trip, with side trip to a Hayden Az, a real ghost town and to Edith for leaving a water cache for me at Passage 15.

Included a video of my time at the high point for Passage 15. My kid likes it when you stop and enjoy the view you earned, thought they would appreciate my effort in the face of 1000 mph winds (ok maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration).

Thanks Arizona and the AZT for providing more memories.

I will be back

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to start my hike on the Arizona Trail, Passages 14 and 15

Love my little motel in Superior, Az, Copper Mt Motel. Has murals painted on all the buildings

Spied the Grand Canyon from the plane 

Adventure awaits 

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure. Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure.

Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15 starting Sunday

Off weekend gooooooo!

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Last weekend before heading to Arizona for a four Last weekend before heading to Arizona for a four day adventure on the Arizona Trail.

I wonder if hiking in the 15 cm of fresh snow will be good prepared for hiking the deserts of Passages 14 and 15?

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 4 of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on the Day 4 of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on the website, see link in bio.

This was a truly epic day spent on the Amiskwi and Collie Creek Alternates.

The weather cooperated starting with a spectacular sunrise on the Mummery Glacier, rainbows and blue skies on the ridge.

We had a brief encounter with a little black bear who scampered quickly away. 

Finished off the day with a cold beer, Grizzly Paw Rutting Elk Red, that I had carried with me and it tasted great.

Easily one of th best days on the trail ever.

Again big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#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 2022 Section D hike is posted, see li Day 3 of our 2022 Section D hike is posted, see link in bio.

This was a shorter day, only about 17 km but took us from the end of the Kiwetinok Alternate up to Amiskwi Pass and then a beautiful meadow at the the base of the Amiskwi Ridge.

Photo 1 - morning sky

Photo 2 - on the Kiwetinok Alternate

Photo 3 - Kiwetinok Alternate

Photo 4 - break time at a stream crossing, Frosty Paws hanging in there

Photo 5 - Fireweed with a view down the Amiskwi Valley,

Photo 6 - fields of flowers as we approached Amiskwi Pass

Photo 7 - Yellow Columbine on the way up to Amiskwi Lodge

Photo 8 - Our camp in the meadow

Photo 9 - Setting sun

Photo 10 - one of the best adventure stories ever! True story of how three prisoners of war escaped and climbed Mt Kenya

Again big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
First two days of my 2022 Great Divide Trail Secti First two days of my 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D adventure are up on the blog, see profile for link.

Day 1 was from Burgess Pass Trail head to Yoho Lake Campground. A relatively short day but a good warm up for the rest of the trip.

Big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

Photo 1 - at Burgess Pass looking at Mt Wapta

Photo 2 - Flowers, it was a great time to hike to see all the flowers in August bloom

Photo 3 - Emerald Lake from up high

Photo 4 - at Yoho Pass, did I mention the flowers

Photo 5 - Duplex tent all set up with Frosty Paws on guard, and oh ya, more flowers

Photo 6 - the north end of Wapta Mt as seen from Yoho Lake.

Super fun little day, the opening a grand adventure.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Sound On. Video clips from my hike along th Supe Sound On. 

Video clips from my hike along th Superstion Ridgeline.

Was an epic hike, 24km from my campsite at Miners Needle to First Water Trailhead where my car was.

Wouldn't recommend doing all in one day backpacking, as the final descent down Siphon Draw Wash is brutal, but I did it in 10hrs 45min

Would love to redo th hike at some point and actaull stop and camp along the ridge.

I had enough water to stop, but I was enticed by the prospects of a beer to finish.

#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
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
Just some of my favorite photos from my New Year's Just some of my favorite photos from my New Year's Arizona trip to the Superstitions

#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
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.
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