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Day 2 Mystic Lake Banff NP

Early morning at Mystic Lake

Day 2 Mystic Valley Campground to Moose Meadows Trailhead, 19.3 km, 349 m elevation gain, 839 m elevation loss, 6 hrs 5 min

Even though we had almost the entire day to hike out to Moose Meadows, I did have a family dinner commitment in Calgary in the evening, so I was up early and out of the tent by 6:15am. It had rained overnight, the trees in the campground kept most of the water off. I gave Volcano a little walk around the campground, then we headed over to the food storage to feed Volcano and collect our food for breakfast.

Good morning from Mystic Valley
Volcano ignoring her mat.

When Micah and I did the GR20, we had coffee and oatmeal for breakfast. While having a hot meal at breakfast is wonderful, it is time consuming to heat and eat the oatmeal. For this trip, we still had a hot cup of coffee, but switched out the oatmeal for Logan Bread (for the recipe we use, follow the link Wild Backpacker). Logan bread is dense, dry baked product, that travels great and provides a hearty snack, or breakfast. We ate 100g chunks of Logan Bread, and it was a satisfying breakfast, and easy to eat as we tore down the campsite. This easily saved us 10 – 15 minutes in our morning routine, not a big deal on this trip, but nice if you have a big day to accomplish.

Coffee and Logan Bread for breakfast, the breakfast of champions, and us.

The sun poked up over the horizon just after 7:00 am. The day looked good, but the weather forecast had threatened possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. We hit the trail by 7:25 am.

Volcano checking out the campground as the sun rises over the horizon.

The campground was a hill with the creeks draining Mystic Pass to our north and Mystic Lake to the south. We veered away from the Mystic Pass creek and traveled on a rocky, rooted trail beside the creek draining Mystic Lake. We came to a nice, robust bridge over the creek after about 8 minutes, and arrived at the junction to Mystic Lake after about 10 minutes and a distance of 800 m from Mystic Valley Campground.

The trail leaving the campground, wet, muddy, rocky and rooty.
Very sturdy bridge over a small creek.
Well marked junction to Mystic Lake.

An easy hike to lake was punctuated by a small obstacle. Parks Canada had made a simple bridge crossing from two logs, but the logs had rotted out and collapsed. The water was not very deep, but I decided to carry Volcano across by the harness, as Volcano is not the most precise walker, and I was afraid she would fall of. It was difficult to carry her and not fall off myself. Volcano put me to shame on our return trip when she just walked easily over the logs without a problem.

Not one of Parks Canada’s better bridges, and maybe I should have just let Volcano walk across.

We came across a small pond. The water was smooth so I stopped for pictures.

Continuing on, we arrived at Mystic lake about 20 minutes and 1.3 km after leaving the campground.

Volcano arriving at Mystic Lake
Micah and Volcano taking in the view of Mystic Lake.
Pays to get up early for reflections.
Mystic Mountain reflection in the Lake
A panorama of Mystic Lake

We spent several minutes taking in the view, Mystic Lake was one of the highlights of the trip, and no point in rushing. Just before we left, I was looking in the water, and I notices shells among the rocks . I was surprised to see shells in a alpine lake, I did not think mollusks would live in the cold alpine water of the Canadian Rockies.

Shells among the rocks.

On the way back to the junction with the main trail, we came back to the little bridge crossing, while we debated on what to do, Volcano just charged across, no problem. We arrived back at the junction with the main trail, it had been 35 minutes since we left the campground, and our side trip to Mystic lake had taken about 25 minutes.

Another view of the water crossing.
Back on the main trail, heading to Mystic Pass.

To the top of Mystic pass it is a distance of about 3.5 km and elevation gain of 280 m from the junction with the trail to Mystic Lake. The trail improves as we leave the junction, it is wide, well graded and not as rocky as earlier. We cut up through very old growth forest. We came to a stream draining a small unnamed lake above Mystic Lake, it provided a pretty view as it tumbled down through forest.

View of the creek, down a very steep slope.
Not sure what plant this is, they occur frequently along the trail, but by themselves.
Crossing the stream draining the unnamed lake.

The trail flattens out a little after the stream crossing, but continues on a steady ascent to the pass. After hiking steadily for 30 minutes, we come out on a avalanche path providing us our first views of Mystic Pass. We have covered half the elevation to the pass.

After passing through the avalanche pass, we plunged back into the forest. In the forest, we found some small patches of snow, as a retired sled dog, Volcano enjoyed sniffing and playing in the snow.

Small patches of snow still clinging in shady depressions.

The trail then leveled off and the trees started to thin out. We past through some small meadows. Finally we cleared the the forest. We paused to take some photos and take in the view.

Micah enjoying a flatter section of trail, flowers are blooming.
Small marshy area near the top.
View down the valley draining the pass, the valley is the fault formed between the rock layers on either side.
High alpine flowers clinging to a rock face thriving in harsh conditions.
The sun is just rising on us as we come towards to the top of the pass.

We continued on, passing through rocky alpine meadows, some more snow fields for Volcano to enjoy and arrived at the top of the pass at 9:03 am, it had taken 1 hr 15 minutes to travel the 3.5 km from the junction with Mystic Lake

The alpine meadows of Mystic Pass
Micah looking back to enjoy the view.
View back to Mystic Valley
Micah rising past a snow field, the trail has lost it loamy surface and is now a rocky shale.
Volcano surveying the view of the Mystic Pass.

We stopped for a snack break, and enjoyed the views provided by the pass. Leaving the pass, we would descend into a long valley, dropping 530 m over 7 km before arriving at Larry’s Camp Campground.

Group photo at the top of the pass, Frosty Paws and Horace joining in on the fun.
Looking back to the south, from where we had come from.
Off we go, the trail is narrow, but good.

We dropped down into a nice meadow, quickly cross, and up a small gully with some snow that Volcano checks out. The transition from the grassy meadows of the alpine, to the forest marking the beginning of the decent is quite abrupt. We entered the forest and headed down the steepest section of trail on the hike, we lose 240 m in 1.4 km.

A final small uphill through a little gully, Volcano enjoying the snow.
The transition to the forest, trail is a little bit rocky.
View northward up the valley.

The trail was steep, with some switchbacks, but I am happy we are not coming up this. Flowers along the trail add some colour to the hike.. The sun rising higher into the sky gave us some warmth in the shade of the trees, and made a nice sun star.

Flowers on the trail.
It was a brilliant morning

We came across a waterfall, about 1 km after leaving the pass. I scrambled down a steep slope to get some photos, maybe would have been easier if had taken off my backpack.

View of the waterfall from trail.
Quite a nice little waterfall.

The trail continued to descend steeply after the waterfall for another half a kilometer, before flattening out for a couple of kilometers. We passed by a massive slope of broken rocks. It is said to be inhabited by a large population of pikas, maybe we were too early, because we did not see or hear any. We met a couple of trail runners working their way up the pass, these were the first people we had seen since we had spotted someone at Cockscomb Campground the day before.

Somewhere in this rockpile, there are lots of pikas sleeping.

We escaped the trees for a short while and the views opened to show the magnificent mountains surrounding the valley.

Views of the ridge to right as we descend the valley.
It was a glorious morning for a hike.

The trail wound its way through the forest, with some small ups, but mostly down. We crossed a small marsh, that was very densely vegetated. It was still early in the day, and the sun had not evaporated the morning dew, so I got completely soaked passing through the marsh. Luckily it was warm out and my clothes were quick dry.

Volcano steadily leading the way would not know that she is 12 years old.
I am so wet, was as if I had been in a short rain shower.

The trail continued to lose elevation steadily for the next km, but then abruptly dropped 100 m in just 0.5 km, bringing us to a bridge over Johnston Creek. We had traveled 5 km from the top of the pass in 1 hr 20 minutes. We had covered a total of 10 km in 3 hrs 15 minutes. Volcano quickly crossed the bridge, her bridge crossings have improved a lot since she first crossed a bridge hiking Heart Creek and almost fell off.

Volcano and Micah crossing over Johnston Creek.

It is one kilometer from the bridge to Larry’s Camp Campground, we quickly arrived at the campground and decided to take our packs off and enjoyed a rest beside the fast flowing creek.

A bit rooty, but a nice wide trail following the creek.
Parks Canada amazing backcountry signage.
Micah and Volcano relaxing, we have done 10 km, have just under 9 km to go.
Nice wooded campsites.
The campsites are all on the other side of of the creek from where had our break.

After a 15 minute break we headed across the bridge to where the campsites were. The trail leading away from camp was very wide and smooth. The tail weaved its way through the forest, closely following the creek. It is about 2 km to the Ink Pots, where we were planning on having lunch. As we approached the Ink Pots, the trail become more open, allowing us views of the mountains, but also of the threatening skies that lay to the west.

There are some small water crossing s and marshy sections between Larry’s Camp and the Ink Pots.
Heading across an open meadow, some menacing clouds over Mt Ishbel
Numerous little bridge crossings on the way to the Ink Pots.
A very old Parks Canada Sign just before the Ink Pots

We approached the Ink Pots at 11:40 am, we decided to have lunch before crossing the bridge to the Ink Pots. We could see that there were crowds of people visiting the Ink Pots, and wanted a quieter place for to enjoy our lunch. There was a dry stream bed with a plank over it, acting as a bridge. During the spring, there would be water flowing, but now it was dry. With no water in the stream bed, it looked like a bench, so we decided to eat out lunch on the “bench” away from the crowds of people.

Volcano eying our lunch

Quite a few groups passed by as we ate our lunch, most intent on exploring just a little further towards Larry’s Camp. We did meet a young couple who had overly ambitious plans to hike to Mystic Lake and go fishing, before hiking back the entire way to their car. It was noon, and they had about 30 km of hiking left to do, and only the guy had a pack and it was small. They also had no idea of distances, as they thought that they had done 13 km, when in fact from the road it is only about 7 km. I did suggest that it was a long way and with a big climb, but they seemed determined to do keep going. Micah and I both agreed that the trip would probably peter out up the climb to the pass. I did remember later that there where signs prohibiting fishing at Mystic Lake.

We finished our lunch, so we packed up and set sail for the parking lot. We have been to the Ink Pots many times in the past, so we hiked on by without stopping for look. There is a a bit of climbing as you leave the Ink Pots, about 100 m in 1.5 km, not a big deal, but it had been pretty flat for the last while, and we had just had lunch, so we were both pretty energerized .

We met a group of about 10 young people who were heading out on a 20 day trip, Micah was jealous. Later we met a group of young women heading to Larry’s Camp. There are lots of people who visit the Ink Pots, and they mostly come from Johnston Canyon. By parking the car at Moose Meadows, we avoided the most of the crowds viewing the canyon by when we veered away from the main trail on the Moose Meadows cut off, giving us a fairly peaceful last 3 km to the car

Some Red Paint brushes in full bloom.
Parts of the trail to the parking lot are a little rooty.

We arrived back at the car, at 1:30 pm, 6 hrs and 5 min after we left the campsite, I had lots of time to make my family dinner.

Mystic Lake Home

bootwreckers

Day 3 of my New Years adventure in Arizona up on B Day 3 of my New Years adventure in Arizona up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Hiked the Superstition Ridgeline Trail, 23 km of some very rough terrain.

The views from the ridge were spectacular. The trail is more of a route, then a trail. I got off trail a half a dozen times just on the ascent to the ridge. Sprinkled in for fun where several down climbs where I had to drop my poles before climbing down a small chimney or crack.

There is camping possibilities on the ridge and I do wish I would have camped just before Syphon Draw and enjoyed the sunset. Maybe next time.

This was a very challenging 10.5 hrs on the trail, one of my hardest days ever, but worth every drop of sweat.

Till next time Arizona.

#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
Even in the smoke, there is nothing like hiking in Even in the smoke, there is nothing like hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

On the way to Pinto Lake, going over Sunset Pass with Tuft Peak in the distance.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #alberta, #albertaparks
Day 2 of my New Years Arizona Adventure is posted, Day 2 of my New Years Arizona Adventure is posted, see link in bio.

Fun and easy day exploring the Superstitions with my four new friends. Lots of varied terrain and lots of breaks. Will make up for that on Day 3.

I did run out of superlatives to describe the scenery, in one word it was simply spectacular!

#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 1 of a fun two day trip out to Pinto Lake over Day 1 of a fun two day trip out to Pinto Lake over Sunset Pass.

It was a little smokey but as you can see from the first photo the views were spectacular.....

The little dot in Photo 9 is a Common Loon, and entertained us for several minutes swimming across the lake and diving for fish.

Big thanks to @kbsymington , @sio.mellors , Kylie and Charlie for making it such an awesome trip.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #alberta, #albertaparks
Day 1 of my 2023 New Years Arizona Adventure is up Day 1 of my 2023 New Years Arizona Adventure is up on Bootwreckers,  see link in bio.

Day started off rainy, see photo 2, but the clouds cleared off by 8 am and I finally got my hike started.

The day wasn't without adversity as I slipped chasing my water bottle in a stream and fell in the water. My camera got flooded and stopped working so the rest of the photos were taken on my aging BlackBerry Key 2.

Met up with a group of 4 med students and hiked with them for two days.

Despite the ruined camera was a super fun day on the trail in a new place. 

#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
It took a while but finally posted the intro to my It took a while but finally posted the intro to my New Years trip to Arizona, see link in bio.

I was greater in Arizona to 18C weather followed quickly by near freezing temperatures and the most rain in the Phoenix area in one day since 1906!

My trip went from Plan A, 4 days on the Arizona Trail,  through Plans B, C and Finally D.

Was a fun if sometimes frustrating adventure.

#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 3 of Rockwall 2022 is up on Bootwreckers, see Day 3 of Rockwall 2022 is up on Bootwreckers,  see link in bio.

Sweet little day up and over Tumbling Pass with and a long view of Tumbling Glacier. 

The weather cooperated with blue skies and no threat of rain so we were able to linger at The Glacier before heading down the long descent to the car.

While a straightforward day there were still some adventures to be had, but you have to read about them on the blog.

Big thanks to my amazing hiking partner, @sio.mellors

Looking forward to our 3 day adventure this summer, which will no doubt generate more stories to tell.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
Day 2 of our Rockwall 2022 trip is posted on Bootw Day 2 of our Rockwall 2022 trip is posted on Bootwreckers, see link in bio. With @sio.mellors

This day was Helmet Falls CG to Tumbling Creek CG.

Day started off beautiful with blue skies which turned to rain after lunch. Somehow through all the rain and thunder Siobhan  never lost her smile.

The day ended with beers and Siobhan giving butt rubs to the doggies in camp.

Photo 1 Siobhan taking in the Rockwall at lunch

Photo 2 Helmet Falls at Golden hour

Photo 3 me and my morning coffee waiting for Siobhan to wake up

Photo 4 on the way up Siobhan with Limestone Peak in th background 

Photo 5 Siobhan at Rockwall Pass (can you tell?)

Photo 6 Siobhan near Wolverine Pass with Rockwall Peak shrouded in clouds

Photo 7 Tumbling Glacier through the clouds

Photo 8 setting up camp

Photo 9 Dinner time

Photo 10 butt rubs

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
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.

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