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Day 2 Rockwall North – To Tumbling Creek CG – Kootenay NP

Ken crossing the snowfield going over Rockwall Pass.

Helmet Falls CG to Tumbling Creek CG, 14.5 km, 900 m Elevation Gain, 750 m Elevation Loss, 7 hrs 40 min.

I arrived back at camp at 8 am an hour after I had first set out to find Niel and Ken just making their breakfast. It was only a 12 km day so there was no rush. We headed out of camp at 9 and the first stop was a detour back to Helmet Falls. Ken and Neil dropped their packs by the broken bridge and headed for a closer look at the falls.

Leaving camp. Can see the moon over Helmet Falls. The snow covered peaks of Helmet Mt (3142 m) part of the Washmawapta Icefield is the source of water for the falls.
Filling up with water. Neil and Ken are 1 L water bottle type of hikers. I carry a water bladder.

The side trip to Helmet Falls took about 30 minutes. With the sun high in the sky there was no rainbow effect but the sight of the water tumbling for over 350 m (1000ft) is a awe inspiriting and an excellent example of the wonders of the natural world and one of the reasons I go hiking.

People to give a scale as to the size of the falls.
Neil getting his obligatory photos with the falls.
Ken looking somewhat pleased.

We headed back to pick up the packs and to begin the hike to Tumbling Creek CG. The day would involve hiking over two passes and crossing a snow field. The first pass is a 4 m hike up 405 m of elevation to Limestone Summit. The view from Limestone Summit provides an excellent view of the Rockwall. A quick 300 m descent is then followed by a 376 m climb over 4 km will bring us to Rockwall Pass before we finish the hike by dropping 360 m to Tumbling Creek CG.

Off we go Neil leading the way, 9:40 am.

Soon after the little stream crossing the trail headed uphill through a series of switchbacks. The gradient of the trail was never too steep as we steadily gained elevation. Neil took up position at the head of the group where he would spend the majority of the trip. I acted as the caboose so I guess that makes Ken the coal car!

Trail cuts up through old growth. Was steep so glad for the switchbacks.
An extreme close up. Yellow Columbine.
Always make time to check out the flowers. White globeflower.

We came to an open areas on the side of short hill and had our last look at Helmet Falls. The trail then plunged into the forest to take us around the end of Limestone Peak. There was some snow on the trail and plenty of muddy sections along the trail. We stopped for a break after 1 hr 15 min having covered 3.1 km.

Last look at Helmet Falls.
Coming around the end of Limestone Peak.
Goodsir Pass. I will be hiking over that in about 5 weeks.
Working through some snow!
Hard to remember that this is July 11th with all the snow.

We came out of the woods onto a fairly flat stretch of trail and made a quick right hand turn onto a grassy meadow and the Rockwall came into full view all the way to Wolverine Pass!

View from Limestone Summit. Snow covered Rockwall Pass in the distance. The peak in the trees is Mt Drysdale (2932 m), the peak at centre is Tumbling Peak (3121 m) in the far distance is Mt Foster (3204 m) which overlooks Floe Lake. A straight line distance of 16 km.

The view from the grassy meadow of Limestone Summit was so stunning it took us 5 minutes to walk just 130 m. We stopped looked at the view, took photos, and just tried to absorb the scenery that we had traveled to see. The young ladies from last night arrived just as we were starting to head off. The “oohs” and “ahhs” and exclamations of awe must have mimicked what we had sounded like.

Just standing and looking at the view. A worthwhile way to spend a few minutes.
Flowers working hard in what is spring in the sub alpine. White Globeflower.
Brotherly advice on how best to frame the photo.

We quickly lost all the elevation we had gained dropping 220 m in 1.5 km. The ground was very wet at the low point and you could just imagine how wet this must have been only a week or so ago as the last of the snow melted. For the most part the trail was dry was still some wet sections that kept us paying attention to where we put our feet.

I am intrigued by the brown bands of rock in the cliffs below Limestone Peak.
Following the trail down. Was pretty hard to get lost.
Despite the moisture not a lot of trees at the bottom. Can see the land rising to Rockwall Pass in the distance. Trail is a little soggy.
Pano of the Rockwall.
A minor stream crossing. Through the trees you can see that we will begin to go back up shortly.

As we started heading uphill towards Rockwall pass we decided it would be good time to stop for lunch. We setttled on a nice little turquoise pond with a view south to Rockwall Pass.

More colourful flowers.
Looking at the drainage flowing from Rockwall Pass. The water will flow into Helmet Creek. You could follow the creek all the way to the trail from yesterday. The mountains in the distance are at the back of Lake Louise.
Lunchtime!

We relaxed by the pond while eating our lunch for about 35 minutes. Across the pond a couple of hikers took advantage of a large rock and stretched out to relax in the sun. My lunch was my typical hiking lunch. Whole wheat wraps with pepperoni and crushed potato chips. Since this was a short trip I had the luxury of fresh red peppers to add some sweetness to the meal. I finished off the lunch with a little bit of chocolate.

Lunch. I ate two wraps. Maltesers are a favourite treat on the trail.
Neil and Ken relaxing before we tackle the next pass.
Looking almost due north. The tall peak is Deltaform Mt (3424 m or 11234 ft). Deltaform Mt is at the back or Moraine Lake in the Lake Louise area and is only 120 m shorter than Mt Temple.

We packed up and headed off after a good break. Ken stopped to fill up his water in a stream that drained the snowfields on Rockwall Pass as the pond we had lunch at was quite silty. We crossed a small bridge over the stream and headed into a lightly forested hillside where we would spend the next 35 minutes gaining most of the elevation to Rockwall Pass. The forest ended abruptly at a small drainage presenting before us the remnants of the winter’s snowfield. Crossing the snowfield would take us up and over Rockwall Pass and lead us to Wolverine Pass. Wolverine Pass is not strictly on the Rockwall Trail. It is pass though the Rockwall heading to the wes, the only break along the length of the Rockwall.

Ken already heading up the hill. Neil has lot of danglies on his backpack.
Artistic attempt at a side stream.
Trail is steep but mostly clear of snow.
A small pond forming at a terminal moraine. We ate just below the moraine.
Mt Drysdale (2932 m)

As I looked across the snowfield I was a little surprised that there was no well defined trail through the snow. We stood and watched a couple pass by and head into the snowfield. The veered off to the left which was up the slope. When we walked out onto the snow there were footprints fanning out in all directions it appeared that no one knew where the trail actually went.

Frosty Paws enjoying some snow in July.
The gang. The couple of hikers who passed us. They veered off to the left and up the slope. We stayed to the right on the lower slopes.

While we were putting out traction aids on the young ladies arrived and prepared to cross the snowfield. They had no GPS devices and had only the PDF camping map of Kootenay NP to us as a map. As we crossed the snowfield they trailed behind but never let us get too far ahead. It was quiet apparent they were utilizing us as their guides.

Neil leading Ken across the snowfield.

After a bit of debating about the route I pulled out my tablet and pulled up my Viewranger App that I had running. I used the tablet to guide us as we went across the snowfield to stay on the trail. I was vindicated by the app when we came to a dry patch of ground and found we were right on the trail. Ken uses a different app and followed his with equal success.

Ken and Neil discussing the route.
Right on the trial. The white/yellow plastic stakes marked the trail. Not sure why they are used as any amount of snow would bury them.
Trail and trail marker has on on course as Ken heads back into the snow.
Neil making his way across the snow.
Snow, ice and towering walls of limestone highlight the Rockwall in July.
Wolverine Pass at centre right with the towering peak of Mount Grey (3000 m) to the south.

It took us about 50 minutes to cross the 2.0 km of the snowfield. As we passed under the slopes of Mt Drysdale heading to the junction with Wolverine Pass Neil had us go one at a time as there was a small risk of avalanche from the slope.

We have finished crossing the snowfield. Just a few isolated patches of snow left.
The gang has gotten a little bigger.
Back onto hard trail, but only temporarily.
Ken leading the way to Wolverine Pass.
The view north east from the entrance to Wolverine Pass. Stanley Peak (3155 m) in the distance at centre.
Wolverine Pass is right at that ridge.

Our group had become 6 with the ladies joining up when we had finished crossing the snowfield. The group decided to spend a few minutes checking out the view from Wolverine Pass. Neil drawing on his experience as a former guide takes every opportunity to either sit down and relax or remove his pack. Before heading over to Wolverine Pass Neil took off his pack and everyone followed suit except me. I considered this hike as training for my Great Divide Trail hike later in the summer so I kept my pack on.

Off to check out Wolverine Pass. No packs but Ken has his bear spray.
Looking over Wolverine Pass.
Looking back can just make out the backpacks at centre on the green slope.

I was pretty unimpressed with Wolverine Pass. The view on the other side was a long uninspiring valley topped by an angry sky. Looking back to the east where we had come from there were blue skies, snowy peaks and a sub alpine vista. What made the side trip to Wolverine Pass memorable was the three hikers we met. The trio had come up from the other side and were enjoying a beer while they got ready to head back and were quite talkative. One of the hikers had a tattoo of Marvin the Paranoid Android from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The guy was super cool and even let me take a photograph of Marvin. Anyone with a Marvin tattoo is someone worth getting to know.

Marvin the Paranoid Android

We said goodby to Marvin and headed back to retrieve the packs and make our way to Tumbling Creek CG. The side trip to Wolverine Pass too a little under 30 minutes. We passed a beat up Parks Canada sign that said 3.0 km to the campground and 10.9 km to Hwy 93. My Viewranger App had the distance to the campground as 3.5 km with a further 11.1 km to the Parking lot at the Paint Pots. I think the sign needs to be updated. It would take us 1hr 12 min to get to Tumbling Creek CG dropping a stiff 292 m in the process.

A sign in need of updating and repair.

We followed the trail south from Wolverine Pass. We had to cross a small snowfield Neil and Ken lead the way. Part way along my left foot slipped and I came down and pressed my right foot right up to my bum. Due to deterioration of my right knee under normal circumstances I cannot get my foot to withing 20 cm of my bum, so slamming all the way down created an intense shot of pain through my knee. As I sat in the snow I was quite worried that I may have done something serious to my knee. Getting up gingerly with the help of my poles I was quite relieved after a few steps nothing seemed to be amiss.

Ken taking in the view before heading off across the snow.
Tumbling Glacier.

We were presented with a couple of well defined trails through the snow. We picked the trail to the left which was lower down the slope. The trail took us to a drainage that appeared to head towards the valley where the campground would be. Quickly the trail became less defined and we got a bit uneasy about our choice. After about 5 minutes I checked my Viewranger and we were not on the main trail! The trail we should have chosen was the one on the right that stayed a little higher. We just cut straight up the hill out of the drainage and quickly located the main trial.

Ken heading left to the lower trail.
Just had to make our way up this small rise to the correct trail.

The rest of the hike to the campground was pretty uneventful. It was surprising how long the snow lasted on the trail. I kept thinking that we had crossed the last little snow patch when another one would appear. The trail was only snow free for the last 1.5 km. The drop into the campground was short but steep. I kept thinking about how I would have to hike up this in 5 weeks.

Trail is a little sloppy.
More snow crossings.
Ken looking pleased, is this the end of the snow?
Tumbling Pass.
Dry trail.

Just mere metres before arriving at the campground we had one more obstacle to cross. A small stream was covered in snow and since we could hear the water running under the snow the concern with the crossing was falling through a snow bridge into the water. I am a little surprised I do not have any photos but a snap shot of the Viewranger tracking shows our wandering around and how far out of our way we went to find what appeared to be a safe crossing. It was a successful crossing and no one got wet.

The above screen shot from my Viewranger had some interesting information. At point “A” is where we cut up from the lower drainage back to the trail. It looks like had we stayed in the drainage we would have ended up following a small stream ending up at “B”. We have no idea what obstacles we would have had to negotiate so it was a good choice to get back to the main trail. Point “B” is where we had difficulty crossing the snow. We went a fair way out of our way to cross the little creek.

We arrived at the campground and chose some campsites near the bottom. The time was 4:38 pm it had taken us a comfortable 7hrs 10 min to hike from Helmet Falls CG. Had the tent set up and clothes drying by 5:15 pm.

Tent set up. Neil and Ken are in the behemoth tent just above. I would take their spot when I came back on the GDT hike. The trail to the right leads to a little stream.
Cooling a well earned beverage.

Got around to cooking dinner at 6:15 pm. It was quite a party atmosphere with our group of six. The dining area was in a beautiful meadow with a glorious view of the Rockwall and the Tumbling Glacier. At one point Neil was waxing poetically about the virtue of stiff hiking boots. The ladies being new to hiking where keen on learning insights about backpacking. I completely disagree with Neil. I am prefer hiking shoes and have carried loads over 70 lbs comfortably. I did have boots on this trip as Ken had recommended boots for the snow crossings but I would have just as happy in shoes and gators. I chose not say anything as I was happy to sit an observe the flow of the conversation without really partaking in it.

My little kitchen.
The evening light on Tumbling Peak and Tumbling Glacier.

During dinner I had my beer and of course drank some more wine. Ken tried to share his whisky with the group but did not get many takers. Think it is because it is more an “Old Guy” drink. Headed to bed just after 8 pm. I was living large in my Zpack Duplex 2 person tent. Going solo it gave me a ton of space. I read for a little while but I am never very successful reading in a tent and was quickly turning out the lights on a fantastic day on the Rockwall.

Rockwall North Day 3 – To Paint Pots

Rockwall North Home

bootwreckers

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❤️
The trip summaries for Days 10, 11 and 12 from ou The trip summaries  for Days 10, 11 and 12 from our 2021 GDT Section E hike is now up on www.Bootwreckers.com, see link in bio

We had a great end to the trip. Day 9 was a short day from our wild camp on the Bald Hills to Evelyn Crk Campground. Day 10 was a spectacular hike up over Little and Big Shovel Passes to the iconic Jasper Skyline Trail. Camping at Signal Campground. 

Day 11 was an easy walk into Jasper.

The trip was an amazing experience over 11 days, I met and hiked with many people but big props to my kid, who for some reason keeps hiking with me.

Photo 1 - end of hike, looking off into the distance, across th Athabasca River at Cairngorm Mt. 

Photo 2 - morning Bald Hills

Photo 3 - campsite Evelyn Crk CG

Photo 4 - Reading before bed

Photo 5 - fresh bear print on the trail

Photo 6 - Little Shovel Pass

Photo 7 - Snowbowl

Photo 8 - Last grind up to the Notch

Photo 9 - looking east from the Skyline down through Excelsior Creek

Photo 10 At campsite Signal Campground 

See trip reports on our blog, 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 #zpacks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Day 7 and 8 on our GDT trip from last summer. Day Day 7 and 8 on our GDT trip from last summer.

Day 7 was from Waterfalls CG to a meadow in the Six Passes Route. Was a wet, moist day. Numerous creek crossings. Left the main GDT route at Maligne Pass and went off trail into the Six Passes. 

Spent the first night in an amazing meadow. With rain in the forecast we did 5 passes and the ridge walk in one day.

In one word the day was "Epic" . Was a spectacular journey. Huge day, 23 km and over 1500m up and down. So happy we did it, but we were so relieved to put in the tent somewhere flat.

Picture 1) the view of the Six Passes Route from the top of the first pass

Picture 2) me getting ready to leave Waterfalls CG

Picture 3) crossing a creek on a wet log

Picture 4) camping Six Passes

Picture 5) hiking Six Passes

Picture 6) sunrise pass # 2

Picture 7) it's a rocky climb

Picture 8) mmmm chocolate 

Picture 9) the final ascent on the ridge

Picture 10) happy to be home for the evening

See trip reports on our blog, 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 #zpacks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
First 5 days of my 11 day 2021 Great Divide Trail First 5 days of my 11 day 2021 Great Divide Trail Hike Section E is up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Includes the 2 days I did on Section D but aborted due to smoke.

Picture 1) Camp on Owen Creek
Picture 2) Camp at Lower Michelle Lake
Picture 3) Pinto Pass
Picture 4) hiking up Cataract Creek
Picture 5) Smokey sunrise over the Brazeau River

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #teamzpacks #zpacks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Fun trip out to the Ink Pots in Banff NP on Decemb Fun trip out to the Ink Pots in Banff NP on December 31st.

Was very cold, -30C, but bluebird skies overhead.

Did a little snowshoeing in the meadow.

Saw almost no one above the upper falls at Johnson Canyon.

Fun adventure.

Happy New Year everyone.

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
Day 6 Section E Great Divide Trail Hike 2021 (Part Day 6 Section E Great Divide Trail Hike 2021 (Part 1)

Fun day on the trail heading from Four Points CG to Waterfalls CG. 

The day started dry but damp from the rainfall overnight. As we left the Brazeau River valley and headed up to Jonas Pass the storm clouds blew in forcing us to get our wet weather gear on. 

I discovered shortly after that it is great to have gloves for hiking, but that they should be accessible, not buried somewhere in the pack.

The storm was quite fierce but luckily brief. We arrived at Jonas pass and were able to put our rain gear away.

The clouds would remain with for the duration of the hike adding some mood to the hike.

This was my second time hiking over Jonas Pass and Jonas Shoulder and both times it has rained.

We arrived at Jonas Shoulder. We took some time to enjoy the view and let off some steam. The rest of the hike would be downhill.

Happy Friday

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
Waterfall on Owen Creek, Day 1 GDT Section E. Req Waterfall on Owen Creek, Day 1 GDT Section E.

Required a fun bit of scrambling to access.

Happy Friday

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
Day 5 GDT 2021 Section E. This day was memorable Day 5 GDT 2021 Section E.

This day was memorable for a few reasons. First waking up to more smoke.

First photo is the sun rising over the mountains at 8:30am, shouldn't really be that red.

Doing the extra distance on day 4 meant that this day I had a 3.1 km hike from Boulder Crk CG to Four Points CG.

I could not extend the day as Emily was joining me on this day coming in from the Nigel Pass trailhead and the next campground on our route would be to far to reach on this day.

When I arrived at Four Points it was just before 8am! Must be my shortest day ever.

I spent the day reading and waiting for Emily. I heard her bear calling down the trail about a minute before she arrived.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing. Met some some people from Calgary who I had a mutual friend with, he used to be their cross country ski coach.

We went to bed reasonably early as we had a decent day ahead of us tomorrow.

The smoke was lifting as we went to bed. 

The last photo is Links' Happy Badass Bandana. Still miss my little hiking partner.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking
Day 4 Great Divide Trail Section E. Pinto Lakes to Day 4 Great Divide Trail Section E. Pinto Lakes to Boulder Creek CG.

Super fun day full of adventure and a lot of smoke. This was a big day, 32 km over Cataract Pass into the upper reaches of Bourgeau Creek in Jasper NP.

After the clear skies of my astrophotography in the middle of the night I got up at 5am, jst 3 hours after I put the camera away, to join my trail companions Jason and Bent for the day. 

The terrain was suppose to be rugged and the trail a little iffy so I thought it would be good to have some companions. As it was we got took two wrong turns in the first 15 minutes.

After several steam crossings, some with suspect bridge work, finally had to cross a wide stream and get wet feet. I had sandals, but my companions ploughed through so I figured I had to keep up.

I found a rock with ancient Indigenous petroglyphs. It is just off trail, but a good day and a half hike from any road.

We passed from Banff NP to Alberta Parks Wilderness area. There is wild camping in the Wilderness area, but good camping spots are hard to find.

I was going to stop for the day short of Cataract Pass, but it was so smokey I thought I would continue on.

We had lunch at the base of Cataract Pass. I used Frosty Paws as a table for my lunch.

It was such a big day I will conclude the trip in another post.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking
Milky Way and the Persaids Meteor Shower. Pinto La Milky Way and the Persaids Meteor Shower. Pinto Lake

On the night of day 3 I got up at 2am to take photos of the night sky. I was hoping to catch the Milky Way and I knew that the Perseids was going on, so hoping to see both.

I must have seen a good couple of dozen meteors during the hour I was awake.

I went to sleep in my hiking clothes because I knew I was getting up at 2am to take photos then we had a big day ahead of us so the breakfast wake up call was 5am!

I got so lucky with the pictures as in the couple's hours between returning to bed and getting up to start Day 4, the smoke rolled in.

Photo 1 is the Milky Way but no meteor. There are meteors in the following three photos.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #milkyway, #perseidmeteorshower #perseids #nightimephotography #astrophotography
Great Divide Trail Section E, Valley after first p Great Divide Trail Section E, Valley after first pass on the Six Passes route.

New post on www.Bootwreckers.com, preparation and plan for my GDT Section D and E hike for the summer of 2021 (see link in bio)

Learned a lot from last year,  still discovered some new things about hiking and camping.

First post has to do with all aspects of preparation:
- Gear
- Food
- Training
- Itinerary 

The GDT - Where everyday is an adventure.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking
Day 3 of my trip on Great Divide Trail Section E. Day 3 of my trip on Great Divide Trail Section E.

Relatively easy day from Michelle Lakes to Pinto Lake, only over two passes.

I started traveling with two guys I met actually at Yoho a week back, Jason and Bent.

Of course Frosty was on trip, enjoying the early morning at Michelle Lakes.

The first Lake is Upper Michelle Lake.

The photo of me at the pass is at the unofficial names Michelle Pass. Then it was up to Pinto Pass.

I took a one last picture back to Michelle Pass. Last picture is at Pinto Lake.

Great day, only got a little lost.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #zpacks #teamzpacks
Jupiter and 4 little moons First try at astrophot Jupiter and 4 little moons

First try at astrophotography using my camera attached to a telescope, 8" Celeron

Pretty happy with results. Need to research settings for camera to get some colour on Jupiter, but for a first try pretty happy.

Taken from field near Two Jack Lake in Banff NP. Jupiter was over Mt Rundle.

#artofvisual #visualoflife #areyouawake  #earthfocus  #adventurethatislife #createscenery #earthexperience #primeshots #simplyadventure #goparks #wildernessculture #folkscenery #wondersofourplanet #amazingphotohunter #all2epic #milliondollarvisuals #sky_sultans #astrophotography #astronomy
Another photo of the waterfall at Michelle Lakes, Another photo of the waterfall at Michelle Lakes, Day 2 GDT Section E.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #sunstar
#waterfall
#waterfalls
Campsite at Lower Michelle Lakes, Day 2 GDT Sectio Campsite at Lower Michelle Lakes, Day 2 GDT Section E.

Scored the best campsite on the trip at Lower Michelle Lakes. Had more own personal waterfall. Frosty as always had the best spot.

Spent the day relaxing, reading and watching the helicopter activity. 

Started the next day hiking with Jason and Bent who camped by Upper Michelle Lakes and did not know about the waterfall.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #zpacks #teamzpacks
Morning at Ball Pass Junction, west end of Haiduk Morning at Ball Pass Junction, west end of Haiduk Peak.  Day 3 of our hike around the Egypt Lake area. Thrilled with the colours of the morning sky.

We had some rain overnight, but not much. The clouds lifted off later in the morning. 

Another great day on the trail with @sio.mellors

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #sunset #shadowlake #Egyptlake #banffalberta #banffnationalpark #banffcanada
Evening at Shadow Lake, Banff NP. Super fun 4 day Evening at Shadow Lake, Banff NP.

Super fun 4 day hike with @sio.mellors thought the trails around Egypt Lake area.

Shadow Lake was our first evening and was a lovely place to watch the sunset.

 #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #sunset #shadowlake #Egyptlake #banffalberta #banffnationalpark #banffcanada #reflection #reflections
Day 1 Great Divide Trail Section E 2021, Saskatche Day 1 Great Divide Trail Section E 2021, Saskatchewan River Crossing to Upper Owens Creek.

First day of my 11 day hike from Sask River Crossing to Jasper. I was solo for the first 5 days before being joined my my daughter at Four Points CG.

This was only day I actuall slept on my own.

I left Sask River Crossing at 12:30pm followed an old road that intersected th GDT just past the park gates.

Hiked until about 6:30pm as I wanted to camp near tree line for a clear view of th nights sky. The sky was clear and the Perseids Meteor shower was on and did not disappoint 

Photo 1) my tent and the Milky Way

Photo 2) Me getting ready to  head out

Photo 3) view looking West along th north Saskatchewan River

Photo 4) water dropping into the canyon on Owens Creek

Photo 5) the slide that gave people grief earlier in the summer was passable at creek level

Photo 6) the confluence was a mess a hard going

Photo 7) nice waterfall after th confluence

Photo 8) little Canyon near upper reaches of th creek

Photo 9) dinner cooking in th kitchen

Photo 10) Frosty Paws, me and my tent

Was a great day out on th trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking
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