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    • Sawback – Banff NP
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Day 2 Sawback Banff NP

Moment of clear still weather at Luellen Lake

Day 2 Luellen Lake Campground to Badger Pass Junction Campground, 7 km, 281 m Elevation Gain, 100 m Elevation Loss, 2 hrs 24 min.

We slept in late, waiting for the rain to stop. Our plan for today was to hike to Badger Pass Junction Campground, about 7 km, drop our packs and make an out and back hike up Badger Pass, 6 km one way and 430 m of elevation gain. We got out of the tent just before 10 am, not very hopeful of making it up Badger Pass, and went to make breakfast. The rain was coming down gently as we boiled our water.

Boiling water for coffee, Ken had oatmeal, I ate Logan Bread, about 110 g, you can see a chunk on the table.
That is me in my rain jacket and rain skirt, not looking too impressed at the weather.
Ken cleaning up after breakfast, about 10:50 am.

After breakfast, at about 11:20 am, it stopped raining, I rushed to take photos Luellen Lake and the reflections off the now smooth surface. Was it done raining for the day?

Even tried my hand at an artistic shot of a feather Ken spotted.

We hit the trail at noon, not exactly an alpine start, but it was not raining, if the rain held off the possibility of doing Badger Pass was high.

Ken looking keen, umbrella at the ready, but not open.

We made it back to the creek crossing in about 15 minutes, and back on the main trail inside 20 minutes.

Johnston Creek

About 500 m after rejoining the main trail, we went over a bridge back to the west side of the creek. After 40 minutes of hiking, the rain was holding off, we still had not opened our umbrellas. The trail was muddy from yesterdays rain, and our feet were getting wet, but the rest of us was staying dry. Then just before 12:50 pm, the rain started coming down, quickly forming rivers of water in the trail.

12:40 pm, muddy trail, but not raining.
Going to be hard to keep the feet dry.

At 1 pm, 2 km past where we had joined the main trail, we came to another bridge, taking us back to the east side of the river. With a steady rain coming down, Ken hopped down off the bridge, looked at me and said “You know, I’m not having any fun.” It was kind of hard to argue with rain and mud all around us. We discussed our two main options. We could just turn around, or keep going and see what tomorrow brings. I had already put it out there yesterday that I was prepared to wait until the morning of day 3, and that is what we ended up deciding on doing.

Our last bridge over Johnston Creek.

The trail left the river and cut up the hillside to higher ground. We came across the couple from North Carolina as we crossed a grassy meadow. They were moving really slow, we stopped to chat for a bit. They were here on a two week trip. The Sawback was to be a five day trip, followed by a hike into Tonquin Valley in Jasper. As we chatted, we found out that their goal for this day was Block Lake Junction, a further 12 km past Badger Pass Junction. Looking at their body language, both Ken and I both thought that they were in for a long day.

The trail is more open, and we have some views.
Coming up on the North Carolina couple.
Getting some views, impressive despite the weather.

We arrived at the junction with Badge Pass at 2:08pm, covering 6.5 km from Luellen Lake. Badger Pass Junction Campground was about another 500 m, located off the main trail in a stand of trees.

No distances, must be a long way to everything.
Campground is in the trees at centre, the trail stays to the left of the trees.

We hiked up the short trail leading to the campsite, which was on a small hill with covered in trees, and quickly found ourselves a sheltered campsite. We hung up gear in sheltered areas under the trees, had some snacks and got busy setting up camp.

Arrival at Badger Pass Junction Campsite.
Ken snacking at the campsite.
Footwear is pretty wet.
Frosty Paws getting some fresh air, he has been under the pack cover most of the trip.
Are the clouds lifting, Pulsatilla Mountain?
Tent all set up, Ken has set up a clothes line to dry his gear, my rain gear is spread out on top of the tent.

It continued to rain all afternoon. So we opted out of hiking up Badger Pass. We hunkered down in the tent to stay warm and dry. We both had audio to lessen to our our devices. I listened to a CBC Quirks and Quarks episode and nodded off to sleep. Other hikers slowly arrived throughout the afternoon. During a lull in the rain, we struck up a conversation with a women who had arrived with her husband. Turns out she knew Ken’s wife and had been a student at our school. She shared a very funny story about one of the teachers at the school from when she was a student. It is amazing how you can find people you have connections to out in the backcountry. The rain had tapered off, but it was still drizzling out. At 6:30 pm, we thought we had waited long enough to have dinner. The dining area had a nice view of Pulsatilla Mountain, but was very wet and muddy.

Ken at the dinner table, it still looks pretty wet out, 6:40 pm.
Some benches to enjoy the view.

After tidying up dinner, we went back to our campsite. The skies suddenly brightened, and for the first time on the trip we saw patches of blue skies. Our moods improved with weather, for the first time all day, I was actually optimistic about completing our hike.

7:42 pm, could it be, is the sky clearing……
Block Mountain, the south side of Badger Pass.
The view south from where we have come from, what we did not see on our way to camp.
The view north to Pulsatilla Pass, our first destination tomorrow.
Ken taking in the view.

We wandered around like a couple kids let out at recess. It had been a lot of work to get here, the relief in seeing the mountains was exhilarating.

We are approaching the headwaters of Johnston Creek, it is a fraction of what it was just 5 km away near Luellen Lake.
Unnamed mountain on the north side of Badger Pass.
Ken looking at snow on the high peaks to the north.

We headed back to camp, I checked my shoes, they were still wet. We both read for a while, lights out was around 9 pm. Tomorrow was going to be a good day.

Still trying to dry the shoes.
Frosty wishes everyone a good night!

Day 3 Sawback

Sawback Home

bootwreckers

With my trip ending a little early I spent the las With my trip ending a little early I spent the last couple of days doing Trail Magic, full story up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

I stayed the night utilizing the primitive camping area at Picketpost Mt. Arizona sunsets are amazing. 

I did two days of Trail Magic. I purchased 14 pops (known locally as sodas) and bags of chips each day and hung out at two different trailheads for the AZT. The thru hikers coming by were always appreciative of the extra calories with flavour.

After I headed back to Phoenix to begin my trip home.

I love traveling and hiking in Arizona, not sure when I will get back but I will go back soon(ish).

#trailmagic #aztassociation #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 (and final day) of my hike on the Arizona Tr Day 3 (and final day) of my hike on the Arizona Trail finishing Passage 15, see link in bio.

Had just under 20 miles to hike. Was a great day on trail. After finishing hiking the high desert reentered canyon country which was followed by a quick climb for amazing views from the high point.

The hike ended with what can only be described as a cacophony of flowers. A simply amazing way to finish the hike. 

Now I have to figure out which Passages I can hike next and when....good problem to have.

#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
Just the aurora dancing in the northern skies take Just the aurora dancing in the northern skies taken from my balcony. 

I never tire of seeing the Northern Lights

#northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #canmore
Day 2 of my Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 hike is u Day 2 of my Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 hike is up on Bootwreckers. 

Big day, 36 km's, but was super fun over varied terrain and some more Trail Magic when I arrived at the beginning of Passage 15 at Freeman Road.

Hiked almost until sundown, but managed to find a slightly sheltered spot to block some of the very fierce desert wind.

Love hiking in Arizona,  next time I will make sure I tape up my heels before I start.

Enjoy.

#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 15 travel day and Day 1 Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 travel day and Day 1 up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Was a fantastic trip south to hike Passages 14 and 15 of thr Arizona Trail.

Met lots of great people, enjoyed some Trail Magic and experience the raw beauty of the desert. 

Trip didn't go quite as planned but I am still planning on heading back thr AZT for more adventures.

The last photo is my training partner, Margaux,  and what I was hiking in just the week before the trip. Not so much snow in the desert. 

#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 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
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