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Day 3 Egypt Lake Exploration

Good morning from Ball Pass Junction.

Ball Pass Junction Campground to Pharaoh Creek Campground, 17.8 km, 997 m Elevation Gain, 1023 m Elevation Loss, 7 hrs 50 min. Side trip to Pharaoh Peak accounted for 2 km, 497 m Elevation Gain and Loss, 2 hrs 20 min.

Three different side trips Pharaoh Peak, Scarab Lake and Egypt Lake.

It rained gently overnight. I always find the pitter patter of rain on the tent to be soothing, that is unless it is still raining when it is time to get up. The rain ended on this evening well before it was time to leave the tent. I was up just before 7 am and I am very happy I made the effort as the sky was absolutely gorgeous. The last of the rain clouds added extra dimensions of colour to the view and it was a stunning way to wake up.

Purple sky and a halo over the north peak of Haiduk Peak.
More moody sky.
The view back to Little Copper Mt.
Only 8 minutes after the first photos and the light has faded.

After the great light had ended I checked on Siobhan and she was still sleeping so I went and made myself breakfast complete with coffee. Siobhan got up around 8 am. We met the other campers that had arrived later the day before. They were more than happy to talk and gave Siobhan a great idea for a daypack. Siobhan was using the bladder bag that came with my pack that I don’t use. The bladder bag converts into a very light daypack but really does not offer a lot of support. We had the campsite all packed up and were ready to leave at 8:50 am. Not exactly an alpine start.

“Siobhan: There are many styles to backpacking and some people are more about packing in miles etc. and that’s okay! I’m a huge proponent of enjoying whatever you are doing! Even if that means sleeping in.”

My breakfast. Logan Bread and a coffee.
All packed up. Siobhan channeling her inner Pippi Longstocking.

It was a cloudy and cool start to the day. Siobhan chose the start the hike in her t-shirt. The first part of the day was a pleasant hike up to and along the east shore of Haiduk Lake. The name “Haiduk” is an interesting one as for most of the area the features have names of Egyptian origin. Haiduk is is a type of irregular infantry found in Central and parts of Southeast Europe from the early 17th to mid 19th centuries. Not very Egyptian. The first 4 km of the hike to the end of Haiduk Lake and the base of Whistling Pass rose only 150 m making for a very nice warm up for the rest of the hike. The sun did try and peak through the clouds but for the most part it was a heavily overcast start to the day.

Leaving camp. Siobhan being positive and pointing out the blue sky. But that was to the north-east by Shadow Lake. We were headed the other way.
A little overcast where we are headed.
The walking is easy on wide trail.
Sun trying to come out.
Our friend the sun trying to burn off the clouds.
Nice bridge but needs a little maintenance.
Siobhan just taking in the views. It’s why we hike.
Small pond at the outlet of Haiduk Lake. Fall is quickly coming to the Egypt Lake area.
Siobhan: On this trip I learned that while the golden larches are beautiful, the harvest gold of fields in autumn should also be appreciated.
Haiduk Lake. Centre left on photo is Whistling Pass.
Happy hiker. Large cliffs in the background lead to Scarab Peak (2918 m)
Waterfalls draining a small pond high on the bench of Haiduk Peak.
Close up of the water falls.
Coming to the end of Haiduk Lake. Crossing the small marshy area formed by the creek draining Whistling Pass.

Despite not hiking hard and stopping for numerous photographs it only took us 1 hr 5 min travel the 4 km to the base of Whistling Pass. The pass was named because of the large marmot colony that calls the pass home who whistle at you as you walk through their territory. The next part of the day would be a little tougher. The first obstacle was going up Whistling Pass. The initial ascent up the pass through the trees was quite steep. As we ascended out of the trees the trail flattened out through a small larch forest before it headed up through a boulder field that dominated the north side of the pass.

Hopping over the creek draining the pass.
: I would really recommend Gortex boots for spring and fall hiking, although they can be a little warm in the heat of summer.
Lovely plateau with a little larch forest.
A nice little break after a tough climb through trees.
Follow the light through the rocks.
Siobhan knows the way, the pass is up there. Despite the hard work of climbing up the pass Siobhan has put her rain jacket on as a wind breaker.
One last look back. Haiduk Lake disappearing, Mt Ball obscured by the clouds.
Siobhan taking a long look at Pharaoh Peak. It is where we are headed.
Easy walk over the top of Whistling Pass.

Once over Whistling Pass we came to another small larch forest and got our first look at the ascent up Pharaoh Peak. There is no official trail up to the peak. The suggested route up just follows a drainage coming off the low point of the ridge.

The larch forest on the south side of Whistling Pass.
The route up is just up the drainage. It is straight up.

We made our way up to the drainage to being the climb up to Pharaoh Peak. We decided to stash put all the equipment, tent, sleep bags etc into Siobhan’s backpack and stash it at the bottom of the climb. We then put all the food into my pack which I would carry to the peak and back. We did not want the critters getting at our food but we were pretty confident that the equipment would be safe.

It looks pretty steep.
This is no exaggeration. It is a very, very steep climb.

The route was so steep that even though we were not on a cliff there were times when we were using our hands to help ourselves up. I was feeling a little sheepish on the way up. Forgetting my hiking poles at home was now appearing to be significant oversight. With the slope being so steep I was actually concerned about coming down. At one point on the way up I decided to take a test drive down the slope to check out how hard it would be. I was somewhat relieved at how easy the descent appeared to be. There was lots of loose gravel to promote easy downhill scree skiing. Only time would tell.

“Siobhan: This hike was similar to the difficulty of Big Sister which I’ve completed with Micah with different yet challenging terrain. For both hikes I would strongly recommend at least one hiking pole…guess what else I got for Christmas!”

Scarab Lake in the foreground with Mummy Lake on further back on a small plateau.

Siobhan did ask several times if I wanted to stop and go back. She could tell I was pretty tense and not very happy. I knew that going up to Pharaoh Peak was an important part of the trip for her so I would mumble unconvincingly that I was good so we kept going.

“Siobhan: Very unconvincingly. When Micah and I hiked Big Sister we had a rule that the most uncomfortable person called it. If one person was too nervous we both stopped. This is smart hiking in the back country.”

I like rocks. The rock shows wave ripples frozen in time. It is awe inspiring to think that this rock was formed below sea level and now sits above 2500 m.

As we approached the ridge there was one spot where we had a little bit of route finding. Every push upwards had our feet sliding back down the hill. As we neared the ridge the slope flattened out giving a nice finish to the first part of the climb.

Yes it is truly this steep. Siobhan can touch the slope with her hands without learning.

It took us just over an hour to ascend to the ridge. The drainage lead to a little saddle, a low point between the two peaks. The initial climb was 375 m of elevation over just 800 m.

Looking north over the other side of the ridge Copper Mt bathed in light.

The final push to the summit covered just 375 m distance rising another 120 m from the saddle. It was an easy 15 minute scramble over slabby rocks. While a little nerve racking to be up so high there was actually very little exposure as the ridge was very wide. It was 12:15 pm when we arrived at the summit, I carefully made my way over to the edge and looked down on Egypt Lake Campground.

Not really a trail to the top but you could see where people had walked as the rocks were a slightly different colour.
Just heading up to the ridge.
Siobhan: You can see its significantly less steep, I’m standing upright and can’t touch the slope in front of me!
Siobhan arriving at the ridge. The peak is just up to the right.
Looking down on Egypt Lake Campground. You can just make out the bridge over the creek just left of centre and a little above the creek the three Parks Canada buildings for the wardens.
The view looking south. Scarab then Mummy lakes. The Sphinx (2487 m) just left of centre. Following the valley from Mummy Lake leads to Hawk Ridge. The mountain on the very left is The Monarch (2904 m).

I missed it in the above photo but Egypt Lake lies at the base of The Sphinx on the left of the picture. The three lakes, Mummy – Scarab – Egypt are called a cirque staircase. A cirque is a glacial created depression typically at the base of a cliff, deeper on the side closest to the headwall becoming shallower as the glacier would have moved away. Sort of like an upside down baseball cap with the brim being the part furthest from the headwall. A glacier would have first carved out Mummy Lake before dropping over the cliff in the above photo and digging out Scarab Lake. A 90 degree turn by the glacier was necessary due to the position of Whistling Pass and Pharaoh Peak allowing the glacier to drop over the last cliff a form the basin that would become Egypt Lake.

Looking north along Pharaoh Creek back to Copper Mountain.
The summit monument.
Siobhan taking in the view.
Really trying to put my happy face on!

The weather really was not that great. We had been sprinkled on earlier in the hike and the clouds were still quite thick to the west. I have a tendency to feel little stressed when at altitude if the weather is not perfect. When I had hiked the GR 20 with Micah we had been caught out on a ridge in a thunderstorm and the experience had left me a little uncomfortable about being up high and exposed in anything but perfect weather. After about 5 minutes at the top we headed back down. The first part of the journey was quick as we made our back to the saddle. We met a guy who was heading to the summit solo as his girlfriend had decided to stay at the saddle.

Siobhan enjoying her time at the summit.
Siobhan scrambling down. A good view of the lower peak and the saddle.
Picking our way through the rocks.
Just prior to arriving at the saddle.
Time to take the express train to the bottom.
It is really quite steep.

I was still a little apprehensive about the descent. I really should not have been. It was quite easy. There was good loose rock to the edges of the path which made scree skiing down the slope very easy. There were a couple of tricky sections when when had to carefully step around obstacles but the trip down was a quick and exhilarating ride.

“Siobhan: Despite his bad knees he was much quicker at descending than I was, maybe it was his enthusiasm to be off the peak. Ian: I just really enjoy scree skiing”

Siobhan starting out the descent.
Siobhan doing a little bit of scree skiing.
Scree skiing down the slope.
Some nice ladies who we would later share dinner with took our photo as we neared the bottom.
Siobhan: There are gorgeous views even if you only make it halfway up Pharaoh Peak.
Siobhan retrieving her backpack.
Where we had just been.

I was feeling a great sense of accomplishment after finishing our descent. Not only had I made it to the summit and back but we had nailed two of the primary objectives of the trip, making it to Ball Pass and to the summit of Pharaoh Peak.

“Siobhan: I was also feeling very accomplished after suffering so badly from altitude on day one. I’ve also never done back to back backpacking trips and in all I spent 9 of 11 nights sleeping in a tent.”

Siobhan just shoved her summit pack under her top lid and headed off down the trail.
Siobhan: Big fan of efficiency and lunch.

The round trip time to summit Pharaoh Peak was about 2 hrs 20 min. We decided that we would take a side trip to Scarab Lake and eat our lunch lakeside. The junction to Scarab Lake was a short 1 km hike from where we rejoined the main trail. A quick 500 m downhill walk brought us to the lake. It was quite windy so we tried to find a spot that was somewhat sheltered. At 1:45 pm we dropped our packs ready for some lunch.

Switchbacks help.
It is a little mucky.
We were up there! It was not sunny blue skies when we were there.
I just love that the tree is trying to grow out of a rock. Who needs soil to grow in anyway?
Nice new sign. No distances. It is 500 m to Scarab Lake and 1.8 km to Egypt Lake.
Arriving at the lake.
We set up camp by the lonely tree off to the left by the lake.
It was a well earned wrap.
The look of satisfaction.
Panorama of Scarab Lake. The Sphinx (2487 m) on the left and Scarab Peak (2514 m) on the right.

We had a little show while we were eating lunch. The guy and who had soloed to the top of the Pharaoh Peak arrived still with his girlfriend. It was a bit of windy, chilly lunch but the guy still decided it was a good time to go skinny dipping. I am quite sure that the swim was quite refreshing and invigorating. After about 25 minutes we were starting to get a little chilly ourselves so we headed off. Our next destination was Egypt Lake which would be a pleasant 2.3 km hike mostly downhill.

Just 2 hrs prior we were on top of Pharaoh Peak.
Heading back to the main trail.
On our way to Egypt Lake. Trail is a little rougher.

As we made our way down to Egypt Lake we met a young couple coming uphill and trailing behind them was a very small dog. We stopped to chat for a couple of minutes. They were headed all the way to Shadow Lake CG. We did ask about their dog as she was so small. They said that when the dog got tired they would take turns carrying her. As they left with the dog lagging behind both of us felt that they would shortly be doing a lot of carrying.

Making our way down the headwall.
At the bottom. Nice boardwalks across a marshy area.
Some more of the rustic signage that we saw back on Day 1.
Siobhan hydrating at the junction to Egypt Lake.
Getting a moody view of Egypt Lake with Scarab Peak rising in the background.

We stayed at Egypt Lake for about 15 minutes. It was getting late in the afternoon so we decided to head off as we had a bit more than an hour of hiking left to get to our home for the evening at Pharaoh Creek Campground.

Another view of Pharaoh Peak with some fall colours.
Sign just outside of Egypt Lake Campground showing for those heading west out of the campground.
The closed shelter at Egypt Lake Campground. For this the entire campground had been closed all summer.

Egypt Lake Campground had been closed all summer due to the proposed replacement of the shelter at the campground. I feel that was an unfortunate decision by Parks Canada as closing the shelter does not actually interfere with the campsites. Looking around there appeared to have been nothing done by Parks Canada all summer. Without knowing more details it just seems that there was some poor planning by Parks Canada. We would actually get some more details tomorrow.

The map on the outside of the shelter. I love maps. I hope they put an updated map on the new shelter.
It’s fall and there are lots of colours.
We will be heading to the left. Tomorrow we will be coming right back to this spot and take the right hand trail back to the car at Sunshine Village Parking Lot.

As we were checking out the the sign and getting ready to leave Egypt Lake Campground. The group from dinner last night at Ball Pass Junction Campground hiked up. We had a brief chat with the guy who was leading the group. They had tried to hike up The Sphinx but ended up off trail and turned back. No other information was offered and he never asked us about our day. They were not any more engaging than they had been last night. We said a quick goodbye and headed off down the trail.

Lovely little bridge crossing.

It was a quick 4.6 km hike on mostly rolling trail to the campground. With the great day that we had and the prospect of arriving at camp and finishing our day we made good progress down the trail. We arrived at Pharaoh Creek Campground just 1 hr 10 min after leaving Egypt Lake Campground. There were a couple of tents set up but no one was in camp. We chose a campsite off to the north side. We threw down our packs at 4:40 pm. It was such a nice afternoon and the sun was so warm we both took the opportunity to have a little nap before setting up the tent.

The trail is easy to follow. A couple of nice rock outcrops along the way but for the most part it is a pleasant forested walk.
Tiny stream crossing.
Pharaoh Creek Campground.
Nap time.
5:40 pm and the tent is all set up. Frosty on guard.
Love it when the chocolate melts and reforms in fun shapes.
Nothing better than having a fun, friendly pooch in the campground.

The two ladies who had taken our photograph back on Pharaoh Peak arrived next with their dog. Apparently it was not actually their dog. The one lady was dog sitting for the weekend and decided to bring the dog along an adventure to the Egypt Lake area. Even though they were hiking together they had each had their own tent. They were super friendly and we got lots of opportunity to pet the dog (I cannot remember its name). It turned out that we had friends in common. One of the ladies was best friends with the mother of a kid I coached in speed skating. Small world. Siobhan got to try out some more lightweight camp chairs. A little while later the last group showed up. It was another father and daughter duo.

Siobhan happy to be looking forward to some Fettuccine Alfredo for dinner.

We had a loud and boisterous dinner this evening. Everyone was very friendly and talkative. It turned out that the other father daughter duo where actually both engineers. It also turned out that they have been mistaken for a couple on previous trips like Siobhan and I were back on our Howard Douglas trip back in 2017. That is always an interesting and awkward discussion. By 8 pm everyone had retired back to their tents. The evening had been a great way to end what had been a long and glorious day

8:00 pm. All quiet in the campground.

The evening was quite clear so I decided that this would be a good night to get up and take pictures of stars and hopefully the Milky Way in the night sky. With a big meadow I would lots of access to the sky. After going to sleep I woke up at 11 pm and checked the sky. The sky appeared to clear and the stars were out in full force. While a few clouds did appear I was quite happy with my photographs and I just simply enjoyed being outside underneath the stars staring at the Milky Way. I do not think I will ever lose my awe of the night’s sky.

The Milky Way right above our tent.
A little bit of cloud to the left.

Good night from Pharaoh Creek Campground.

Day 4 Egypt Lake Exploration 2021

Egypt Lake Exploration Home

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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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