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Day 4 – Green River Canoe Trip 2017

Laura looking up at the spires of the Doll House above Spanish Bottom. Our time in the canoe is rapidly coming to an end.

Day 4 Jasper Canyon to Spanish Bottom, 13 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes.

7:35 am and the sun has not hit the tent yet.

As per usual I was out of the tent about 7:30 am taking in the view and snapping photos. We had a short day today with no stops planned on our way to our final river destination at Spanish Bottom. The plan was to have a relaxing morning at Jasper Canyon which would include some exploring of the canyon and looking for some more Anasazi houses and granaries.

Looking up river. The sun has only made it halfway down the cliff face.
7:50 am and Laura is enjoying a hot coffee and oatmeal.
Our breakfast view.
8:25 am and the sun has almost made it down the cliff face. It will be a little while longer before we are in the sun.
Frosty wondering where their breakfast is.
Time to wash up a bit and scrape the face. Were the shades really necessary? In the sunshine at 9:40 am.
No mirror while shaving.
After watching me clean up it was Frosty’s turn. Those whiskers needed a little trimming after 3 days on the water.
Frosty doing their business before a busy day.
Frosty’s view from the toilet.

Just after 10 am we had the camp all torn down and ready to be loaded into the canoe. Before heading back out onto the river we we headed off to explore Jasper Canyon. Jasper Canyon is a relatively short canyon packs a lot in a small space. A few years back there was a technical route out to the rim. A recent rockslide has made the climb out to be very challenging and not recommended except for experienced climbers with equipment. As we hiked up the canyon we kept our eyes out for a very preserved Moki House.

Laura carefully following the trail through a field of cacti.
Looking up. Almost looks like you could climb out.
The canyon is narrowing.
The waves in the rock were caused by earthquakes prior to the rock becoming solid.
At the end of the canyon.
It is a pretty steep climb out.
Some honeycombing in the rocks. Geologist are not sure what cause the rock to form the honeycomb structures.
Thinly bedded sandstone with an erosional surface between layers.
Love the red rocks, love the lines in the sandstone. Very abrupt erosional surface between the sandstone and the conglomerate on the bottom right.
Looking down the canyon back to the river.
Laura negotiating the trail through the rocks.
The canyon has widened and there is less rubble.
Making a big leap across a very small abyss.
There is a small fort on the plateau which overlooks the river.
Looking out from the canyon to the river. In the distance you can see the Elephant Canyon Formation forming the slope from the river with the Cedar Mesa Sandstone forming the steep cliff at the top.

I knew from the guidebook that there were some well preserved Anasazi houses in the canyon. Similar to our search on Turks Head I just could not locate the houses. I was very frustrated at times. Luckily again Laura was patient and we did finally locate the houses. They were up and out of the way on quite a high ledge.

Very well preserved Anasazi house.
Well made house, with a lintel across the top of the doorway.
Climbing up for a closer view.
Frosty checking out the accommodations.
Frosty going for the big jump off the cliff.
My turn to take the big leap.
Just a really well preserved structure.
Looking up at the Anasazi house from the bottom of the canyon. The house really does blend right into the rock.
Frosty getting up close with the wildlife.

We left Jasper Canyon at about 11:40 am. We were not planning on any side trips as we made our way to our final river destination at Spanish Bottom. There were several canyons that offered hiking opportunities but all involved steep hikes to the rim. There was also no Native American structures or art on the rest of our trip that would have necessitated a side trip. I was very surprised at the speed we traveled down the river. I was able to calculate from the time stamp on the photos that it took us just 70 minutest to travel from Stove Canyon to the Confluence a distance of 7 miles making for a speed of 6 miles per hour.

I just thought the rock looked really cool. Back on the river.
2.5 miles into our trip approaching Stove Canyon. There is camping on the bench beside the river. It is quite steep but you can hike out to the rim.
Looking down river to a big wall. Just 5 miles from the confluence.
Lunch time. Still eating fresh food on day 4!
Laura taking a big dig with her paddle. Maybe that is why we went so fast down the river.
Coming up to Water Canyon. There is good camping here and a trail to the rim. The small cliff that rises just above the river becomes very prominent as we pass Water Canyon
The river narrows at the this point just over 3 miles to the confluence. It is still the Honaker Trail Formation at river level but the river has washed away all the debris that covered the the cliff we saw earlier and we now have steep walls rising from the river on both sides.
The river takes a quick turn to the left before making a hard 180 degree turn. Upstream the river was dominated by long lazy corners but just as we approach the confluence the river becomes narrower and we have three 180 degree corners in quick succession.
If you could fight your way passed the tamarisks you should be able to camp here but there are no camping spots listed in the guidebook.
Just a couple miles from The Confluence
Canoe to our left. Can see a small canyon coming into view on the right.
Looking back up river at the canoeist it was a father and son team if I remember correctly.
Powell’s expedition in 1869 got to the rim up this short canyon just 1 mile from The Confluence.
Laura pointing to The Confluence. This is a major milestone in our trip as we leave the Green River and join the Colorado River.
The Colorado River joins from our left.
The camera could not pick up the detail but the rivers were slightly different shades of brown and you could see the border between the two rivers very clearly as the water slowly mixed together.
I liked the reflection of the trees and rocks in the river.
Coming into view of Spanish Bottom and the Doll House on the plateau above. Can see some ripples in the water ahead.

Just as we were about to finish our river trip we came across an unexpected obstacle. Within sight of our destination at Spanish Bottom we came across ripples in the river forming a downstream V shape. I had no idea what the significance of the ripples were so we aimed down the side of the river and held on. The people who we had shared Jasper Canyon with us told us later that one of the canoes did a 180 degree turn as they went through the ripple which I imagined would have been somewhat unnerving. A downstream V indicates unobstructed flow and you are best to pass through the apex of the V so that you are perpendicular to the waves. By going close to the side of the river we hit the waves on an angle which would have pushed our canoe around more. If the V shape is pointing upstream it indicates obstructed flow at the apex of the V, possibly a submerged rock. A boater should navigate away from the apex of a upstream V to avoid contact with the obstruction.

Safely through the ripples. The Doll House coming into view. Spanish Bottom is just below the cliffs on the right.
Now time to find a place to make landfall.
Our dock and private staircase.

I was very happy with where we landed on Spanish Bottom. The first time I camped at Spanish Bottom we camped right at the downstream end. The downstream end of Spanish Bottom has quite a large beach and landing area and is normally a very popular and thus crowded spot. This time I was hopeful to find a more secluded spot to camp. As we approached the top end of Spanish Bottom the group we had shared Jasper Canyon waved us by saying that there was no more room. We stayed close to the shoreline looking for access into Spanish Bottom. About halfway down we found some trees that formed a shady spot on the river and hidden behind the trees was a lovely log staircase up and into Spanish Bottom. We maneuvered the canoe over to the staircase and once tied up securely we headed up the stairs to investigate our home the evening.

The view from our campsite where the trail goes up to the Doll House
Shady spot for our tent.
Laura munching on a apple in the shade. This was really an A+ campsite.
Tex’s Riverways do ask that you attempt to clean out the canoe. I would like to think that we (Laura) did a really good job with the cleaning.
Melting butter is always a good way to start dinner.
Frosty supervising my cooking.
Vegetables, chopped potatoes and sausages, mmmmm great!

The plan was to go to the Doll House for sunrise in the morning like I had done on the Colorado River Trip in 2015. Since it was still early in the evening we decided to hike up to the Doll House so that Laura could get a feel for the route which would help when we hiked up in the morning when it would be dark. It is only a 1 mile (1.6 km) hike up the cliff with an elevation gain of about 1200 ft (375 m) so we figured we had lots of time to make a quick dash up.

We had our little area to ourselves, our campsite was in the tall bright green trees furthest left of centre.
Tent village. Glad we stayed away from the main camp. They looked like they were having a lot of fun. When we descended from Spanish Bottom we could see a large campfire.
Laura making her way up through the rocks. The trail is quite well defined.
Looking down at Spanish Bottom.
Looking east to the La Sal Mountain range. The La Sals rise 8600 ft (2635 m) above the surrounding landscape, hence the snow on top. The La Sals are called loccoliths formed by igneous rock that never made it to the surface. Since once they were completely covered by sedimentary rock and now they tower 8600 ft above the surrounding landscape, over 8600 ft of rock must have been eroded from the landscape to give the La Sals their current elevation. I find this a truly remarkable fact.

Just before we arrived at the Doll House we met rafting group coming down who had hiked out the Confluence Overlook, a good day hike. They had spent a couple days at Spanish Bottom and had taken the opportunity to explore the area. The next day they were headed down river through Cataract Canyon

Old but helpful signage.
There is a display board at the Doll House with some interesting information about the area.
The spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the Doll House and the area known as The Maze in Canyonlands.
The stunning scene looking east from the Doll House.
Red Paintbrushes adding some colour to the landscape.
Classic views from the Dollhouse.
Yellow flowers and biological soil crust. These black mounds are living organisms. In desert environments hikers are asked to stick to existing trails to avoid damaging the living organisms in the crust that can take decades to regenerate after just one errant foot step. To learn more read the NPS article at Biological Soil Crust of Southeast Utah.
Laura working her way down the trail.
The moon is out.
Grasslands and sandstone spires.
Frosty hanging in there.
Getting darker, time to head back.
View over the canyon walls to the La Sals.
The red rocks of Canyonlands.
We have to get back down there.
Still good light for the descent
Laura making her way to the bottom the twilight.

We were back down just after 8 pm. The goal for the morning was a 6 am wake up for the hike up to the Doll House for sunrise so we quickly headed to bed to get some sleep.

Good night from Spanish Bottom.

Green River Canoe Trip Day 5/6

Green River Canoe Trip Home

bootwreckers

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
Instagram post 18017713981489587 Instagram post 18017713981489587
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.
New post on the blog, background and Day 1 of our New post on the blog, background and Day 1 of our 2017 canoe trip down the Green River in Utah. See link in bio to our blog and full summary of the trip.

After doing the Colorado River in 2015 with my kids, this time it was just Laura and myself.

Owe spent a day in Salt Lake City before driving down to Moab. On the way we explored Wild Horse Canyon, our first slot Canyon hike.

We hit the river just after 11am the next day and while it was a little brisk we had a great day on the river with lunch and a short hike in Horsetheif  Canyon.

We camp at a place called Fort Bottom, where there was an old Anasazi structure and a house built by a would be cattle rancher.

Was a fantastic first day of a five day adventure. 

Photo 1 - Laura explore Wild Horse Canyon

Photo 2 - getting ready to start our river trip

Photo 3 - cliffs and arches

Photo 4 - canoe all tied up at Horsetheif Canyon

Photo 5 - Anasazi Petroglyphs

Photo 6 - Butte

Photo 7 - back on the river

Photo 8 - 1100 ft wall and Walker Cabin

Photo 9 - looking downstream

Photo 10 - Anasazi structure

Super fun adventure. More to come....

#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
From my Great Divide Trail Section D hike this sum From my Great Divide Trail Section D hike this summer, a selection of flower photos from the first three days.

Burgess Pass Trailhead to Amiskwi Pass.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Angels Landing, Zion NP Hike 2015, trip summary up Angels Landing, Zion NP Hike 2015, trip summary up on the website, link in bio. Summary includes a few short videos of @sio.mellors
Giving her thoughts of the hike as we made our way up.

Angels Landing was a fun little hike with @sio.mellors at the end of our Colorado River Float Trip (Mikah had to head back home to work so missed the hike).

Angels Landing is unique with the use of chains along the route which has frequent exposure to shear cliffs of a 1000 ft.

The hike for us was quite straightforward except for the crowds. We frequently had to wait at a pinch point while 15 - 20 people came past going the other way.

In a effort to control the crowds today you need to reserve a time for your hike.

One of the amazing features of the hike is that the peak lies in the centre of Zion Valley providing for a a unique vantage point.

Lots of and a great day, Siobhan of course finished the hike with a solid nap back at the vistitors centre.

#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
Day 4 of our Colorado Float Trip and Travel Day ba Day 4 of our Colorado Float Trip and Travel Day back to Salt Lake City are now posted, see link in Bio.

Day 4 started with a dark hike up from Spanish Bottom to the Doll House to watch the sunrise.

Both kids thought I was nuts, then they saw the sunrise and both agreed it was a great idea.

After the sunrise we explored the Doll House and then headed back to camp to pack up.

Our trip back to Moab up the river was in a Jet Boat, pick up time was about 10 am and the trip took a little more than 2 hrs.

We did not take a direct route back to Salt Lake City, but stopped by Goblin State Park, slept In Hanksville before visiting Capitol Reef where we hiked the Rim Overlook Trail and ate pie.

Awesome trip, cannot wait to go back.

Photos
1) sunrise at the Doll House

2) Siobhan (low), Mikah (high) perched for the sunrise

3) Exploring the Doll House

4) Me at the Doll House, wearing a red jacket, can you find me?

5) Jet Boat

6) The domes of Capitol Reef (they look like many of the State Capitol buildings in the USA, hence the name of the park

7) Fresh pie at Capitol Reef NP

8) Mikah at Goblin State Park

9) Mikah and Siobhan at Goblin State Park

10) the Goblin Army marching across the valley floor

#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
Go for a hike they said.....Great Divide Trail Sec Go for a hike they said.....Great Divide Trail Section D......Scenic Views with easy walking

Just finished 6 days on Section D, utterly epic adventure with the two of the most awesome hiking partners Lillian Zaremba and Sara (Dryas). The Team rocked the trail, couldn't have done it without you.

#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 2015 Colorado River trip is posted, s Day 3 of our 2015 Colorado River trip is posted, see link in bio.

After th epic day prior this was a super relaxed day of just 13 miles and one stop.

Photo 1 - evening reflections at Spanish Bottom

Photo 2 - morning at camp

Photo 3 - breakfast time in our secluded backcountry campsite

Photo 4 - Mikah paddling back on the river

Photo 5 - a look at where the Loop Overlook trail brought us the day before

Photo 6 - investigating Anasazi Bottom

Photo 7 - Mikah and Siobhan at Anasazi Bottom

Photo 8 - Me at Anasazi Bottom

Photo 9 - arrival at Spanish Bottom, can see the pinnacles of th Doll House on the cliffs

Photo 10 - Looking down at camp at Spanish Bottom 

Another awesome day on the river.

Enjoy.

#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
Day 2 Colorado Float Trip 2015, Little Bridge Cany Day 2 Colorado Float Trip 2015, Little Bridge Canyon to Random Camp on The Loop.

This was a huge day packed with ancient Anasazi ruins and various forms of rock art, and some big mileage paddling the river.

Full summary on our blog, link in bio.

Photo 1 - docked at the Loop Overlook Hike

Photo 2 - Siobhan and Mikah ready for another day of adventure 

Photo 3 - morning light on the river

Photo 4 - Big sky

Photo 5 - Siobhan and rock art at Big Bottom

Photo 6 - Mikah and Siobhan with more rock art, those hands on the wall were from a person living thousands of years ago, again at Bit Bottom

Photo 7 - Anasazi Granary

Photo 8 - Anasazi Granary Monument Creek

Photo 9 - looking downriver from Loop Overlook trail

Photo 10 - evening river vibes

Enjoy!

#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
New post, throwback to 2015, our first canoe trip, New post, throwback to 2015, our first canoe trip, an adventure down the Colorado River from Moab to Spanish Bottom.

Posted the main page for the trip plus our travel day to Moab and Day 1 on the river.

This trip remains a favourite of ours as it was so different from all the hiking adventures. Although we did some hiking while on the river.

One of the great things about the trip is a person could go again, stop at different places and have an entirely different trip.

Photo 1 - evening on the Colorado, looking downriver from our campsite

Photo 2 - Siobhan getting a greasy meal at Five Guys in Salt Lake City

Photo 3 - with Wayne at the Budget Inn, Green River, and freshly baked blueberry muffins

Photo 4 - Siobhan getting ready

Photo 5 - Mikah checking their straps

Photo 6 - on th river

Photo 7 - happy paddler

Photo 8 - Siobhan up high taking in the view

Photo 9 - Mikah found their perch

Photo 10 - the view upstream from out campsite at Little Bridge Canyon

See link in bio to our blog and full summary of the trip.

Simply can't wait to go back.

#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
Day 4 of our Labour Day Weekend trip through the E Day 4 of our Labour Day Weekend trip through the Egypt Lake area, Banff NP.

Hiked from Pharaoh Creek CG up over Healy Pass back to our car, now at the Sunshine Village Parking Lot.

Low stress day on the trail but the fall temperatures made for a great day in the backcountry.

Photo 1 - morning at Pharaoh Creek CG

Photo 2 - Chilly breakfast, yay for coffee

Photo 3 - approaching Egypt Lake Campground 

Photo 4 - fall colours and The Sphinx

Photo 5 - Pharaoh Peak 

Photo 6 - Golden meadows of Healy Pass

Photo 7 - looking back to the Egypt Lake area, can see Scarab and Egypt Lake

Photo 8 - view south all the way to Mt Assiniboine 

Photo 9 - creek crossing

Photo 10 - end of another successful adventure

Great trip, awesome hiking partner, @sio.mellors, looking forward to more adventures with her this summer.

For full summary see 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

Happy trails!
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❤️
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