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Day 6 GDT Section C – 2020

Micah heading down from Healy Pass. Scarab Lake at the base of the cliff with Egypt Lake lake just showing below.

August 16th, Howard-Douglas CG to Egypt Lake CG, 19 km, 597 m elevation gain, 859 m elevation loss, 6 hrs 55 min (all distances and elevation are as per the guide book), Section C Segment 17 and 18.

Route and Information for the hike from Howard-Douglas CG to Egypt Lake CG.

Camp was quiet as I got out of the tent to make breakfast. The morning at Howard-Douglas was beautiful with blue skies above a lovely mirror smooth lake.

Good morning from Howard-Douglas Lake.

I had the water boiling just after 7:30 am. We silently had our breakfast while taking down camp to not disturb our neighbours. The campground at Howard-Douglas is constrained in a very small clearing with minimal privacy. As we got ready to head out just before 8:30am one of the older folks saw me taking a picture of Micah by the lake so they offered to take a picture of the two of us, which was appreciated.

My morning task of cooking the water for coffee.
Sunshine, blue skies and high spirits as we are about to leave.
Shadow selfie.

This would be a lumpy day with almost 900 m of elevation gain but no single climb over 200 m. The climbing started immediately after leaving the lake up a very braided and washed out trail. The trail heads up towards the east ridge of Quartz Hill gaining 110 m in less than 1 km. While not overly steep the quick rise immediately captured our attention. We arrived at the ridge in 15 minutes and looking back were treated to an amazing view of the lake with Citadel Peak in the background and, far in the distance, Mt Assiniboine. Looking forward, we could see Mt Ball in the distance on the horizon where we would have lunch tomorrow.

Micah headed up Quartz Hill.
The trail is very braided.
The view south. Howard-Douglas Lake with Citadel Peak behind it with Golden Mountain in the distance to the left. Mt Assiniboine can be seen rising high on the right.

Also at the top of the ridge we found a junction for a trail leading west up to the peak of Quartz Hill or east to a lookout. A new sign erected by Parks Canada advised us that the trails were a no go. There are similar instructions at Healy Pass for a trail that would take you to the Monarch Ramparts.

Not much room for interpretation.
Mt Ball (3311 m) in the distance the very right hand snow capped peak. A straight line distance of 22 km. We will have lunch tomorrow at the top of Balls Pass with a great view of Mt Ball and its glacier.

It was an easy 4 km walk to Rock Isle Lake. The flowers were out, giving us some colour along the way. Near the junction for Rock Isle Lake we met a trio heading out towards Howard-Douglas who were GDT enthusiasts. The older couple were trail angels who regular take in GDT thru hikers at their home in Banff. The younger woman had thru hiked the GDT last year. We chatted for a good 10 – 15 minutes. The day was beautiful and there did not seem to be much reason to rush. The trails near Sunshine Village are backcountry-highway quality. With all the day hikers coming up the gondola to walk around the area near the ski hill, the trails have been manicured wide and smooth, covered in finely crushed gravel.

Micah’s Note: I was also able to snag a bit of cell service here in order to check my emails–a good thing too, since I had a job offer in my inbox! However, if you need to get some internet on the trail…keep walking a little further.

Red Paint Brushes dominate the view.
Flower fields.
Must be nearing Sunshine Village. Wide smooth trails.
Still in Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park.

Arriving at Rock Isle Lake we struck up a conversation with a couple we had met back at Lake Magog. They both had on large packs and the guy’s pack bordered on the super massive. He had done a low-altitude hike up on the flanks of Mt Assiniboine with his brother. They must have thought Micah and I knew what we were doing as they asked us all sort of advice about equipment and recommendations on how to cut pack weight. I always get a little uncomfortable when people want advice; I am super happy to chat about gear but to actually give advice on hiking is not something I relish, since what I prioritize as a ‘good’ pack may not be the same for other people. I gave them my stock general piece of advice: make a list of things you carry and review it after your hike. If there are items that you carry and never use, except for safety equipment, then maybe you should review why you carry those items. They seemed happy with our conversation and we headed out on our way. Not really making big progress along the trail at this point, mileage-wise.

Rock Isle Lake. The Monarch (2904 m) in the background.

Just after leaving Rock Isle Lake we took another excursion going up Mount Standish. This 1 km side trip took us to a lookout that gave a marvelous 360 degree view of the area. After a few minutes taking in the views we headed back down the trail back to the junction with the main trail.

Micah’s Note: Imagine my surprise when we were standing on the platform and I noticed…a wifi symbol! Yes, that’s right, Sunshine had a wifi hotspot set up, presumably powered by the solar panels nearby. I wouldn’t necessarily rely on it, since who knows when/if they might shut it down, but it was a lot faster than the measly bars I’d been able to scrape earlier on the trail.

Elevated view of Rock Isle Lake. Mt Assiniboine poking through on the horizon to the right of Quartz Hill.
View from Standish Lookout.

As we followed the valley between Standish Peak and Twin Cairns we walked in an area that could best be described as a subalpine environment. Trees were small and the area was dominated by grassland, with a few marshy areas. Somehow, despite being being only 7 m lower than Healy Pass and the low point connecting two peaks, our high point on Wawa Ridge did not qualify as a pass. This was a shame as this was a very pretty stretch of trail.

Our walk up to the non pass.
Trails are still well maintained. This will end soon.
The dark peak at centre without snow is Pharaoh Peak (2711 m). The campsite at Egypt Lake is located at the base of Pharaoh Peak our home this evening. The peak in the distance to the right of Pharaoh Peak is Isabelle Peak (2926 m) it connects Mt Ball to the Balls Pass where we will have lunch tomorrow. The large brownish peak left of Pharaoh Peak is Haiduk Peak (2920 m).

The view from Wawa Ridge was amazing. Descending off the ridge would take us into a wooded walk for the next 4.5 km. As we came off the ridge we passed a group of hikers heading up we nodded a hello but they appeared to be focused on the climb and did not respond. After the non-stop views of the morning the forest walking was a bit of a shock. We kept on and came to a marker indicating the border between Alberta and BC. It was 12:30 pm and we figured this would be a good place for lunch. Unfortunately, the mosquitos agreed, and we ended up wearing our rain gear to ward the little critters off. Needless to say we kept lunch short, heading off at 12:50 pm.

Micah’s Note: And horseflies!

Descending off Wawa Ridge. Pharaoh Peak at centre.
Getting hot and dry.
The shade was welcome but I missed the views.
Welcome to a backcountry border. Where we had lunch.
Micah in thei rain gear trying to enjoy lunch.

We arrived at Simpson Pass at 1:05 pm. The pass is not really much of a destination. The pass is open and clear of trees, as it is a micro-climate called a frost meadow. A frost meadow is an area where cold air settles and stunts the growth of the trees. The pass is a junction with a short trail back to Healy Creek. There used to be a trail leading into Simpson Valley but the guidebook classifies it as a “dead” trail. While unremarkable looking Simpson Pass is very geographically significant. Water flowing south-east off the pass ends up in the Pacific Ocean while water flowing of the north side into Healy Creek will end up in Hudson Bay. This makes the pass part of the Continental Divide which is what the Great Divide Trail is meant to be following. We continued on from the pass with our next destination being the junction with the Healy Creek trail at the base of Healy Pass about 2.5 km away.

Micah’s Note: I’m so accustomed to passes being things you go up and then down, I was quite surprised to realize Simpson Pass you descend down the ridge to the saddle and then go back up again. I was waiting for an uphill the whole time until we hit the sign for Simpson Pass.

Simpson Pass. Not a lot of detail on this sign.
Simpson Pass, A frost meadow.

Soon after leaving Simpson Pass we came to a junction with Eohippus Lake. Micah and I visited the lake years before on a little hike through the area. We passed a pretty little pond, then dropped down into Healy Meadows. Healy Meadows combined with the meadows on Healy Pass, Lost Horse Creek, Harvey Pass, Citadel Pass and Sunshine form what is known as Sunshine Meadows. We did not see many people on this section but that would soon change.

Micah’s Note: Also I should note that dad spent quite some time trying to figure out why the lake is called Eohippus Lake, Eohippus being an extinct type of miniature horse-like animal. He couldn’t find the story behind it, so if you know the answer, please satisfy our curiousity and let us know!

Pretty unnamed pond with unnamed peaks in the distance.
The flowers are out. The ridge of the Ramparts in the distance.

We arrived at the junction with the Healy Creek trail at 1:45 pm. We spotted some small fish swimming in a shallow pool of water in Healy Creek. It was 1.5 km and 160 m of elevation to Healy Pass our biggest climb of the day. Two things happened as we started up to the pass; the number of flowers increased exponentially, as did the number of people. We had only seen about six people since we left Rock Isle Lake. On the trail up to Healy Pass there were bus loads upon bus loads of people. Was difficult to be annoyed at all the people, as the flower display was incredible. It was not yet 2 pm and we only had 4.8 km to go so we were in no rush. We frequently stood aside on the trail attempting to give as much space as possible as groups of 20 or more passed by.

Not far to go now.
Fish! The dominating colour of rock being reddish brown indicates the area is rich in quartz a departure from the limestone rich dominated Rocky Mountains.

What is interesting to me as a wannabe geologist is that the quartz rocks in the area, part of what is known as the Miette Group, are neo-Proterozoic in age, about 750 million years and are the old the oldest rocks in this part of the Rockies.

Just a few flowers blooming.
Fleabane (the purple) and Golden Fleabane.
Approaching Healy Pass.
One last look at Mt Assiniboine.. The low ridge to the right are the Ramparts leading to The Monarch. The mountain in front of Mt Assiniboine is Simpson Ridge and formed the south side of the valley we walked in yesterday before heading up Citadel Pass. If you look carefully at the pond to the right you can see the trail we had been on earlier. It took an 1 hr 10 min to walk from the pond to the pass.
One last close up of Mt Assiniboine.

We lingered at the top of Healy Pass for 10 – 15 minutes. I had learned my lesson from yesterday. It was warm out, hard to say it was hot, but my feet were overheating. I aired my feet out while we rested at the pass, then decided to walk the final three km to Egypt Lake CG in my flip flops. I was not very happy at this point and we hiked down to the campground mostly in silence with Micah out front and me hobbling behind.

Micah’s Note: My journal indicates that we did not rest at the pass for long, owing to the horse flies that dad keeps neglecting to mention.

Micah heading off down the trail. Mt Ball to the very right. Haiduk Mt dominating the view.
We have arrived, almost.
Bridge across Pharaoh Creek. The campground is just 150 m away up the little slope.

We arrived at the campground at 3:25 pm. A nice relaxed time to arrive. There was lots of time to explore the area. This would be nice for Micah as they had not been to the Egypt Lake before. I had been last year with Volcano and with my feet being sore I was not really in the mood to do any exploring. We actually had the same campsite this year as I had last year, with a clear view of Pharaoh Peak.

Micah‘s Note: I went and hung out at Egypt Lake for an hour or two and stuck my feet in the water while catching up on a few days of missed journalling. It was very peaceful and beautiful. If only I’d left five minutes earlier…if only…

Tent all set up, Frosty on guard.
Same view as I had last year with Volcano.

After setting up the tent Micah went off to check out Egypt Lake which is about 500 m from the campground. I took the opportunity to head back down to Pharaoh Creek and just let my feet soak and cool off in the water. After a few minutes of relaxing I realized I did not have my bear spray with me so, after filling up our water supply, I headed back up to the tent. Having my feet out of my shoes and the cool water soak had put me in a better mood. I grabbed a snack and my camera and headed off up the trial to meet Micah at Egypt Lake.

A couple of hundred metres out of camp I spied some movement in the woods and to my surprise I saw a wolf pack, complete with a couple of adults and at least three young ones. I quickly took some photos of the wolves and tried to keep my distance. I had my camera set on automatic. The camera tries to detect the best settings for the picture, including if the subject is moving. It is a good general setting but the focus beam is wide and looks at a large area around the centre of the screen. This lead to most of the shots of the wolves being out of focus as the camera focused in on an assortment of twigs and branches. I did get a couple of good shots but I was mostly just ecstatic to see wolves in the wild. The disappointment with my pictures has driven me to explore the manual modes of my camera and after an initial decline in quality my photographs have improved over the winter as I get better with my camera.

Micah’s Note: Wolves. WOLVES. I MISSED THE FREAKING WOLVES. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS I WAS LITERALLY WALKING BACK DOWN THE TRAIL TOWARDS CAMP I WAS 500 METERS AWAY. I AM GOING TO SCREAM.

The log is sharp and in focus.
Two wolves an adult and an older pup.
The wolf is just off the trail. I have used my zoom on this photo. I was not that close.
Wolf lifted its head up to reveal a collar.

I was super excited about my wolf encounter and after a few minutes continued down the trial. The wolves had backtrack and had gone away from the trail. I soon ran into Micah who was both thrilled at my wolf story and salty because they had missed it. We did attempt to tell the Parks Canada Wardens about the wolves but when we went to the Patrol Cabin there was no one there. We did our public service by telling people in the camp about the wolves as there were a couple of groups with dogs and several groups with small kids. The rest of the evening was uneventful. There was a group at dinner with three generations of family hiking. The kids were only abut 6 – 8 years old. We headed to bed early as tomorrow would be our biggest day, as we were planning on getting to Floe Lake CG with a resupply at Floe Lake parking lot.

Day 7 GDT Hike Section C 2020

GDT Section C 2020 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.

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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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