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Day 7 GDT 2021 – Section E

View from the top of the first pass on the Six Passes Route.

Day 7, August 17th, Waterfalls CG to First Valley Six Passes. 22 km, 1000 m elevation gain, 780 m elevation loss, 9 hrs (Segment 26, Segment 27).

Morning video. Couple of unexpected challenges came up.

It rained all night at times quite hard. I was awake at 5 am listening to the rain wondering how the day was going to unfold. I have hiked in the rain many times and the toughest part for me is actually getting out of the tent and into the rain. Once outside I really do not mind the rain too much. Just after 7 am the rain started to diminish and by 7:30 am the rain had ceased altogether. Getting up late was not really the plan but having a good rest was not a bad thing. I really was not worried about the time as it was still light till quite late and the goal for the day was about 25 km. Our pan today was to enter the Six Passes Route. I did have a permit but it was for tomorrow. I was non-committal on what to do but a friend who had done the GDT said that I had a permit so if I was a day early it would be fine.

Ground wet but we are dry. Spirits are good to start the day.

We ran into our first challenge when Micah dug into their food bag and found that over half their Logan Bread that they were planning to eat for breakfast had gone moldy! I had kept my Logan Bread in the freezer until I packed it the day before I left for the hike. Micah had put their Logan Bread in a cold room before the hike. Obviously the cold room was not adequate to keep the Logan Bread from going moldy over a few weeks. On Micah’s John Muir Trail hike they had eaten Logan Bread for breakfast but had vacuum packed it. It might be time to invest in some new equipment for food storage. We were able to manage with food for the trip but I think we both wished we had a just little more.

Frosty and Links with us. Frosty not going to be happy when I throw the pack cover on. Frosty likes to enjoy the views.
Micah all set to go.
Keeping it loose.

We left camp at 9:10 am. Initially the trail was firm and wide but it narrowed into a small path worn deep into the ground leading to minor flooding across the trail. Trying to avoid the worst of the water resulted in the legs getting repeatedly wet from being “car washed” by the wet grasses that lined the trail. One hour 10 minutes after we left camp we arrived at Poboktan CG. Micah decided to take the opportunity to put their rain pants on to keep their legs dryer. I decided that I was warm enough despite my my pants getting a little wet and was confident that my pants would dry as we climbed into the alpine.

Good dry trail. Lots of low hanging cloud.
Getting hard to stay dry.
Arrival at Poboktan CG.
Wow, we have done 4.5 km already.

Back on the trail we soon covered the 1.2 km to the junction with the Maligne Pass Trail. I would like to know why but Parks Canada has decided to not maintain the Maligne Pass Trail. I was expecting the trail to be more like Day 4 through the Cataract and I my expectations would prove to be correct.

The trail is still a little wet and greasy.
Arrived at the Maligne Pass Junction, 10:40 am.

“From my research after I got home I learned that the process of decommissioning several Jasper NP trails began almost a decade ago. Parks Canada decided that some trails are not worthy of maintenance and the Maligne Pass Trail specifically cut through important wildlife habitat that was compromised by recreational users, i.e. hikers. Avalanche CG will continued being maintained for single parties but there will be no trail maintenance on the trail up to Maligne Pass. North of Maligne Pass the trail will become a “wilderness route”. Hikers will still need a permit and pay a fee for the privilege of accessing the “wilderness routes”. Campgrounds will be removed and the bridge over Maligne River will not be replaced. For hikers purchasing maps of Jasper Park new maps will no longer show the decommissioned trails. Parks Canada has asked Gem Trek and National Geographic to remove several decommissioned trails from their maps.”

Micah on top of things. We head to the right. It is only a small log but it is a sign that the trail is not going to be well maintained.

It was only 3 minutes before we came to see what was meant by the trail being “no longer maintained”. A bridge across Poligne Creek, the creek draining Maligne Pass, had broken in two and collapsed. After a quick inspection we felt the bridge was still safe and was the driest way across the creek. It looked like it had been broken for a while and I am thinking Parks Canada is not going to do anything about it.

The bridge is a little bent but it was still the dry way across.
Pretty little canyon upstream of the bridge.

The trail was very easy to follow as we made our way to Avalanche CG. There were lots of cloud hanging low on the mountains but they never looked very threatening. After 30 minutes of hiking we came to another stream crossing. Not a very sophisticated bridge but I felt very safe while crossing which is something that I would not be able to say about the next two crossings.

Not the widest path I have seen. Looks like some downed trees up ahead.
Crossing #2. Seems somewhat structurally sound.

We had multiple stream crossings on this section but none of the streams would have been a barrier to hiking even if there had been no bridges/logs to aid in the crossing. The bridges/logs helped keep our feet dry but with the persistent drizzle we had made the logs wet and slippery which added a great deal of excitement to the crossings. With the rain we had our feet were already wet so it would not have been a big deal for us just to wade through the water. We eventually came to a calm shallow crossing that did not have an option to cross and stay dry but instead of changing to our sandals we just waded across soaking our already wet feet in the process.

Crossing #3
Crossing #4. I had a little trouble with this one but did not fall in.
Still cloudy out but quite bright and not very threatening.
Crossing #5. Shallow easy crossing. Got our feet soaked.

Shortly after Crossing #5 we came to small detour around some avalanche debris. Some hiker had come through and put some orange flagging up to help guide people around the debris. It was soon after that the sun came out and we rejoiced in seeing our shadows. The trail was very easy to follow at this point even if it was somewhat narrow.

Micah surveying the avalanche debris.
Some helpful flagging tape.
Clouds are really lifting.

The mountain that was to our left that we ware traversing around forms the southern tip of the Endless Chain Ridge. The Endless Chain Ridge runs unbroken for almost 30 km and it will be our companion all the way to the 4th pass on the Six Passes Route.

Sunlight and shadows.

A few minutes after the sun came out we came to another stream crossing utilizing a very broken log as a bridge. The Poligne Creek which we have been following is now not much more than a bubbling brook. We could have easily walked across the creek but we took the bridge to keep our damp feet from becoming soaked once again.

Sun is out and trail is in good shape.
Crossing #6. Poligne Creek dwindling in size..
Arrival at Avalanche CG.

It was 12:30 pm when we arrived at Avalanche CG. To compare the difference in the two sections of trail that we had been on it had taken us 1.5 hrs to hike 5.7 km and 150 m of elevation loss from Waterfalls CG to the junction with the Maligne Pass Trail. It had then taken us 1.75 hrs to hike only 4.5 km with a gentle gain of 300 m from the junction to Avalanche CG. It had taken us 15 minutes longer to hike 1.2 km less on the Maligne Pass Trail. Avalanche CG looked like a very nice little campground. There were four tent pads and a fire ring. Interesting that Parks Canada is not maintaining the Maligne Pass Trail but the signage is all new. My understanding is that Avalanche CG is only available for one group per night who have a reservation on Six Passes or down the Maligne Pass Trail. The campground did not look very well used.

Eating area at Avalanche CG.

We had a 15 minutes break at Avalanche CG. We took the opportunity to down some snacks and use the toilet before heading off on the last 4.25 km stretch to Maligne Pass.

The view looking downstream of Poligne Creek from Avalanche CG.

Leaving Avalanche CG the trail was good and firm in some spots and rocky and wet in others. Looking at the speed graph on my Viewranger our speed was noticeably slower in the section just after we left the campground. Twenty five minutes after leaving the campground we came to stream crossing number 7. The crossing led to us very wet and marshy section. Afterwards we determined that Micah got us a little lost and we had not been on the main trail. The trail moved away from the creek and started to head uphill leading to drier and better trail.

The meadow areas are wet. A touch of blue sky for the first time in days.
I believe Micah is pleading for some more blue sky.
Crossing #7. The last crossing. If you look closely Micah’s jacket and pants are all wet just from walking past the trees and bushes. It was not raining.
We are not the only people to walk here. It is very soft and muddy.
This area was still very wet. Water on my rain jacket from pushing past all the brush on the trail.

The trail headed uphill away from the marsh gaining 150 m of elevation in just 1.2 km. This little climb was our steepest section we had encountered on a very light day in terms of elevation. As we approached the pass the trees started to thin, the trail firmed up and our speed increased. Since we were getting nearer the pass it was decision time. We did have a permit for the Six Passes but it was for tomorrow. The question was should we head in anyway? Both Micah and myself are good rule followers.

Reaching the alpine. The Endless Chain Ridge in the background.
Good solid trail. Trees thinning out.
Still some colour left trailside.
Approaching Maligne Pass. The lake in the distance is pretty much at the pass and is the headwaters of Poligne Creek.

We arrived at the pass at 2:05 pm. Even with the wet and sloppy trail after Avalanche CG it had only taken us 1 hour 20 minutes to hike the 4.25 km to Maligne Pass. Maligne Pass was a glorious alpine meadow. The views stretched off into the distance in both directions. We choose a rock to shelter us from the wind and enjoyed our lunch overlooking the small lake that occupied the southern side of the pass.

Looking south from Maligne Pass.
The view north from Maligne Pass.
The view north 20 minutes later. Are the clouds really going to lift?
Looking to where we have to hike for the Six Passes. The first pass is right of centre where there is a little patch of snow at the lowest point on the ridge.

Just as we were finishing lunch the hiker who we had first seen at arriving late at Four Points came striding down the trail. She was very talkative and we had a lovely chat as we got ready for the next leg of our adventure. She was thru hiking the GDT after having completed the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2020. Comparing the two trails she said that she missed the communal atmosphere of the PCT. She was finding that there were very few people on the GDT compared to the PCT as a result she had often found herself hiking alone. We discussed the Six Passes Route that was the major decision for both of us. She had a permit but how she came by it was quite the story. She had been originally unable to secure a permit for the Six Passes. She met another hiker online who was also thru hiking the GDT on the same itinerary and they agreed to hike together. A week before they were scheduled to leave for the GDT the other hiker broke her leg when they was hit by car while riding their bicycle. Now injured the other hiker gave her the permit for the Six Passes. At first she was quite excited about the prospect of hiking with us on the Six Passes. As she reflected on her upcoming schedule she decided that since she had to be in Jasper in just two days and it would be better for her to just hike down the Maligne Pass Trail. We asked if we could have her permit for the evening and she agreed. She took a couple of pictures of us and then was off down the trail. We never did get her name.

Team photo.

Now we had to decide what we were going to do. Initially we decided that we do the Six Passes. We headed out towards what we thought was the first pass. Leaving Maligne Pass the going was very, very difficult. The initial slope that looked so green and lovely was covered in hummocks, small mounds of dirt created by differentials in the amount of frost heave in the area. While the hummocks are not very large they are soft and make for a very uneven walking surface. We slogged our way up the hill, hiking in silence some distance apart. I found this small section to be a lot of work and it was dampening my enthusiasm to hike the Six Passes.

Weather is looking good.
Looking back to North Maligne Pass. Our friendly hiker is a small blue dot near the right edge of the photo.
Zoomed in version of the above photo. There is the small blue dot.
Would not be day 7 without a creek crossing.
Micah working their way up the hill.

After about 30 minutes we found ourselves at the top of the grassy slope where the ground became firmer and rockier. The flatter harder ground provided easier travel and we started to feel as we were actually making progress towards the pass. As we walked together along the rocks we started to feel better. We have done very little off trail hiking so we just did not know what to expect. We hiked past our one and only cairn for the Six Passes. Even though it was obvious where we had to go it was a strange feeling not having a trail laid out to take us to our destination. Part way up the slope leading to the pass we both agreed that we did not think that the Six Passes was for us and that we would just go to the top of the 1st pass and look over before heading back to the main trail.

The rocky terrain was a pleasant change from the soft grassy hummocks. The pass still looks far away.
Looking back to Maligne Pass.
The many tarns of Maligne Pass.

The footing leading up to the pass was very soft. The rocks were very small and it felt like we were hiking up a wet pile of gravel. Without solid footing each step sunk into the dirt and when you pushed off your foot sunk even further. It was a quiet and subdued approach to the pass.

Micah working their way up the pass #1
It is very soft going. There are older footprints in the dirt.

After exactly 1 hour of hiking we arrived at the top of the 1st pass. Micah let out a primordial scream before I was able to join them at the top. I wish I had a video of them screaming. The sight before leading away from the pass was absolute alpine beauty at its finest. We looked at each and smiled. Our fates where sealed. Without a word we headed down from the pass and deeper into the Six Passes.

Looking back at Maligne Pass from the top of the 1st pass.
Looking into the Six Passes from the top of the 1st Pass.

Since the weather was not being overly cooperative we decided to hedge a little on our distance. We decided we would not hike too far into the the Six Passes in case the weather was not good the next day. The shorter distance meant that it would not take too much time to hike back to the main trail. We both agreed to the plan as it sounded like a reasonable compromise.

The rugged cliffs of the Endless Chain Ridge.
A very happy hiker.
Thoughts on heading into the Six Passes. Micah glad they did not “chicken out”.
What! Another creek crossing.
Looking back to the 1st pass.
Me with my friend the tree.
Hard to believe Hwy 93 is just over those cliffs.
Boot print. People have traveled this way before us.
Home for the evening.

We found a nice spot in the meadow not too far from a water source and set up camp. After the rain the previous night and during the morning hike up the Maligne Pass Trail we had a lot of wet clothing and equipment. Once we had the tent set up we utilized the external poles of the tent as a laundry dryer.

The view down the valley. A happy looking sky.
Laundry drying. Even the ground sheet needed drying.
Not a lot of trees.

Camping in a grassy meadow made me happy I had bear canisters. There were trees a little further down the valley up the slope to the right but I was happy to have the flexibility to camp where we did. The plan was to get up at 5:45 am the following morning to start our day. While we were hiking down the valley I had texted Laura to send us a weather update for the next couple of days using my SPOT X. We stopped and set up the tent after hiking about 4 km into the valley as was our plan. The weather update from Laura came a little later in the evening and said that the next day was suppose to be sunny but 30% rain the day after. Too bad I did not ask for the weather update earlier as we decided with the good weather coming tomorrow that we would continue into the Six Passes. Doing a couple extra kilometers on this day would have made the next day a bit easier. The valley cooled off quite quickly as the sun went down behind the mountains so shortly after dinner we retired into the tent. We did quite a bit of reading before calling it a night at about 8:30 pm.

Micah in the kitchen.
Summary of our day. Evening in the Six Passes.

Day 8 GDT Section E 2021

GDT Section E 2021 (aborted Section D) Home

bootwreckers

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.
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
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