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Mt Aylmer Lookout Banff NP

Postcard Views and Burgers

Panorama of Lake Minnewanka from Aylmer Lookout

June 13, 2021. Trailhead at Lake Minnewanka Day Use Area, out and back to Aylmer Lookout, 24.5 km, 600 m elevation gain/loss, 6 hrs 50 min.

Siobhan wanted to do a Father’s Day hike but she would not be in town on Father’s Day so we went a week early. Aylmer Lookout is a popular hike in Banff NP and Siobhan had talked about doing the hike for a couple of weeks. It had been quite warm out but since it was June in the Rockies any trail heading up in elevation would be still snowbound so our options for a long day hike were still quite limited. Aylmer Lookout was a obvious choice for a good early season hike plus a friend of Siobhan’s had recently completed the hike and shared some great photos. Simply put the hike was fantastic. I cannot believe that I have lived in the Rockies for almost 25 years and have never taken the time to hike to Aylmer Lookout.

We knew the trail would be busy so we got up somewhat early and arrived at the parking lot at Lake Minnewanka at 8:55 am and were on the trail at 9:00 (I did say “somewhat early”). The trail cuts through the Minnewanka day use area before cutting over to the lake to follow the shoreline up past the mouth of the Cascade River to a bridge located in a pretty canyon known as Stewart Canyon. There is a trail up Stewart Canyon the Cascade Valley Trail but it starts at the trailhead for C-Level Cirque. It was very quiet while we made our way to the bridge one runner pass by us and one cyclist. The first 8.25 km of trail stays close to the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka and is frequented by hikers, runners and mountain bikers.

Our first destination is Campground Lm 8 Aylmer Pass Junction. That is where we will leave the lakeside trail and head up to the Aylmer Pass Lookout.
Looking out to the mouth of the Cascade River.
Looking up the Cascade River as it flows through Stewart Canyon.

The trail heads uphill right after the bridge giving us a little elevation gain at the beginning of the hike. We pasted a group of three hikers with a small dog. We picked up the pace a little as they were talking very loud so we wanted to put some distance between us and them quickly. The trail headed back to Lake Minnewanka while rising slightly. Soon after returning to the lake the trail dropped quickly and stayed just a few tens of metres above the lake all the way to the junction to Aylmer Lookout. While the trail runs along the lake it is quite exposed to the sun so we stopped in a shady spot to sunscreen up. A solo hiker passed us by and a group of backpackers came up the trail the other way after spending a night at one of the lakeside campsites. We hustled our sun screening as we could hear a loud group coming down the trail and we thought it may have been the group from the bridge. We did not need to bother rushing as the loud voices belonged to a mother/daughter trail running duo that passed by us quickly. We would see the trail runners again while we were on the uphill approach to the Aylmer Lookout and they were on their return trip.

Looking south east to the west end of Mt Rundle.

There were quite a few mountain bikers that passed by us. Everyone was quite friendly and polite. A couple with two large white samoyeds stepped aside as we passed them. The dogs were lovely and friendly but was not sure how they would fair on hike with the heat rising. We ran into a co-worker of mine out for a ride with her family. We had a lovely chat by the trail and would catch up to them again when we arrived at the junction to Aylmer Lookout. At almost exactly 8 km we crossed a narrow bridge over the creek draining Aylmer Pass. A couple hundred metres later we arrived at the junction to Aylmer Pass and the Lookout we had been hiking for 1 hr 50 min. Another short chat with our friends who were taking a break and it was time we turned our attention to heading up towards the pass.

Shortly after leaving the junction we stopped to refuel and adjust our shoes. The lakeside trail was very wide allowing for side by side travel now we were on a much narrower trail and walking single file.

Heading uphill.

The uphill climb was very pleasant. The trail never got very steep. We caught up to a group of four that had passed us during our break but they remained just far enough in front that we could not hear them. It took us 55 minutes to hike the uphill from the junction with the lakeside trail to the junction where we would turn off and head to Aylmer Lookout now only 2 km away.

Siobhan pointing the way to Aylmer Lookout.

Heading to Aylmer Pass leads to some very wild areas of Banff NP that few people venture to. We turned right and headed up to Aylmer Lookout. The hike up was fun as it had a lot of variation in a less than 2 km stretch. The trail twisted and turned and there was even a downhill section to stretch the legs before the final uphill. The solo hiker who passed us back when we were sun screening ourselves came by hiking the other way after his visit to the Lookout. Views of Lake Minnewanka began to appear as we gained elevation and the trees opened up.

The trail to the top.
First view of Lake Minnewanka.
I am on the trip.

As we made our way towards the final slope to the Lookout we could see the group of four just in front of us and a single guy coming down an alternate path. The trail was quite steep for the last few hundred metres but the view from the top was worth it. It had taken us 3 hrs 20 min to hike the 12 km to Aylmer Lookout.

The final push. The group of four near the top and you can just see guy heading down on the left of the picture.
Siobhan at the top.

Aylmer Lookout is worth the long walk providing views all up and down Lake Minnewanka. Other than the group of four who arrived just before us we were the only people at the Lookout. There is a natural photo spot just past the top on the lakeside. After waiting patiently for the other group to take their photos we took our photos and ask a person from th group to take a photo of the two of us.

Siobhan, Lake Minnewanka, the edge of Banff town site in the distance and the snow capped peaks of the Sundance Range.
Happy team. Mt Inglismaldie (2964 m) towering above us was named for a castle in Scotland.
Big Smiles.

After arriving at the top Siobhan was a little suspicious that something was up. First I was backpacking with the pack I used on the Great Divide Trail last year which was a little excessive for a day hike. Second as soon as we arrived at Aylmer Lookout she could see me looking around the top focused on trying to find something. It is always fun to have a little treat when hiking so for this day I had brought my camping stove and a frying pan to cook up some burgers for lunch. So I was looking for a sheltered spot to set up the stove out of the wind. Siobhan started laughing when I pulled the frying pan out of the backpack. It was a surprise and needless to say it was a big hit!

Cooking up some burgers.
Got cheese and you can see the buns in the bag already have lettuce and garnishes on them.
Not a bad kitchen. View was pretty good.
Burger and a view.
Siobhan enjoying her burger.

While we were having lunch the area on the top started to fill up. We decided to leave as soon as we had finished our burgers. I counted a total of 15 people at the top as we getting ready to lave. Just before we left I took a picture of a grassy meadow in the distance across the lake. While most people would probably not even notice the meadow it was significant to me as is above Stenton Lake. I hiked to Stenton Lake with Micah in 2018 and it remains one of my favourite overnight camping trips. It is not everyday you can hike to a deserted lake and view the Milky Way starting the hike right from your front door.

Centre right in the far distance is a flattish brown plateau. Stenton Lake is down the far side. the peak behind is Stenton Peak (2815 m)

Our stay at Aylmer Lookout was about 45 minutes. We started back down just after 1 pm. I was shocked the steady stream of people we passed heading up to the lookout. It was a lot like rush hour. As downhill hikers and the fact that we were not really in a rush Siobhan and I pulled over to let the hikers pass. I am guessing we passed 20 or more people heading up to the Lookout. One of the groups that passed us was the couple we passed near the beginning of the hike with samoyeds! They had made it all the way to the Lookout. We starting jogging lightly letting gravity do some of the work to propel us forward. We arrived back at the junction for Aylmer Pass in just 18 minutes compared to the 30 minutes it had take us to hike up. Siobhan was just about to change into her running shoes when we noticed a deer feeding a short way off the trail. The deer seemed to be very habituated to people as it paid us no notice and just kept munching away. We took a couple of photos and headed down the trail a short way so Siobhan could change into her shoes without disturbing the deer.

Just not very concerned about us.

After Siobhan had finished changing into shoes we continued running down the trail. Siobhan was happy to let me lead and recorded a short video that she later posted to Instagram. The music to the video was “Walking the Dog”, not sure I approved of that choice. We made great time running even given the fact that I had a huge crash near the bottom. I tripped over a rock and rolled onto my back. I thought I was going to get away with the crash and not get hurt but I ended up landing on my left leg and slamming the bear spray hard into the side of my thigh. Remembering the advice coaches gave me in my youth to walk off an injury I rubbed my thigh and headed off back down the trail running. To be truthful I do not think the advice to walk it off is well thought out but my leg did feel better and never did bruise. We arrived back at the junction with the main trial just 50 minutes after leaving the Lookout. For comparison the trip up had taken 1 hr 25 min. What was interesting after all the people we pasted initially heading up to the Lookout. we only passed one group after leaving the deer.

There was a women leaning against a tree at the junction. We chatted for a couple of minutes and then headed on our way back towards the car. Upon reflection there seemed to be something not quite right with the situation with the women. Siobhan agreed so we headed back and Siobhan asked her if she was OK or needed any help. She said she was fine so we turned around and headed back down the trail a second time. We passed a smattering of people and a few mountain bikers passed us but the trail was not very busy.

Siobhan with Cascade Mt (3006 m) in the background. This is pretty much the condition of the trail as it runs along the lake. Kinda rocky.
Siobhan looking at something.
Siobhan striking the Instagram pose.

As we turned to walk up Stewart Canyon towards the bridge what looked like an mother/daughter duo rode past. The daughter was leading riding a tricked out modern mountain bike. The older mom cycled passed shortly after on a bike I could date to the late 90’s based on the brakes. As we entered the woods just before the coming to the bridge we met a women walking with an incredibly well behaved, friendly and huge cane corso. Both Siobhan and I enjoyed giving him vigorous scratches. He was also very slobbery. After saying goodbye to our new four legged friend we headed down to the bridge over Cascade River and back to the day use area. After spending almost 7 hours on the trail we were not quite prepared for the scene that greeted us as we walked through the day use area. The place was packed with people. People enjoying the lake side, people having picnics, people barbecuing. It was wall to wall people. When we arrived back at the car after an amazing hike we felt somewhat pressured to leave quickly. There were people driving laps of the parking lot waiting for a parking spot to open. When someone figured out we were leaving they stopped and waited for us holding up everyone behind them.

While the hike ended a little rush it had been a fantastic day. The only thing that could make it better was the ice cold smoothy and milkshake we got at Blondies back in Canmore. So long Aylmer Lookout it won’t be 26 years before I come back to visit.

One last view from Aylmer Lookout.

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New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in Kootenay NP with @sio.mellors. Introduction and Day 1 up on Bootwreckers.

Trip was suppose to be hiking Northover Ridge in Kanananaskis but smoke had us change plans at the last minute.

This would be my third multi day trip on the Rockwall but the first for Siobhan.

Managed to get two camping sites on the Rockwall and instead of smoke we had to deal with the threat of rain.

We did get wet but we had a blast.

Day 1 is from Paint Pots TH to Helmet Falls CG, with a side trip to get up close the the falls. Pretty straightforward day but visiting Helmet Falls is always special.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

This day took us from a random camp on the Howse Floodplain to the Mustafa Canyon parking lot. This was an adventurous day with bushwhacking, stream crossings and dead fall but a simply glorious end to a wonderful hike on the GDT. 

Again thanks  to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. I am sure we will meet again on a trail someday.

Photo 1 - Morning Colors

Photo 2 - tents on the floodplain

Photo 3 - bushwhacking to start the day

Photo 4 - fields of flowers going to seed

Photo 5 - looking south down the Howse River

Photo 6 - thigh deep water crossing

Photo 7 - big views

Photo 8 - Sara crossing some dead fall

Photo 9 -Mistaya Canyon

Photo 10 - picked up a thru hiker named Roy, enjoying beverages left by Natasha and Kyle from Backpacks and Bikeracks

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Day 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hik Day 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hike is posted on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Truly epic day on the trail. Pass through the debris of two avalanches, had lunch by a waterfall, crawled over so much dead fall and hiked on the Howse Flood Plain.

The sunset on the flood plain was one of most magical I have seen.

As always a big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Evening light on Picketpost Mt. #aztrail #aztasso Evening light on Picketpost Mt.

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15. Some photos of Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15.

Some photos of my recent hike down a couple of Passages of the Arizona Trail. 

The trail is so diverse, rolling terrain cut by shallow washes leads to the expanse of the desert then into rugged canyons and tall peaks, all in a space of 92 km (58 miles).

Had a great time, some blisters gave me some concerns but they seem to be doing fine now that they are out of my hiking shoes.

Got lucky with Trail Magic courtesy of Condiments who drove his 4x4 deep into an unarmed wash, was really in the middle of no where, and then again at the start of Passage 15, missed the Trail Angel's name, the wind was so loud.

Like to thank my Trail Angels, Carole for driving me to Oracle to start the trip, with side trip to a Hayden Az, a real ghost town and to Edith for leaving a water cache for me at Passage 15.

Included a video of my time at the high point for Passage 15. My kid likes it when you stop and enjoy the view you earned, thought they would appreciate my effort in the face of 1000 mph winds (ok maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration).

Thanks Arizona and the AZT for providing more memories.

I will be back

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to start my hike on the Arizona Trail, Passages 14 and 15

Love my little motel in Superior, Az, Copper Mt Motel. Has murals painted on all the buildings

Spied the Grand Canyon from the plane 

Adventure awaits 

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure. Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure.

Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15 starting Sunday

Off weekend gooooooo!

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Last weekend before heading to Arizona for a four Last weekend before heading to Arizona for a four day adventure on the Arizona Trail.

I wonder if hiking in the 15 cm of fresh snow will be good prepared for hiking the deserts of Passages 14 and 15?

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 4 of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on the Day 4 of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on the website, see link in bio.

This was a truly epic day spent on the Amiskwi and Collie Creek Alternates.

The weather cooperated starting with a spectacular sunrise on the Mummery Glacier, rainbows and blue skies on the ridge.

We had a brief encounter with a little black bear who scampered quickly away. 

Finished off the day with a cold beer, Grizzly Paw Rutting Elk Red, that I had carried with me and it tasted great.

Easily one of th best days on the trail ever.

Again big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Day 3 of our 2022 Section D hike is posted, see li Day 3 of our 2022 Section D hike is posted, see link in bio.

This was a shorter day, only about 17 km but took us from the end of the Kiwetinok Alternate up to Amiskwi Pass and then a beautiful meadow at the the base of the Amiskwi Ridge.

Photo 1 - morning sky

Photo 2 - on the Kiwetinok Alternate

Photo 3 - Kiwetinok Alternate

Photo 4 - break time at a stream crossing, Frosty Paws hanging in there

Photo 5 - Fireweed with a view down the Amiskwi Valley,

Photo 6 - fields of flowers as we approached Amiskwi Pass

Photo 7 - Yellow Columbine on the way up to Amiskwi Lodge

Photo 8 - Our camp in the meadow

Photo 9 - Setting sun

Photo 10 - one of the best adventure stories ever! True story of how three prisoners of war escaped and climbed Mt Kenya

Again big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
First two days of my 2022 Great Divide Trail Secti First two days of my 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D adventure are up on the blog, see profile for link.

Day 1 was from Burgess Pass Trail head to Yoho Lake Campground. A relatively short day but a good warm up for the rest of the trip.

Big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

Photo 1 - at Burgess Pass looking at Mt Wapta

Photo 2 - Flowers, it was a great time to hike to see all the flowers in August bloom

Photo 3 - Emerald Lake from up high

Photo 4 - at Yoho Pass, did I mention the flowers

Photo 5 - Duplex tent all set up with Frosty Paws on guard, and oh ya, more flowers

Photo 6 - the north end of Wapta Mt as seen from Yoho Lake.

Super fun little day, the opening a grand adventure.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Sound On. Video clips from my hike along th Supe Sound On. 

Video clips from my hike along th Superstion Ridgeline.

Was an epic hike, 24km from my campsite at Miners Needle to First Water Trailhead where my car was.

Wouldn't recommend doing all in one day backpacking, as the final descent down Siphon Draw Wash is brutal, but I did it in 10hrs 45min

Would love to redo th hike at some point and actaull stop and camp along the ridge.

I had enough water to stop, but I was enticed by the prospects of a beer to finish.

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail #loveazt  #azt #arizonatrailassociation
Day 5 and 6 of our Green River Canoe trip from 201 Day 5 and 6 of our Green River Canoe trip from 2017 is up on Bootwreckers, see link in Bio.

The day started in the dark with a hike up to the Dollhouse to watch the sunrise.

After doing an bit of exploring including a short hike out to Beehive Arch we headed back to camp to pack up and catch the jet boat ride back to Moab.

No trip to Moab is complete without a stop at the Moab Brewery, I had a tall smooth Derailleur Ale to compliment my mushroom, Swiss bacon burger.

Once back home it was time for snuggles with the little fella who waited patently for us whole we were away. Doggie snuggles for the win!

Another epic adventure in the books.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial
Just some of my favorite photos from my New Year's Just some of my favorite photos from my New Year's Arizona trip to the Superstitions

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail #loveazt  #azt #arizonatrailassociation
Just a few photos from my epic 3 day hike through Just a few photos from my epic 3 day hike through Superstion Mts of Arizona. 

I think it was Plan D or maybe E. Saw photos of th Grand Canyon and many of th roads there were closed, so good choice not to go.

Day 1 - First Water TH over to Ther Battleship via many stream crossings and camp near Black Top Mesa. Due to the heavy rains, water was not an issue.

Day 2 - up past Weavers Needle and over to camp below Miners Needle

Day 3 - Epic 26 km day up on down the Superstions Ridge Trail and back to the car. This was probably the second hardest day I hav e had on trail. The trail is more "route" very ill defined for the first 2/3rds of the way. Also includes numerous down climbs, I frequently tossed my poles down 3m (10ft) of more. This is not an easy trail, and the final descent down Siphon Wash is absolutely intense. After leaving camp at 7:15am (sunrise at 7:30) I arrived at the car at 5;45pm.

Needless to say I didn't do much Friday.

Will write more later.

Thanks to my adopted trail team, James, John, Kevin and Patrick. Four Med students from UofM who allowed me to tag along as the caboose for the first two days.

Now, time to fly home.....

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail #loveazt  #azt #arizonatrailassociation
Sound On! About that hike.....it is not going to Sound On!

About that hike.....it is not going to happen this year.

A winter storm has come through, bringing rain, risk of flash floods and near freezing temperatures. At the prospect of hiking two or even three days in the rain, I kept hearing this voice in my head "You know, I'm not having any fun" , spoken by @kbsymington on day two of a four day hike, I could totally see that thought passing through my head if I went ahead with the hike.

I did meet my Trail Angel Bev the Kelvin TH and the scenery was just spectacular! I could hear the desert calling me. It was simply beautiful, but Bev didn't try to talk me into going and did say when I come back I was to contact her, can't wait.

My motel manger told me to go up Hwy 60 towards Globe, AZ, and check out the Queen River Canyon just after the tunnel.

It was a lot of fun to do a little exploring and it actually confirmed I made the right decision,  I got so cold in the few minutes I was out taking photos.

As I got back to the motel I was happy to see a ray of light at the horizon, maybe the rain is going to go away.

I also discovered my getting old hiking shoes leak.....

Planning on a 4 day trip around th Superstitions starting the day after tomorrow. 

Happy trails.

#aztsos #teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail
Happy New Year from Superior, Arizona. Getting re Happy New Year from Superior, Arizona.

Getting ready for 5 days on the Arizona Trail, passages 14 and 15, if the weather allows (could rain, hard, in the desert eh, who knew)

Now time for some sleep

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail
Day 4 on the Green River was another great day exp Day 4 on the Green River was another great day exploring canyons, hiking and of course paddling. Full summary on the website, see link in bio.

We started off the day exploring Jasper Canyon, found an amazing Anasazi house.

Then we hit the river and joined the Colorado River for the last couple of miles to our final desk at Spanish Bottom.

After dinner we took a quick hike up to Doll House, which we would revisit the next morning for sunrise.

A real mix of a day which made it a whole lotta fun.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial #river
Day 3 of our 2017 Green River Canoe trip up on Boo Day 3 of our 2017 Green River Canoe trip up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

15 mile paddle from Cabin Bottom to Jasper Canyon. 

Checked out Anasazi Petroglyphs at Cabin Bottom. Stopped to explore Turks Head Bottom where there were two sets of Anasazi dwellings. 

After a good day on the river enjoyed a beer given to us by some friendly boaters. 

Finished off th evening taking some fun night time photos of the stars and the tent.

Was an amazing trip with still one more day on the river and one day exploring.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial #river
On the river with Day of our 2017 trip down the Gr On the river with Day of our 2017 trip down the Green River, see link in bio for full summary.

Was a fantastic day with blue skies and warmer weather. We made two stops to explore Anderson Bottom and some Anasazi granaries that were located about 30ft up a cliff!

Stopped at Cabin Bottom where I dumped dinner in the sand but rescued it and got two free beers.

Finished the day off getting up at 3 am to take pictures of th Milky Way.

#canyonlands, #canyonlandsnationalpark, #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #turkshead, #anasazi, #anasaziruins, #utah, #exploreutah, #coloradoriver, #canoeing, #redrocks, #hikingadventures, #camping, #hikingadventures #texriverways, #floatritp #canoe #familytime❤️ #outdoors #outside #outsidethebox #earthpix  #wildernessculture  #wildernessociety  #seeutah  #igsouthwest #discoverearth #earthofficial

Always a great day being out on the river.
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