Just Go The Distance

If you go the distance (driving and hiking) you will be rewarded at the golden level!  We crossed the border into Yoho National Park in British Columbia.  Here we go, crossing the border again to hike for the day!  We parked just across the highway from Wapta Lake at the Wapta Lake Picnic Area.  

Only three kilometers into the hike, we came upon Sherbrooke Lake which was a TEASE of what was to come.  The clear sky and calm water created picture perfect reflections.  There is something about me and reflections! I even think reflections can be prettier then the actual thing.

TEASE

We followed the lake shore for quite some time where we got a TASTE of the many beautiful and unusual things one sees in the mountain wilderness.  If you keep your eyes wide open and be aware of everything around you, you will find a feast that will fill you.

TASTE

What we thought at first to be Niles Meadow was only the Amphitheatre.  The lush green landscape with the creek running through it all surrounded by mountain after mountain will only TANTALIZE you.  You are left wondering if the Amphitheatre looks like this, what on earth could the actual, real Meadow look like.  Well, let's go a little further and see!

TANTALIZE

We climbed to Niles Meadow and from there we had a great view ahead of mountains that were TEMPTING us.  We wanted to see the view they were blocking.  We needed to see what was on the other side and there was only one way that was going to happen.  We gave in to the temptation!

TEMPTING

We came this far, why not "just go the distance"!  We ascended an easy scramble route over a field of gigantic boulders which lead us to an overlook.  The golden reward!  The TOTAL PACKAGE!  We reached the Daly Glacier Overlook with the Daly Glacier being right behind me.  The melt from the Glacier forms this lake and then pours with a force down the side creating Takakkaw Falls.  The 3rd photo is one I took only a week ago when I hiked the Iceline Trail.  You can see the Daly Glacier up above and behind the falls.  Last weekend when I looked up and saw the Glacier, never in my wildest dreams could I ever even have imagined that I would be there one day!  "Adventure Designer!  You sure lived up to your name today"!

TOTAL PACKAGE 1 2 3 

I haven't been detailing my hikes as much as I use to through my blog.  Today's adventure was worthy of the total package.  It rated high on the "WOW" factor! It packed lots of punch!    It made me feel like I was "on top of the world"!

Iceline Trail Yoho National Park July 24, 2010

Yoho National Park is amazing!  Today we did the Iceline Trail which was about a 17km loop  with 720 meters of elevation.  There were waterfalls galore!  It is a fun thing to say you crossed the border into British Columbia to hike for the day!  We topped the day off by stopping in at the Lake Louise Hostel on the way home for a burger and beer.

Takakkawa Falls

Mountains Glaciers Waterfalls

Laughing Falls

Celeste Lake

So Far! So Good!

That is how my summer has been to this point in time!

The forecast for the balance of the summer even shows better, along with some growth!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Stay tuned!

Bike Ride July 18, 2010

After yesterday's hike and this morning's run, I still had a little energy to spend. The day was looking gorgeous so I went for a spin. The plan was to turn right at the bottom of the hill and I was prepared to, but when I reached the bottom of the hill I turned left instead. Not sure why! I was so thankful I did! My bike turned out to be the means to get me from one flower to the next. This is just a sample of the many wildflowers in bloom along the Nose Creek Pathway.

Old Goat Glacier July 17, 2010

If you are going to be in the mountains, today was the day to be there!  We hiked to Old Goat Glacier which is off the Smith Dorien Highway on the west side of Spray Lakes.    Pure sunshine, not a breeze, perfect temperature, thank you Mother Nature!  I like to say "the further, the higher, the greater the reward".  Today was not the furthest or the highest, yet the reward was up there, I would say in the Bronze category!  In my opinion though, any day in the mountains with friends is Golden!

Picklejar Lakes July 11, 2010

This was my second time to hike to the Picklejar Lakes.  The last time was October 2009 and we thought we saw three lakes.  As it turns out, at that time we saw two lakes and a pond.  Today we saw four big beautiful lakes!  On the return portion, we took a detour up a steep scree-like slope to Lineham Ridge.  WOW!  Some day I would like to hike the whole ridge!  

Plain of Six Glaciers Lookout July 9, 2010

I knew this one would be a safe hike to go on my own.  I didn't want to be around the tens of thousands of people in the city who are here for the Calgary Stampede but I can handle the hundreds of tourists who are here to see Lake Louise (if I get into the right frame of mind for it).  A handful only go on to the far point Lookout where you can see Abbot Pass and Abbot Hut.  The hike ends here....

...but starts here!  I love the color of the water in front of the Chateau!

Aylmer Lookout Bike & Hike July 3, 2010

This was my first ever bike/hike/bike! It was a whole new way to experience the mountains. I learned if I want to pursue this then I really should have a proper mountain bike. While I was able to complete the bike, I was at a slower pace then my friends and I had to walk and carry my bike at times when they motored on through rock fall.

After the hike, now ready to ride again!

View of Lake Minnewanka from Aylmer Lookout

Mount Allan July 1, 2010

What better place to celebrate Canada Day then on Centennial Ridge and Mount Allan. This was the most elevation I ever completed in one day at just under 1600 meters. Also, it was the longest hike time-wise ever at 11:30. I must mention though, this includes the time we took to have a potluck celebration just below the summit.