Asulkan Valley Trail Sept 6, 2012

Today started out with cloud, fog, very, very low visibility for the drive all the way from base camp to just as I turned left into the Illecillewaet Campground, then in a split second the fog and cloud lifted and I was blinded by the sun.  Talk about timing!  I then knew that our stars were aligned for our Asulkan Valley hike.  The warning sign recommeded hiking in groups due to a grizzly in the area, we were fine and carried on.

The trail was wonderful and colorful through those big British Columbia trees.  

The air was fresh and cool and the sun was brilliant.  

A pocket of fog.

The view as we exited the trees.

The trail turned narrow, straight, steep and followed a moraine up to the top.

This was my first glimpse of Asulkan Hut.

We made it to our third summit in three days.  It was hot here without even a breeze.  Yes, our stars were aligned, we spent an hour and a half on top only have to share the place with a handful of others.

Asulkan Hut

Asulkan Glacier

After taking my summit shot I claimed a gigantic rock and settled down to eat.  This was one angle of my view.  Between the rocks and the flowers, this was a colorful place to be.

We explored the area. View of Asulkan Hut from above.

After everyone else left, we took over full ownership and had fun taking funny photos.  We were not in a rush to get down because we now knew, we could comfortable pick up the pace on descents and make up time.  I felt like I was "on top of the world" up here and I was loving that feeling.  This was our third and final summit for Glacier and the trio is deservingly rated "Triple A".