Redoubt / Ptarmigan Lake Seriously? Are you kidding me? Is this for real?

But it's mid October in Alberta, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains!  I always go prepared when I head to the mountains to play.  I go prepared for the worst and hope for the best.  Today we were handed better than the best.  I was not prepared!  I could have left my microspikes, down jacket, ice breaker, gaiters, hot beverage, wool hat, heavy mitts, lined pants all at home.  Instead I should have packed more cold drinks and worn summer attire.  

Last year when I hiked into Packers Pass,  I knew right then and there that I wanted to return and head off in the opposite direction and pay a visit to Redoubt Lake.  I wanted conditions to be user friendly and to be with friends who were game to take time and "remember to breathe".  It took until today where all things finally fell into place and we made it happen.

our view from the parking lot

nearing Boulder Pass looking back at Mount Temple

We made a quick stop at the Halfway Hut to shed layers and have a snack then carried on through Boulder Pass to Ptarmigan Lake. We were already in awe of what was right in front of us and the day was still so very very young.  We slid rocks across the thin layer of ice to hear the music the sliding creates. Give it a try sometime, you will be amazed!  

We watched friends veer off towards the trail to Deception Pass while we carried on along the opposite side of Ptarmigan Lake to head up the rocky route towards Redoubt Lake.  We had an amazing view over to Packers Pass, Deception Pass and the full length of Ptarmigan Lake.  My wish was that the lakes would be partially covered with ice and as you can see, my wish came true.

It was later morning by the time we reached this side of Redoubt Lake, so we stopped here for our first lunch break.  We eyed the full length of the Lake trying to figure if we could circumnavigate it.  It was not easy to figure that out from our vantage point if we could carry on along the side we were on but it was obvious we could hike the entire length on the other side.

we hiked a short bit along this side and saw we could not safely go further

we admired the views

took some photos

of reflections and Heather Ridge

our group shot at Redoubt Lake

We returned and then hiked along the opposite side of the Lake to the far end.  It was utterly amazing here.  We gave ourselves a turn-around time and I was so happy it was enough time to arrive here and take a little time.   I chose this as my Redoubt Lake destination shot.

sliding rocks to hear the music again and making splashes

no one seemed in a hurry to go anywhere fast

we savoured every second

We decided time was on our side as of course was the weather, so added on hiking to the far end of Ptarmigan Lake for our second lunch and returning along the opposite side of it.  We meandered through the meadow until we found a lovely lunch spot.  We took a little time to fuel up and gaze at the beauty.

pool of water near our dining spot

We lingered, we meandered, we admired, we seemed to be doing just about everything to prolong leaving this place.  It was warm and sunny and the air was still plus there were reflections galore.  

my last view of Ptarmigan Lake before leaving it behind and heading back to Boulder Pass

On the way in, we chatted about doing our yoga poses on this rock when we came to it on the way out.  I sensed others were a little tired like I was but when we arrived at the big boulder and I put the suggestion out there, everyone was quickly on board and we all took our places.

Once that business was taken care off, we opted to pass on visiting the Halfway Hut again and decided just to carry on with the last seven or so kilometers and get the job done of getting back to the vehicle in daylight.  We accomplished that with time to spare.

Today was one of those days!  You know!  One of those days!  You had to be there to feel it!  It certainly was for real.  I have experienced some spectacular days in my years of being "out & about" and today belongs up there in that group.  Thank you for today!