Bears Hump, Bertha Falls, Bertha Bay July 14, 2020

My home away from home is in such a convenient location that I can visit a number of hiking locations by just walking out my door. I made a list to tackle today and got going early to beat the heat and potential crowds.  Well the heat happened early but the crowds never did materialize.

It was a short easy stroll from my front door to the trailhead for Bear's Hump.  Then it was an unrelenting steep grunt to the top.  This trail just opened a number of days ago. Lots of work was put into repairing and improving the route as it was another location devastated by the 2017 wildfire. From the top I could see forever.  I shared the summit with only two people who were just as in awe as I was.  I could see down to the townsite Campground and the construction taking place there. The majestic Prince of Wales Hotel looked like a speck in the grand scheme of things.  My summit visit was 45 minutes then it was time to descend and get on with day.

I was keen to see Lower Bertha Falls so walked to the trailhead.  I knew the bridge was out over the creek but you could get across if you wanted to head up to Bertha Lake.  The views along the trail were amazing.  The wildfires growing on the sides of the trail and amongst the scorched trees was quite a dramatic sight.  As it turned out today was the day they were building the new bridge.  The helicopter was bringing supplies in and out. Access to the Lower Falls was off limits while this was taking place. I could see a bit of them through the tres. You could still hike the horse trail to reach a temporary plank bridge to cross the creek and carry on to Bertha Lake.  I wanted the Falls today not the Lake so made this my turn around point.

Instead of seeing Bertha Falls or Bertha Lake, I hiked down to Bertha Bay. This spot was so beautiful and peaceful. The trail was lined with flowers and once again this forest was hit with the fire.  I met a couple here who canoed from Boundary Bay and were sitting on the shore having their lunch so I joined them. Bertha Bay has a small backcountry campground.  After snacks here it was time to climb back up and then hit the Bertha trail for the descent back to town.

I checked out the townsite campground area which is only partially open then headed to the shore of Waterton Lake.  It was time for another rest for me and my feet.  With boots and socks off and pant legs rolled up, I stepped into the water to ankle deep. It was mind-numbingly frigid!  I did not need to stand there long to soothe my feet.  Then sitting on the shore I let the wind and the sun do the drying.  

I now only needed to stroll through town to get back to my home away from home.  17 Kms and about 700 metres of gain later, I felt fulfilled and somewhat pleasantly depleted.  

Alderson & Carthew Lakes, Waterton National Park, July 13, 2020

Alderson and Carthew Lakes are open for hiking business only if you are game to do an out and back from Cameron Falls in the Waterton townsite.  The popular option of a oneway from Cameron Lake down to the townsite is not available with the Akamina Parkway closed.  I put a plan in place.  Hike up to Alderson Lake then assess then take it from there whether I carry on up to the Carthew Lakes or head back down.  I carried on up making it a 20 km round trip with approximately 960 metres of cumulative game. 

The Kenow Wildfires in September of 2017 devastated Waterton.  Following it on the news back then was one thing but to now be here and see where it actually was in another thing.  The first half of today's hike was through the scorched forest.  The area is coming back to life with the greenest of greens foliage and an amazing abundance of wildflowers.  There are now views through the leafless scorched trees. 

I spent a few minutes at Alderson Lake then opted to continue up to the Carthew Lakes.  I joined a couple from Canmore for this portion. They carried on to the far side of Carthew while I choose not to.  I enjoyed lunch then began the long descent back investing more time in admiring the scenery and capturing split seconds in time.  Throughout the entire 20 kms, I encountered 32 other hikers. It's good to have others around in this remote area. 

I arrived back at Cameron Falls and from there it was a five minute walk back to my home away from home.  The boots came off, the feet went up and the beer was sipped!  

Waterton Lakes National Park July 12, 2020

For a few years I have been thinking about heading south to visit Waterton Lakes National Park.  The last time I came to this place was August of 2015 and the day I was there wild fires in Montana jumped the border into Alberta and it became a smokey visit.  For one reason or another I never did make it back.  Well, now it's go time!

This morning I hit the Cowboy Trail for the longer, winding, scenic drive to the deep south of Alberta.  It was long, it was winding and boy oh boy was it scenic!  Time was on my side before checking in to my home away from home so I checked out loads of places along the way.  Once I passed through the Park Gate I knew I was where I needed to be.  If there were any cobwebs between my ears they disappeared quickly.  The air was fresh and the wind was wild which was to be expected as that is typical for here.  I feel a warm welcome being here!