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ReportsReports
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CLUB REPORTSCanada Trip Itinerary Day 1: All we did was meet in the Hotel We started by driving along the Banff Windermere highway and there was the 1st clue, we were in the Lake district! We descended to Arnica Lake then along the Vista lake trail past the Twin lakes to Gibbon pass, it was hot and walking was mostly in the trees so we were sheltered from any breeze, after a steep descent we arrived at shadow lake camp site where we picked up our tents which had been left by our support team. We left the lakeside campsite the next morning and climbed up Whistling valley past Haiduk lake and over Whistling pass before descending to Egypt lake and campsite where Janet saw a pair of Golden Eagles. Day 3 saw us climb into the snow of Healy pass before we came out of the trees and in to more open country around the Sunshine Meadows ski area. We picked up our next 2 days supply of food near to Rock Island lake and carried on the Citadel trail to Howard Douglas lake and campsite. Over Citadel pass next morning through the spectacular Golden Valley and Valley of the rocks before descending to Og lake and the next campsite, where we managed a swim in the icy water.
The trails varied from rough and rooty in the trees to manicured around sunshine meadows to high mountain paths. Our campsites always had a primitive toilet, a cooking area at least 150m from the tent area and food poles where you left everything at night so as not to attract Bears. Food was always plentyfull and supplemented by a few fresh caught Rainbow trout was tasty. The company prepare their own meals then dehydrate it themselves, all we needed to do was add water and re heat.
David and Janet Jamieson |
Assembling for buffet breakfast was at 7.00 am, we thought this was early but our leader wanted plenty of time because it would be a long day, imagine my dismay to discover that there was virtually no food left because a plague of locusts in the form of Japanese tourists had descended on the breakfast bar at 6.15! We had to wait till; the kitchen managed to catch up and replenish supplies, so much for the early start! We had a final kit check, got the 1st two days of food loaded up and got in the mini bus for the drive up to our drop off.
A short walk took us to Assiniboine lodge where we had tea and cakes we camped at Lake Magog campsite for 2 nights and did some exploring in the area including swimming in Sunburst lake which was even colder than Og. Our light pack day saw us climb the Nublet where we got some spectacular views of Assiniboine and surrounding peaks before our final day walk over Wonder pass to Marvel lake then along the Bryant Creek trail to Mount Shark Heli pad .
We carried a lot of fresh food which was why we only managed a couple of days worth at a time and required extra food dumps on the way. Our biggest problem was Mosquitos we were eaten alive and had to resort to anti histamine cream and tablets. Generally we had hot 28-30 degree temperatures with on spectacular overnight thunder and lightning storm where we got hit by a massive hail storm. It was a great 7 days of walking and we celebrated with a Burger and beer at the Grizzly Paw brewery and a few drinks later at our suite in the windtower lodge.