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Posts tagged ‘Alberta’

Jaques Lake

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The hike to Jaques Lake was supposed to be a solo backpacking trip. In the process I would shakedown loads of new backpacking gear I’ve been slowly assembling.

Weather forecasts had me envisioning a night – sans rainfly – peering endlessly at the stars before peacefully drifting to sleep. Instead, what I got was a ferocious rainstorm … and confirmation that my new tent and rainfly performs like a champ.

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Eventually I resigned myself to the fact that I’d be left alone or eaten. With either scenario being out of my control, I settled comfortably into my sleeping bag, awaking both alive and unscathed.

The area is beautiful; I can’t blame the moose for making this serene location their home.

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Biking In Jasper National Park

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We arrived to Jasper National Park on Wednesday.

According to #ParksCanada, Jasper is home to arguably the best trail network in the world, consisting of kilometers and kilometers of well-connected and maintained trails.

That is a very bold claim – one I intend to validate thoroughly over the coming days.

 

Helen Lake

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Directions to Helen Lake.

From the parking lot, follow the trailhead up the steep, rooted path. Numerous switchbacks are woven into dense trees and thick bush; keep an eye out for bears munching ripe berries.

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Anticipate a bit of huffing and puffing during this initial climb. A nice resting point is a rock outcropping overlooking turquoise waters of Bow Lake far below, casually situated at the base of Mt. Thompson.

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Pushing on, continue uphill through a clearing of new growth – the result of recent forest fires. Negotiate more switchbacks before a final turn towards Dolomite Peak.

Having arrived to the alpine meadow, now is the time to relax – the trail is mostly flat ahead. With less need to watch your footing, allow yourself to marvel at the neighboring peaks and an abundance of blooming wildflowers as far as one can see.

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Be sure to keep trekking poles handy, they will prove useful as you traverse a few final water crossings. And, because you’ll be well above the tree-line, expect the winds to pick-up and temperatures to drop.

Helen Lake lie hidden ahead.

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Banff Gondola

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Ninety minutes and 2,292 feet later, we saved ourselves (CAD) $58 each by walking to the top. 

The walk down was much easier.

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