The view from the Whiskey Jack Hostel on the morning of our departure.

Donna making a hot cuppa under the outhouse porch which was the only shelter we could find from the rain.

Takakkaw Falls from the Hostel.

We all met at 8:30 at the Takakkaw parking lot. Some had stayed in the comfort of the hostel, a couple slept in the back of a truck at the trail head, and the others tented near Field.

It was a very wet beginning to the trip. After the heat wave we went through for the most part of July the rain actually felt quite good. For awhile anyway.

It wasn't long before the group was huddled at a trail junction weighing their options as to which trail to take into Stanley Mitchell hut. Short route or long route?

The caped crusader.

The rain made for ominous looking skies.

Janet and Patti attempting to stay dry.

We took a side trip into see Angel's Staircase waterfall.

Do we put our jackets back on, again, or wait to see if it lets up?

One of many creek crossings

Laughing falls...

....but no one seems to be laughing!

It was at the next trail junction that a serious discussion took place about which trail to take. The rain just didn't seem to be giving us a break. Should we take the short cut through Yoho Valley or the longer route over the Whaleback?

The Whaleback it was, but only just.

     A quick snack to re-energize

                  our batteries.

Vic seems to have boundless energy. How long will it last?

Columbine

Cinquefoil

Water on leaves

Movie: Twin Falls (elevation 1800 m)

The gang was a little slow to wave hello.

After leaving Twin Falls we started the ascent up the Whaleback.

Even though it was a grey, wet day,  the rain and clouds always seemed to stop long enough for us to get some awesome views.

Vic and Donna marching up the trail

Rod and Harry stop for a rest.

The group navigating across a rocky section.

Harry, Liz & Barb

Finally. We've arrived at the top of Twin Falls.

Donna contributing to an amazing view.

     Liz, the brave sole, just had to sneak in for a closer look..

Think this thing will help me fly?

We all spent some time admiring the views and taking time out for some well deserved lunch.

Hear me roar

MOVIES:

Here's the view from Twin Falls looking up from the top of the falls and, hold onto your stomach, looking down.

(Let me know if you have trouble viewing the movies)

Twin Falls is 80 m.

Back on the trail again.

Crossing the bridge over Twin Falls Creek.

Rod & Liz

Still energy to burn, Vic is doing some sort of water dance to the Gods.

Having left the top of Twin Falls, Barb is starting the final climb to the top of the Whaleback.

Looking back down the valley.

Liz walking through a field of heather.

Liz admiring the view of the valley we had come from.

Indian Paint Brush, Western Anemone

Carol and Donna on the last stretch to the top of the Whale back.

A rest and snack at the summit.

Time to sort the boots out  before the last push to the hut.

Looking south from the Whale back. Elevation 2210 m

Down, down, down we go.

The  start of the steep switch backs (305 m descent) to join up with the Little Yoho Valley trail which then takes us to the hut.

Is that a smile or a grimace Patti? Nothing like boot problems.

The Stanley Mitchell Alpine Hut.

The creek was well and truly cold enough for icing injuries.

No they're not sleeping. They're actually  hanging on in agony the water is so cold.

Rod and Liz putting on a brave face as they dip their feet in (for all of 5 seconds).

It looks like they're stretching, but it's just a good excuse to lay down?

Vic is smiling after a great day.

But his energy finally wore out.. And now it lights out!!

End of Day 1                       Hop to Day 2 or Day 3.