(Click any image for a larger view.) |
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There were 11 of us from Calgary who headed to the Yoho Valley to hike the Twin Falls, Whale Back and Iceline Trail. A total of about 26 kms not including side trips to Mt. Kerr, Kiwetinok Peak, Mt Pollinger and Mt. McArthur. |
Our route shown in red. |
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Meet the intrepid hikers |
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Barb
Kuester |
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Carol
Guthrie |
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Donna
Findlay |
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Harry
Dean |
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Janet
Guglich |
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Joanne
Riggs |
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Liz Elder |
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Patti
Miyazaki |
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Rod
Elder |
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Steve
Riggs |
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Vic
Panei |
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Zbigniew Lisiecki (Ziggy) |
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The
view from the Whiskey Jack Hostel on the morning of our departure.
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Donna making a hot cuppa under the outhouse porch which was the only shelter
we could find from
the rain. |
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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. |
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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? |
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The caped crusader. |
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The
rain made for ominous looking skies. |
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Janet and Patti attempting to stay dry. |
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We
took a side trip into see Angel's Staircase waterfall. |
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Do we put our jackets back on, again, or wait to see if it lets up? |
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One of many creek crossings |
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Laughing falls... |
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...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. |
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A quick snack to re-energize
our batteries. |
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Vic seems to have boundless energy. How long will it last? |
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Columbine |
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Cinquefoil |
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Water
on leaves |
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Movie: Twin Falls (elevation 1800 m)
The gang was a little slow to wave hello. |
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After leaving Twin Falls we started the ascent up the Whaleback. |
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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. |
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Vic
and Donna marching up the trail |
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Rod and Harry stop for a rest. |
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The
group navigating across a rocky section. |
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Harry, Liz & Barb |
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Finally. We've arrived at the top of Twin Falls. |
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Donna contributing to an amazing view. |
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Liz, the brave sole, just had to sneak in for a
closer look.. |
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Think this thing will help me fly? |
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We
all spent some time admiring the views and taking time out for some well
deserved lunch. |
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Hear me roar |
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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. |
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Back on the trail again. |
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Crossing the bridge over Twin Falls Creek. |
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Rod & Liz |
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Still energy to burn,
Vic is doing some sort of water dance to the Gods. |
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Having
left the top of Twin Falls, Barb is starting the final climb to the top of
the Whaleback. |
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Looking
back down the valley. |
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Liz
walking through a field of heather. |
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Liz admiring the view of the valley we had come from. |
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Indian Paint Brush, Western Anemone |
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Carol and Donna on the last stretch to the top of the Whale back. |
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A
rest and snack at the summit. |
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Time
to sort the boots out before the last push to the hut. |
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Looking south from the Whale back. Elevation 2210m. |
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Down, down, down we go. |
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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. |
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Is that a smile or a grimace Patti? Nothing like boot problems.
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The Stanley Mitchell Alpine Hut. |
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Rod
and Liz putting on a brave face as they dip their feet in (for all of 5
seconds). |
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The
creek was well and truly cold enough for icing injuries. |
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No they're not sleeping. They're actually hanging on in agony the
water is so cold. |
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It looks like they're stretching, but it's just a good excuse to lay down? |
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Vic
is smiling after a great day. |
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But
his energy finally wore out.. And now it lights out!! |
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End of Day 1...Hop to Day 2 or Day 3. |
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