After leaving the fantastic breakfast at the Lodge, we left for the days walk, which promised to be an all day affair. But first you’ll recall that one has to walk about 1500 feet uphill first thing. I’d liken this to being on a stairmaster for about an hour and a half. But thankfully the scenery is a so much better than being on a stairmaster.
It’s a fairly quick rise out of the valley.
Although every now and again it does seem the one will never stop rising!
At last upon the ridgeline again, the trail can be seen easily summiting that next pass, which is known as the Notch.
This easy summit is actually a fairly long walk uphill again. It never ceased to be fascinating.
You very…
…slowly…
…pass…
…the alpine lake…
…and suddenly you’re much farther above it than you ever imagined you would be.
And the trail is much steeper than you had ever imagined it might be. We were catching up a bit with Chuck and Laura at this point; I was actually the last one to leave camp (though the first to finish! But Im getting ahead of myself.) This section is very steep, with kind of jinky footing at times.
It would be easy to fall off of the trail anywhere along here; it’s slippery, rocky, shifty…steep.
Still, it’s not rocket science. An the view of the valley is amazing.
Life is good up here. The wind had picked up and it was pretty chilly, which was so nice, especially remembering that back home it was probably 96 degrees in the shade with 85% humidity.
Far away, in a different valley, you can see the Icefield Parkway.
Splendid views…
Life at the Notch. A great place to stop for a snack and catch up with your trail mates you haven’t seen since breakfast.