20. Guinn's Pass via Ribbon Creek

Distance: 20 k
Elevation: 850 m

On Saturday, August  18. the weather was great, and we were ready to go again. One beautiful, strenuous day in the mountains is like several days of holidays and the city and work are forgotten.

This hike started beside Ribbon Creek on a wide fairly level trail, good for beginners.

Twisted stalk has a very inconspicuous flower but becomes more beautiful with maturity. I'm assuming this is a life lesson.

Although the trail has not climbed much, there are still mountain views, making this a great hike for beginners.

Ribbon Falls is the treat at the end of the Ribbon Creek Trail and a perfect place for lunch - on a rock in the spray if it's a hot day like we had.

After the falls, beginners turn back! It was a steep climb up to Ribbon Lake. The chain was a necessary safety device up the rocks, and fun to use.

Mildred's Tortoiseshells followed us all along the trail all day: ahead, behind, on the flowers beside.
Actually, it's safer to  see butterflies than bears.

Ribbon Lake was cold but the day was hot. It felt so good to take off my boots.
At the other end of the lake, by the campground, people were jumping into the cold water. Two guys explained to me later that it was a good way to get the lactic acid out of the muscles because the blood vessels constricted so drastically. Herm didn't want to wait for me to try it and I didn't push too hard.

 There were beautiful creeks to follow much of the way on this hike.

From this valley, we could look up to see Buller Pass which we had done 2 weeks prior. I don't pay much attention to where we are, just enjoy the environment but all the same it was nice to put the hikes together in my mind.

A steep, hot, barren switch back trail
up Guinn's Pass.We stopped at almost every cairn to look back and admire the view. (and catch our breath).

The other side of the pass was equally steep but much greener and more interesting. Another creek tumbled down beside us part of the way till it went underground. At the bottom of the pass we linked up to the Galatea trail

and followed another beautiful creek to the parking lot.

We ended the day with a picnic at Sibbald Flats. What a wonderful holiday!