37. Chester Lake and beyond, B. Winter

Distance: 14 km return

Elevation gain: 550 m

On July 5, a nice day, we set off for an easy hike, good, wide trail, some other people hiking; a lovely day.

Not a spectacular beginning but just for a little ways.

The trail opened to small meadows periodically with beautiful views.

The meadow just before Chester Lake was yellow with glacier lilies. As expected we saw evidence of grizzlies rooting for the bulbs. We went up and back behind the lake to extend the hike and experience more mountainous terrain.

Soon we came to the boulders where people like to imagine they see things. On the left is a lion's head and body and up in the middle is a praying person.

The first tarn still had lots of water as it was early in the season. Clouds were rolling in, the wind was blowing so we didn't linger but continued onward picking our way over the rocks in the general direction of the end of the canyon.

Probably the second tarn, but actually there were various tarns at this time of year.

The way to the third tarn was lined with moss campion according to the book. This was true and would be beautiful in a month or so.

This was our last tarn and unfortunately that little piece of blue sky was not above us as we ate our lunch. The weather quickly got warmer again as we descended.

In the Winter

January 22, 2022, we donned our ice grippers and hiked to Chester Lake in warm, sunny weather.

 

 

 

 We went past the lake to the elephant rocks again and found them covered with snow and blending more into the landscape but still dramatic. 

 

 

 

36. Nihahi Ridge

Distance:10 km return

Elevation gain: 753 m

June 30, Herm was eager to start hiking so he chose an "easy" one. Actually, by the time we got to the top, it wasn't really easy any more but his knee survived. This was our fourth time on the hike but a first for my "60" so here we go. 

From the parking lot, we could see our destination, the ridge, in the distance.

Finally out of the woods, and there it is, much closer.

Up on the ridge with the exciting part in front of us.

There weren't a lot of flowers but this rosy stonecrop was lovely on the scree slope.

Here's one of the fun parts. I hear, if I can get up, I can get down and I've done it before, so here goes.

A view of the Elbow and Little Elbow River valleys from the top of the ridge.

We sat up on top to eat our lunch but this is not a ridge we are comfortable walking on.

Yes, I got down.

The lower ridge looked very friendly and welcoming after the scramble. It even offered some friends, Speelman's, to walk down with. Herm's knees got him down so he chose another easy hike for the following week.

 

On June 13, 2015 I chose this hike to do with my lady friends. 

Grace, Emmy, Kate, and Lisa. It was cold and windy on the ridge so we decided this was far enough. Lisa and Emmy weren't comfortable with the condition of the scree slope ahead.