58. Lake O'Hara-McArthur Lake/Mary Lake/Opabin Prospect

Distance: 12.4 km
Elevation gain: 413m plus 250m

Margaret organized a trip to Lake O`Hara to see the larches in September. We left Calgary at 6:00am on September 22 to catch the 8:30 bus up to Lake O'Hara hoping for a lovely few days in the sunshine among the golden larches. We expected some cold so we dressed warm and had rain gear along.

The situation changed completely as we rode up the mountain and by the time we got to Elizabeth Parker Hut we saw snow all around us, and cloud cover allowing only partial views of the mountains.

We put our backpacks in the hut and started out for our day's hike. It was not raining or snowing so we could see the larches in the valleys and nearby mountains. The ups and downs of the route, the good walking trails(sometimes icy and slippery) and the variety of the mountain slopes made the hike beautiful.

Even through the snow it was lovely.

As we ate our snack  beside McArthur Lake, the sun tried valiantly to poke through but hope as we might, it didn't quite make it and the larches did not light up.

 We took a circle route back and looked down on Schaffer Lake.

Then we followed the Big Larches Trail, looked over Lake O'Hara and ate lunch at Mary Lake.

Again the sun tried to come out but failed. From the lake we could see Opabin Plateau, our next destination and the trail climbing steeply up the right side.

The climb was body-warming and the open view was full of lakes. We soon reached the top and followed the trail to the prospect/edge overlooking the valley.

We went down the other side of the plateau, along a wide gorgeous stream which would have been fun to play in in the summer and then down to Lake O'Hara.

We followed the south shore along a good, level path back to the home base. There was still time for a cup of tea at the Relais before we went up to make our supper.

59. Lake O'Hara-Lake Oesa

Distance: 7.8km return
Elevation gain:  240m

The next morning started out with sunshine but it soon changed to snow and rain so we decided to do a short hike and play safe. Hopefully Herm and I can come back in the summer to do a higher hike with a lookout over the area - Wiwaxy. Our destination was Lake Oesa with a special focus on the trail building artistry of Lawrence Grassi.

Somehow he moved big rocks to make this stairs; an easy climb up from Lake O'Hara to the beginning of the trail to Lake Oesa. All trails are well labeled. From the trail we got repeated views of Lake O'Hara, its falls at the end and the reflections of other mountains.

We passed many smaller lakes on the climb up. Yukness Lake first.

A waterfall illustrates one lake emptying into another. We stopped and listened to water sounds coming from ALL around us.

Grassi's stairs and trail building are so appreciated, a plaque was mounted on a stone in honour of him.

The next lake was Victoria Lake.

Then Le Froy Lake.

And finally Lake Oesa with the sea monster in it.

It was time for lunch but very cold and windy so we looked for a protective rock.

We couldn't sunbathe here so we packed up and headed back down the beautiful trail.

Both days were cool, cloudy and wet but we were warm and dry; disappointed at the lack of sunshine but we totally enjoyed the O'Hara area and look forward to visiting again.

57.Assiniboine to Mt Shark via Wonder Pass

Distance: 28 km
Elevation: 230 m up to pass and then 625 down to Mt. Shark parking lot

Thursday, we rested and soaked in the sun beside Lake Magog and Mt. Assiniboine. Then, Friday, we got up around 5:30, in the dark, ate breakfast and packed up wet tents and our gear. We dropped the backpacks off at the lodge for the helicopter to fly to Canmore and set off for Mt. Shark shortly after 8:00am.
We decided to go out via Wonder Pass to discover a new route and to go easier on our blisters. It was a little sad to say goodbye to Mt Assiniboine but we were looking forward to a warm, soapy shower at home.

The meadows were full of flowers but these western anemones and paintbrushes dominated.

The blue sky again was a good promise of a great hiking day.

Herm decided to doctor up his blisters one more time before descending the pass. Mole skin and bandaids were very effective and we coped very well.

Herm was using his old, light camera for this trip and it gave trouble all along. The flowers on this Friday hike was the last photo he could coax out so Khosrow sent us his shots. We started down over the pass, down, down, down.

Soon there was a beautiful view of Gloria Lake (and us).

A lot of the hike went along and above a second lake - Marvel.

 Finally we came to McBride`s Camp where we ate lunch at the stream. From here (almost halfway) the trail broadened into a narrow road with some streams and bridges and one long steep hill. We looked forward to dipping into Watridge Lake but when we got there and saw it meant going down first, we decided to skip it and just continue to Mt. Shark. Our feet were sore, our water gone and the end looked very good.

After about 9 hours we arrived at the parking lot, got a ride to Engadine Lodge and waited for Margaret to come from Sunshine to pick us up. It was a very good hiking adventure.

56. Wonder Pass Viewpoint

Distance: 10 km
Elevation:

Wednesday, July 27, was another sunny day for another local hike. We set off across boardwalks, past the Naiset huts(huts providing cover and cooking facilities) toward Wonder Pass to see some more lakes.

 Our first snack stop was at a lovely falls cutting through the meadow and woods.

Our trail continued up gently to Wonder Pass.

Herm and I went over the pass to the viewpoint while the others climbed to Wonder Peak on the left and found an alternate route back down. We were favouring our blisters.
Looking over the pass, we could see the beginning of our trail back to Mt. Shark on Friday.

It was a special treat to see this spruce grouse with about 6 young chicks walking ahead of us on the trail to the viewpoint.

Deep blue Gloria Lake was visible from the viewpoint. Helicopters flew tourists regularly over Gloria and Marvel Lakes and the glaciers on the mountains.

Of course we ate lunch at the viewpoint and relaxed at length while we forgot about the others hiking around the peak.

Then, back to the lodge for a glass of wine or beer and cake and chatting with fellow hikers who we were beginning to recognize.

55. Assiniboine Lakes-Nublet

Distance: 11km circuit
Elevation: 540 metres to Nublet

Tuesday, July 26, dawned sunny and warm. We were all up for an easier, shorter walk in the environs of the camp. We set out after 10 am.

The first little lake was Sunburst.

We walked beside it to the next one.

Cerulean Lake, circling a distinctive mountain with scree piles.

The next one was Elizabeth Lake where we soaked our feet and ate lunch. A few girls from the lodge made a practice of dunking in all 4 lakes (Magog also) on nice days.

After a leisurely lunch, we started up the ridge to the pass for an overview.

From the pass the trail back down to the lodge looked more inviting than the trail up to the Nublet, so I went down while most of the others went up for a better look and pictures.

It was getting close to 5:00pm and the clouds were coming in as usual so everyone hurried down to beat the rain and enjoy a drink and cake at the lodge.

Shelter and rest for weary hikers at the lodge with a view of Magog, the 4th lake.

54. Sunshine Meadows to Assiniboine

Distance: 29 km
Elevation: climbed and descended 1000 m according to GPS

July 25, we started our hike in to Assiniboine Provincial Park BC from the Sunshine Meadows lodge where the shuttle from the parking lot dropped us off. This was to be a 5-day hiking camping adventure organized by Margaret. We carried only our day packs and flew the camping gear and extra food in by helicopter. We divided into 2 groups right away so one group could wait for Margaret who had missed the Sunshine turnoff.

The trail was smooth, through wide, green meadows and offered periodic views of Mt. Assiniboine, the king of the region. It was good to leave the lodge where the mosquitoes were abundant and vicious. The green grass and bright blue sky were encouraging markers for success on this long hike.

We saw a rise before us, was that the pass already? No, it was a climb over a ridge to look over Howard Lake.

And then on the other side a steep descent down to the lake and Assiniboine in the distance.

The meadows, mountains and good trail made the walking pleasant.

At about 10 km, we came to Citadel Pass and noted the citadel-like rock beside us.

Mt Assiniboine was getting bigger, we were making progress. It was now in the clouds, would our sunshine hold?

Many hikers backpack in and stop at Porcupine Camp. Our trail passed above the drop down to the camp and water.

The next remarkable feature was the Valley of the Rocks which extended a fair distance and was aptly named.

Around here at around 5pm it started to rain. Not pour but enough to wear rain gear, get wet feet and blisters. It also produced puddles in our way so that we were forced to contribute to the trail braiding.

By the time we got to Og Lake, another campground, the sun was shining again although not all over.

Another 7 km and we were at the lodge to pick up our backpacks and do the final km to the campground where Herm had hopefully already put up our tent.

Lake Magog and Mt Assiniboine from the lodge were beautiful but even more so as we carried our packs around the lake and walked in closer. Yes, my tent was up!