Fri, Jul 20 2007, Sat, Jul 21 2007, Sun, Jul 22 2007 - Backpack: Tombstone Lakes and area (View Original Event Details)
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This was a fantastic trip! Great group, great destination, great day trips, and many lessons learned.
Day 1:
Uneventful day hike up to Elbow Lake for lunch, and then on to Tombstone Lakes backcountry campground. Comments heard: it was perfect temperature for hiking, lovely breeze, beautiful scenery, and terrific day in general. Tomorrow we were to hear about a 2-3yr old grizzly that was in the area as we passed through. (More about him/her later) After cracking open our by-now warm refreshments and chatting about the day so far and plans for the evening, we proceeded to set up camp and supper, followed by an evening hike up to beautiful Tombstone Lakes.
Day 2:
Lesson #1: be careful what you write in the information posting – it may come true. Wind blew all night – like a hurricane as I had suggested might be the only thing that would cause cancellation of this event. However, too late – we were already here. Dang – I guess next time I’ll leave that part out - don’t want any more hurricanes on my events. Some decided on R&R sleeping-in, and the early birds set off for a long day hike – destination Piper Creek - 582m elev gain to the actual pass and approx 12-14 km round trip. Lesson #2: it’s good to check in the night before with everyone to decide on the time to leave for day hikes and if anyone wants a wake-up call. Not only that – ensure that you know who belongs to which tent so you are waking up the right people. Lesson #3: Always take your water-crossing shoes if you don’t want to get your hiking boots wet. First water crossing was the Elbow River – yup - and it didn’t look all that big back at Elbow Lake. We spent the better part of an hour gathering logs and large branches to add to the log bridge, and added an extra rope feature to help us cross safely. That was the plan anyway. Marty our bridge-builder was completely soaked and had all three feet wet by the time the rest of us ventured across. Some others decided to chance it in bare feet or with boots on. Lesson #4: Don’t build make-shift log bridges across streams. According to a Parks Canada hiker we met on the return, this was actually a hazard for hikers who could become entrapped in the branches. Makes sense – won’t do it again - thanks for the advice. Still – great job Marty and THANKS!
Once past Elbow River we crossed a bunch more creeks and streams along our way. We gained and lost elevation several times and passed magnificent open spaces of wild flowers - such diversity and brillant colors! The trail finally arrived at a wide open meadow with several waterfalls & spectacular scenery. A lovely place! Some of the group went on to climb the summit of the actual pass while some stayed back to visit with part of another hiking group who were also waiting for the rest of their group. Some rocks were enjoyed, some photos taken, and oh my – (um, that’s not exactly what Judy said) – a large grizzly bear came up right over the rise where she was sitting. The bear said “oh, my” too and thankfully started walking in the other direction. Judy scrambled up over the rise shouting at me and blowing her whistle, while Rhonda was standing on the next rise shouting at both of us that there was a bear right behind us. Once all were gathered together again we watched the bear, who was also keeping his eye on us, as it continued on its way in the opposite direction. We also saw it “curb-stomping” something although we’re not exactly sure if it was successful, and dared not take any photos until we were far away. We made our way back to pick up Judy and my packs where they were left right at the spot where the bear came through. Lesson #5: Wear your whistle around your neck at all times – not on your pack which is lying on the ground nearby. Was perfect that Judy had it right on her in this situation – caught our attention when she started blowing her whistle to alert us that the bear was headed for her and us. Lesson #6: It’s good to have a whistle that doesn’t sound like a bird – and blow it in a way that doesn't sound like a bird. We agreed that might be a better way of sending an alert to the rest of the group. Lesson #7: Always keep your pack with you and your boots on at all times. You never know when you might have to leave the area in a big hurry. Also, I had visions of the curious bear walking away with my daypack, which contained keys, wallet, rocks, and other such important items. Lesson #8: I feel soooo much more comfortable in a group of 6 – with less than 20ft between us. And Judy was so pleased to have been completely finished her trip to the bushes just before the bear appeared. :) I learned also that a true friend will offer to carry your rocks back down the mountain for you.
Group 2 set off later in the morning for an exploratory trip to Rae Lake. Unfortunately the trail was not easily found, so they had a little more exploration of the area than they anticipated. From the sounds of it they did eventually find Rae Lake and from all reports had an enjoyable hike and day. They saw Rae etched in the mountain – and there was also something about the wee, beady-eyed killer duck.
As you can imagine, there was lively discussion around the campfire that night.
Day 3:
Wind raged again all night – it comes in waves like the ocean – how peculiar. Blows in full force and then subsides for a brief time. Met some guys in cycle shorts. Red ones – what else can I say – sure livened up the conversation for the remainder of the hike out. Finished the weekend at Moose McGuire's for refreshing cool drinks, tasty food and a few more laughs. Superb weekend!
- Marg