Sandy and I had breakfast at the campsite at Radium Hot Springs and the headed to the Floe Lake Trailhead which was about an hour away. An issue that was facing us at the end of the backpack trip was the fact that the camper was eight miles away. I figured we would somehow find a ride and was not planning to walk. As soon as we pulled into the trailhead parking lot I saw a guy getting out of his car with a backpack. I walked over and asked if he intended to do the same loop that we were doing. The answer was yes and his plan was to also finish on Friday. I suggested that we take one of the vehicles to the Paint Pot Trailhead, the end of the trip and then come back to the Floe Lake trailhead. That way we would have a car at the end. He said great and Grant and I took off while Sandy waited with the gear. On the way to the Paint Pot Trailhead I thought it a good idea to leave his car there and return with my camper to the start point. My thinking was that if we had any issues in the first two days we could return to the start point and have a vehicle there. I must say.....a stroke of genius.
As our hike progressed throughout the day it became apparent to me that I had chosen a trip that was too difficult for 70 year old Sandy. The last couple of miles to Floe Lake was very steep switchbacks and just about depleted her energy and leg strength. It was one of the more difficult climbs that I have done. It was steeper than Cervidae for those of you familiar with that hike. And just to make things a little worse a hard rain began to fall. We did make it to the lake and campsite and were glad we did. We set up the tent in the rain but managed to keep the inside relatively dry. I suggested that we head back today and Sandy reluctantly concurred. We awoke this morning to clear skies and a temperature around 40. We took our time heading back and arrived at the van about 2:30.
Now the challenge was to find a place to stay tonight. We ended up in Banff at the Tunnel Mountain Campground after having no luck at several others. This campground has over 600 sites. Peg, Karen White and I stayed at this location many years ago.
I was able to make a reservation at a campground in Jasper National Park for tomorrow night but haven't found any availability for Thursday night. I'm sure something will work out.
Happy campers at Floe Lake Trailhead
Me and the Fireweed
Floe Lake
Tent site
As our hike progressed throughout the day it became apparent to me that I had chosen a trip that was too difficult for 70 year old Sandy. The last couple of miles to Floe Lake was very steep switchbacks and just about depleted her energy and leg strength. It was one of the more difficult climbs that I have done. It was steeper than Cervidae for those of you familiar with that hike. And just to make things a little worse a hard rain began to fall. We did make it to the lake and campsite and were glad we did. We set up the tent in the rain but managed to keep the inside relatively dry. I suggested that we head back today and Sandy reluctantly concurred. We awoke this morning to clear skies and a temperature around 40. We took our time heading back and arrived at the van about 2:30.
Now the challenge was to find a place to stay tonight. We ended up in Banff at the Tunnel Mountain Campground after having no luck at several others. This campground has over 600 sites. Peg, Karen White and I stayed at this location many years ago.
I was able to make a reservation at a campground in Jasper National Park for tomorrow night but haven't found any availability for Thursday night. I'm sure something will work out.
And the adventure continues!! I thought of you (& Peg) especially on Tuesday - Edith Stein's Feast day. It's a day I normally would call Peg to share a bit of the day with her. Instead we had a one way conversation that I trust she was present for.
ReplyDeleteContinue to enjoy your adventure!