| Ref: Steven's
peak-bagging journey |
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Vast grassy land,
doggy heaven. |
| Hike:
RT 7.5; 3.75 up. Going back to Ya Ha Tinda for
yet another adventure with the dogs; we think they're gonna like this
hike the most! We met Charles at the trailhead next to the Bighorn
Campground and set off on the horse trails away from the canyon's edge
that leads to the falls. Our excited dogs roamed freely in the vast
grassy land, it was great to see them enjoy this fun safe environment.
It was also nice for us as we could easily keep an eye on them! We
followed the horse trail past a couple of junctions to the cutblocks,
we left the trail and climbed one of them. From the top of the
clearing, we bushwhacked a short distance then crested on the treed
ascent
ridge. This hike is pleasant, the dogs were doing great but
at treeline, Fabrice found a sheltered spot in the sun to hang back
with the dogs as he's done on several trips around this region. This
was planned, Daisy has arthritis and 20 kilometers (60 km for dogs) is
just too much. Charles and I continued towards the summit, head down
with a strong wind in our back. At the summit, with a tight grip, I
struggled to get my extra layers on. My fingers froze taking pictures;
soon thereafter, we were on our way down. Back in the trees, the dogs
came
to greet us. Fabrice was nestled on a nice grassy slope in the sun,
there was no wind. Charles and I dropped our things for a good break; I
love moments like this, sharing the joy the mountains bring to me with
my pack. The dogs are being spoiled with camping trips this season and
so am I! |
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Rupert retrieves a
glove he found. |
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The trail continues
through the trees. |
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We reach the antler
sign and carry on heading north (left). |
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Another sign soon
thereafter. |
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Ascending the middle
cutblock. |
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Typical terrain
after the cutblock. |
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Lovely spot with a
good view on the objective. |
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Some snow on the
treed ridge. |
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Treeline announces
the turn around point for the hounds. |
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Charles and I
continue to the top. |
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It's very windy! |
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North-western view
from the summit cairn. |
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View south. |
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Ya Ha Tinda Ranch
beyond the approach ridge. |
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Suddenly much warmer
without gale winds. |
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Charles picked up an
antler for Rupert, he's forever grateful. |
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Hot dogs on snow. |
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We leave as the
shade reaches us, now it's cold |
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Backtracking to the
horse trail. |
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Rupert finds the
glove again after losing the antler. |
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More shenanigans. |
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Happy doggies. |
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Priorities when
camping: fire and warm kibbles. |
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Not very warm this
late afternoon... |
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Tent is up, sleeping
bags laid out if a hound wants to retreat! |
| Back to home page |
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