Ref: E. C.
Manning Provincial Park
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Last sunrays in Princeton.
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Hike:
Manning Park is a popular area due
to its proximity to Vancouver and its great trail system. Frosty
Mountain, the tallest peak in the park, is likely the most sought
after. The east peak is a little lower than the western peak but it's easily
accessed by hikers of all levels. It features larch trees,
alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. The trailhead at
Lightning Lake boasts vast open
lakeshore that is irresistible after a long day of hiking. Clearly,
this objective is worth visiting. I was fortunate to do this trip with
Milan as he's usually tied up on weekends. We took advantage of the
nice weather and decided to spend the night on the summit. We left
friday afternoon and stayed in Princeton. The following morning we
drove to the park, got our camping permit and started hiking around
noon. We trudged
the steep trail past the wilderness campground and continued to the
sub-alpine meadows. It was tough keeping up with Milan's fiery pace, he
wanted to enjoy the afternoon on the summit. We stopped at a
creek to fill our bottles as there is no water higher up. The
remainder of the hike was straightforward. A well-trodden
path in the rocks switchbacks to Frosty's east ridge where wooden posts indicate
the Windy Joe trail. We veered towards our objective for
the final ramble on the ridge and gained the summit in good time. After
dropping our gear in a rock shelter, we made hot soup and admired the
view while awaiting the sunset. Some hikers came and went. Wrapped in a
sleeping bag, we savoured
the last sunrays; the sunset was exquisite. The following day we
returned via the Windy Joe trail. The descent along the ridge is very
nice. Further down in the forest, we encountered a section of deadfall
that hadn't
been cleared; with heavy packs that wasn't pleasant. The final
third felt very long and the last stretch along valley bottom required
determination, by then my feet were like mush. Spending the afternoon
by the lake was the perfect way to top off this great weekend.
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On the way
up, a viewpoint overlooks Lightning and Flash Lakes. Hozomeen Mountain
dominates the view.
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The trail
meanders through larch trees.
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Stopping to
fill our water bottles.
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The trail
switchbacks to the ridge.
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On the
ridge, these posts indicate the Windy Joe trail junction.
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Looking back.
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Frosty
Mountain's double summit ahead.
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Relaxing at
the top.
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Frosty
Mountain's true summit to the west.
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Savouring
the sunset.
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Beautiful
colours.
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Slowly
packing up the next day.
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Frosty's
embassador.
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Castle Peak
across the border steals the show.
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The
connecting ridge to the true summit grants a loose class 4 scramble.
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Windy Joe's
trail junction.
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The Windy
Joe trail follows the long east ridge.
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Looking back.
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Nice descent
along the ridge. |
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Last views before entering the
forest.
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