Ref: Best Hikes BC
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We're off to Buckhorn campground.
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Hike:
RT 6.0; 3.0 up (from Buckhorn campground). This outing was long
overdue; it was my first trip this year. I spent my time on home
renovations; after being away for two years, the house needed some
work. Milan
planned this trip as his brother came to visit, and he enjoys hiking
and camping. This short alpine hike was a perfect objective; it wasn't
difficult or committing. The weather forecast was also favourable for
camping. We drove to Kelowna, where we met with his brother and
partner. We then caravanned to Manning Park because they were
continuing to Vancouver after the trip. At the trailhead parking lot,
high theft warning signs and broken car glass on the ground greeted us.
That wasn't comforting. Shouldn't the park address this issue by adding
cameras? After hiding some valuables under the car hood, we headed out
on the trail. The pace was casual as we didn't have far to go to reach
Buckhorn campground, we arrived in time to catch the last sunrays.
While Milan set up the tent on the wooden platform, I made us
cup-a-soup and a pouch dinner. Mario's partner, Charmene, cooked a
fancy dinner by headlamp; the spread was quite the undertaking for out
in the backcountry! When we saw the items brought to execute the meal,
it became clear why
Mario had such a huge pack! The next morning, we slowly got going
towards the first, and highest, of the Three Brothers' peaks. The trail
was easy to follow as it meanders through the meadows; a short, steep
uphill grants access to the top. We enjoyed a lovely summit stay; the
weather was pleasantly warm. Mario flew his drone to the parking lot to
check if thieves had broken into our vehicles, but due to a low
battery, he couldn't get close enough. On the way back, we stopped by a
small tarn and went for a dip. The water was frigid, and the bottom was
slimy; while I only went ankle deep, Milan went for a quick plunge. In
the meantime, we thought we saw our hiking partners hike by, so after
our side stop, we ran to catch up. Unfortunately, it wasn't them, and
we reached the campground well ahead of them. Once packed up, they
arrived. The highlight of our return was seeing our vehicles undamaged
and spending time at Lightning Lake with the ground squirrels.
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Mario is training to be a porter.
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We're set up and ready to make dinner.
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The following day, Milan and Mario are raring to go.
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Open timber and meadows from the start.
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On this hike, we take the time to sniff the flowers.
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The objective ahead doesn't require much height gain.
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Lollygagging while meandering is thoroughly enjoyable.
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The well-trodden trail grants mindless hiking.
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Approaching the mountain.
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Pleasant ridge walk.
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The summit cairn.
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The view north towards Friday Mountain.
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Beyond the Third Brother, Mount Outram (left) and Snass Mountain to the right are challenging objectives.
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Impressive Hozomeen Mountain (left) and other glaciated mountains in Washington State comprise the south-western view.
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Visible forest fires to the east.
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Fine break at the top in great company.
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The western view towards Silvertip Mountain includes the Second Brother.
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Heading back.
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On the way down, a small tarn close to the trail begs a visit.
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Nice steps as we climb back to the parking lot.
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The ground squirrels are greeting us in full force at Lightning Lake.
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