After weeks of nagging Ryan about wanting to learn more technical skills in terms of hiking, scrambling, and mountaineering, he finally took me out.
This is one of those hikes I should have done long, long ago, but never really got around to doing; nor was I too interested in the high traffic trails. I made a failed attempt at snowshoeing in the area years ago, but didn’t make it back until this trip. I was surprised at how beautiful it was – this seems to be happening quite a bit lately!
We decided to drive up the Duffey Hwy and car-camp near the Joffre Lakes parking lot in order to sleep in a little on Saturday morning:
The next day we took our time packing up and headed over to the Joffre Lot, I was surprised at how packed the lot was. We quickly made our way up the lakes.
Views:
As we continued past the lake, views opened up:
Our marmot friend:
More views:
The moraine was a very cool section of the trail. Parts of it were very narrow and not having the best balance, I was very careful with my footing.
Ryan on the moraine:
Looking back at the 3rd lake:
Ryan and I along the trail:
Blood sugar check:
Last view of the third lake:
Shortly after the moraine, we reached the col between Tszil and Taylor peaks. The views were outstanding:
View of Two Goat Ridge:
View of Mt. Taylor:
Next up was some scrambling practice!
Mt. Brunswick was my first scramble last June and I haven’t been up much steep terrain since. Technically, this was my 2nd ever scramble.
The benches were cool:
Ryan’s shots of me scrambling:
View of Ryan and a future goal, Slalok Mountain:
More views:
Final ascent:
Views from the top:
Summit Selfie:
On our way back, we caught sight of the sunset reflecting on the glaciers:
Blood sugars were a little more tough to manage in the heat. I had a few spikes and I was a little nervous to correct, knowing my blood sugars would drop quickly. No serious highs or lows (4.9mmol – 17.2mmol range). Next time, I’ll be careful to drink more water before and during the hike.
I had no problems on the scrambling bit and I’m excited to get into areas with more exposure.
Another fantastic day in a new area!
Post hike:
Ryan’s photo-set:
http://realaworld.zenfolio.com/p541931076
I hope everyone’s getting outside and enjoying the Summer!
– Ash
Love your posts, just wondering if it’s possible for you to post GPS coordinates for the hikes you’ve done. I’m particularly interested in Tszil Peak.
Thank you