Waterton - Carthew-Alderson Traverse

A huge gang of us headed south to Waterton Lakes National Park for the July long weekend. This was definitely the largest group any of us had hiked with, day 2 was 15 people! We all had an amazing time and got to experience some of the best hikes in the park.

View from over the pass on the Carthew Alderson circuit.

Pretty amazing, that these flowers could bloom in such a harsh climate.

Tiny figures on the horizon.

What a view...

This is why I love hiking with Karl! We a good influences on each other.

We were still able to find snow!

The last great view on the way down (right before the thunder storm, we actually saw the lightning strike the pass where we had just been!)

Heather still had the energy for some artsy shots..

Waterton - Akimina Ridge

This hike was our favorite in the park! It is absolutely beautiful and once you get on the ridge, it feels like you're on top of the world, or maybe Mars. The weather cooperated and the massive expedition party left completely satisfied.

The beginning of the ridge, looking down on Wall Lake. Akimina ridge circles the lake.

Heady getting up to the top.

Another view down onto Wall Lake.

Lunch time.

We couldn't belive how wide the ridge was. Spectacular!

A gagle of hikers...

Sue sans Kate :(

This was the last part of the decent, in the background, you can see the ridge we traversed along.

Pretty nice way to end the day!

Paddling the Kan

Easter was just warm enough to get back on the river. This is the Kan wave on the Upper Kananaskis River. The river has been altered to suite paddlers of all kinds. They've made some beautiful features to surf. If only I can convince Heather to get back on the river...

Wapta Ice Fields

Unfortunately, I got the flew and couldn't join these guys at the Bow Hut on the Wapta Ice fields. Looks like a great time!

Some "mild" solar instabilities in the afternoon!

Storky's new invention, the Gatoritta!

Sucker hole...

Ash's Visit

It was fantastic to see Ashleigh and to have the opportunity to take her out on her first day of backcountry. One problem, it hadn't snowed in a week and the sun completely crusted the snow. I hope she trusts us that conditions do get better, really...

Manklow explaining the finer points of backcountry safety or the size of some fish he caught...

Everything was peachy on the way up...

This is also exactly how I felt about the conditions that day. TERRIBLE!

Don't ask... it's genetic and there's nothing I can do about it.

Kicking Horse in the sunshine, but no snow...

Come back soon!

Ice Climbing

On Carrie and Justin's visit this year, Grant took us out ice climbing in Kootenay National Park. It was Carrrie, Justin, and Heather's first climb and they all made it up! I'll chalk that one up to Grant's patience and guidance.

Fish on ice...