DAMDetails - Triplog

Club Events 2007

Trip List Calendar

2007-07-13 : COC - Elk Lakes backpack

This was a first-ever *real* backpack trip for myself, Marty and Joe. A first in decades for Ed. Not a first of any sort for our seasoned backpackers, Gayle and Tony. We had a FANTASTIC time, brilliant weather (although, at 34C most of the time, a bit on the warm side for me) and a truly amazing location. Kudos to Ed for putting it all together.

We set off towards Elk Pass and due to an unfortunate (or fortunate) assumption (hmmmm.... what happens when we assume??) on my part, we missed the turn-off to Elk Lakes and continued on up to the cut line. We obviously made it to Elk Lakes, but we added on about 4.5kms of distance to the trip in. What happened was, just as we arrived at the intersection where we should have turned, someone said something to Marty, to which he replied, very confidently, "That's not it!". I thought the conversation was about the intersection, so, thinking Marty knows the area and was very adamant that that wasn't our intersection, I didn't speak up to say I thought it WAS our intersection. Turned out they were talking about something completely different. Oh well... we all agreed that the mistake was to our good fortune, as we got to see Lower Elk Lake, which was not on our itinerary. We ended up hiking 17kms in to the Petain Falls campground. The maps all show a camp ground at the far end of Upper Elk Lake but that campground has been decommissioned, so if you go to this area, just keep going and follow the "Petain Falls" sign, and then the subsequent "Camping" signs to get to the campground.

The campground itself was quite charming, with five tent pads, a separate communal eating and fire area (with bear bins), and a very unstinky open-air "bathroom". Great view, except for any unsuspecting person on their way up before you've finished. I took to hanging my bandana on the "toilet" sign to alert people if I was currently using the "conveniences".

From the camp site, you have a great view of Mt. Aosta, which has an amazing collection of "peaklets" all up and down the side of it. Marty renamed it "Mt. Pokey". Ahead of us was a sneak preview of the Petain Glacier and running beside the campground, the first waters of the Elk River.

We shared the camp site with a group of four young Nova Scotians on Friday night, and two unfortunate Calgarians looking for a remote romantic get-away (who weren't counting on six COCs cluttering up their retreat), and the resident porcupine which we chased around both nights in search of the perfect prickly photograph.

On Saturday we set out on a day hike to Petain Falls, which was absolutely amazing. Then, we set out for Petain Basin, which to hear the four who completed it (thanks to Ed for staying with me after I pooched out in the 34C heat) is a most spectacular and amazing hike. Ed and I are making plans to return to the area to check out that basin at another time.

On Saturday evening we had an impressive and very short-lived rain shower that extinguished the very first fire I ever built on my own, five minutes after I made it. Blast!! Oh, well.... I will burn again!

On Sunday we had a lovely hike out, missing zero intersections but taking no detours. Good thing, too, 'cuz about 0.5km from the vehicles, Marty blew a big hole in his left toe when his blister just couldn't hold on any longer.

-- Rhonda

From Marty, regarding the Basin:

Petain Creek Waterfalls to Petain Basin (distance 4 km, elevation gain 520 metres).

This strenuous hike/easy scramble gives access to either mountaineering opportunities or else a pleasant amble throughout the Petain Basin. There are amazing views of the Castelneau icefall and the top of the Petain Creek waterfalls. This is the most scenic and unique hike I have been on to date and a must do if you are ever in the area!!

Group
Group
Hiking
Group
Ed
Rhonda, Ed
Rhonda
Open-air Toilet
COC Details
COC List

2007-07-14 : COC - Elk Lakes backpack

Ed at Petain Waterfall
Rhonda at Petain Waterfall
Group
Hiking

2007-07-15 : COC - Elk Lakes backpack

Rhonda's riders
Ed
Pretty creek

2007-07-16 : COC - Backpacker Conditioning

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2007-07-19 : CCC - Kyoto 17 - Japanese Food

Kyoto 17 has a menu that features sushi, robata-yaki, tempura, steaks, seafood, and chicken. Tatami rooms provide an authentic Japanese atmosphere for private dining.

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2007-07-20 : COC - Backpack: Tombstone Lakes and area

This was a fantastic trip! Great group, great destination, great day trips, and many lessons learned.

Day 1:
Uneventful day hike up to Elbow Lake for lunch, and then on to Tombstone Lakes backcountry campground. Comments heard: it was perfect temperature for hiking, lovely breeze, beautiful scenery, and terrific day in general. Tomorrow we were to hear about a 2-3yr old grizzly that was in the area as we passed through. (More about him/her later) After cracking open our by-now warm refreshments and chatting about the day so far and plans for the evening, we proceeded to set up camp and supper, followed by an evening hike up to beautiful Tombstone Lakes.

Day 2:
Lesson #1: be careful what you write in the information posting – it may come true. Wind blew all night – like a hurricane as I had suggested might be the only thing that would cause cancellation of this event. However, too late – we were already here. Dang – I guess next time I’ll leave that part out - don’t want any more hurricanes on my events. Some decided on R&R sleeping-in, and the early birds set off for a long day hike – destination Piper Creek - 582m elev gain to the actual pass and approx 12-14 km round trip. Lesson #2: it’s good to check in the night before with everyone to decide on the time to leave for day hikes and if anyone wants a wake-up call. Not only that – ensure that you know who belongs to which tent so you are waking up the right people. Lesson #3: Always take your water-crossing shoes if you don’t want to get your hiking boots wet. First water crossing was the Elbow River – yup - and it didn’t look all that big back at Elbow Lake. We spent the better part of an hour gathering logs and large branches to add to the log bridge, and added an extra rope feature to help us cross safely. That was the plan anyway. Marty our bridge-builder was completely soaked and had all three feet wet by the time the rest of us ventured across. Some others decided to chance it in bare feet or with boots on. Lesson #4: Don’t build make-shift log bridges across streams. According to a Parks Canada hiker we met on the return, this was actually a hazard for hikers who could become entrapped in the branches. Makes sense – won’t do it again - thanks for the advice. Still – great job Marty and THANKS!

Once past Elbow River we crossed a bunch more creeks and streams along our way. We gained and lost elevation several times and passed magnificent open spaces of wild flowers - such diversity and brillant colors! The trail finally arrived at a wide open meadow with several waterfalls & spectacular scenery. A lovely place! Some of the group went on to climb the summit of the actual pass while some stayed back to visit with part of another hiking group who were also waiting for the rest of their group. Some rocks were enjoyed, some photos taken, and oh my – (um, that’s not exactly what Judy said) – a large grizzly bear came up right over the rise where she was sitting. The bear said “oh, my” too and thankfully started walking in the other direction. Judy scrambled up over the rise shouting at me and blowing her whistle, while Rhonda was standing on the next rise shouting at both of us that there was a bear right behind us. Once all were gathered together again we watched the bear, who was also keeping his eye on us, as it continued on its way in the opposite direction. We also saw it “curb-stomping” something although we’re not exactly sure if it was successful, and dared not take any photos until we were far away. We made our way back to pick up Judy and my packs where they were left right at the spot where the bear came through. Lesson #5: Wear your whistle around your neck at all times – not on your pack which is lying on the ground nearby. Was perfect that Judy had it right on her in this situation – caught our attention when she started blowing her whistle to alert us that the bear was headed for her and us. Lesson #6: It’s good to have a whistle that doesn’t sound like a bird – and blow it in a way that doesn't sound like a bird. We agreed that might be a better way of sending an alert to the rest of the group. Lesson #7: Always keep your pack with you and your boots on at all times. You never know when you might have to leave the area in a big hurry. Also, I had visions of the curious bear walking away with my daypack, which contained keys, wallet, rocks, and other such important items. Lesson #8: I feel soooo much more comfortable in a group of 6 – with less than 20ft between us. And Judy was so pleased to have been completely finished her trip to the bushes just before the bear appeared. :) I learned also that a true friend will offer to carry your rocks back down the mountain for you.

Group 2 set off later in the morning for an exploratory trip to Rae Lake. Unfortunately the trail was not easily found, so they had a little more exploration of the area than they anticipated. From the sounds of it they did eventually find Rae Lake and from all reports had an enjoyable hike and day. They saw Rae etched in the mountain – and there was also something about the wee, beady-eyed killer duck.

As you can imagine, there was lively discussion around the campfire that night.

Day 3:
Wind raged again all night – it comes in waves like the ocean – how peculiar. Blows in full force and then subsides for a brief time. Met some guys in cycle shorts. Red ones – what else can I say – sure livened up the conversation for the remainder of the hike out. Finished the weekend at Moose McGuire's for refreshing cool drinks, tasty food and a few more laughs. Superb weekend!

- Marg