DISTANCE: 11 km (one way; along the road to Lake O'Hara) We came well prepared with our packs stuffed with sleeping bags, snacks, and lots of layers. The 11 km distance didn’t scare me that much, since I’ve done much longer with no problem, BUT I didn’t realize how much extra work it was going to be hauling up my snowshoes, snow gear, and a 20 pound pack. It was a workout! We envied those passing along on cross-country skis, but tried to make the best of it. The trail up to Lake O’Hara is simply the road, which is only open to buses in the summer. The road winds up the mountain valley, following a creek for most of the journey. Around the 7-9 km mark, there is a steep incline (which almost killed me!)
To be completely honest, by the time we reached the lake, we were pretty annoyed with how long the hike took us. Being the last to arrive, the cabin was already bustling with activity. We set out our gear to dry, played some crib, tested out the frozen outhouses, and made our way to the comfort of our sleeping bags with good books and headlamps. The whole atmosphere of the cabin was really cool! We stayed in the Elizabeth Parker Hut (which you can book through the Alpine Club of Canada - although it books up extremely fast), with 12 other people. The cabin is equipped with giant bunks, propane lanterns, a cozy wood stove and big tables for eating and playing games at. Wes and I would have liked to join in the fun but we were both so exhausted from the trek up. Come morning, we enjoyed an amazing sunrise, a cup of oatmeal, one last trip to freeze our bums off, and then we were on our way. It took us five and a half hours to hike up and three and a half to hike down. We were thankful for the km markers in the trees that informed us of our progress. Overall, our first winter trek was harder than we had anticipated. Next time, we would most likely cross country ski in and try to stay two nights. I can’t wait to come up here in the summer some day.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Of all the paths you take in life make sure a few of them are dirt. John Muir Archives
September 2017
|