An old colleague of mine was going to recce a trail in Kootenay National Park for a family hike he was planning, and asked me if I would like to join him for the out-and-back hike to Floe Lake. I'm always up for a great hike, and it would be nice to catch up with him so I was all in! Ben and I had previously backpacked the Tumbling Creek arm, and Amanda and I had done the Helmet Creek arm so I was excited to do the Floe Lake arm.
We met at the Petro-Canada on the Trans-Canada at 6:30, and got to the trail head at 8:30. It didn't take long for me to need to layer down (about five minutes!). There was lots of catching up to do so the hike seemed to go very quickly. I had forgotten how much wildfires have affected the area over the years, but I still found the burnt trees made for quite a beautiful landscape.
 |
| Burnt Tree Beauty |
There are lots of fantastic views along the way, and Floe Lake itself is like the cherry on top. It was a very picturesque spot to eat my PB&Js (despite quite a few flies).
 |
| Floe Lake Pano |
 |
| PB&J Time! |
After a little exploring we started the return journey. It was quite warm on the way down and I was feeling it with an empty water bottle. I managed to refill it from Floe Creek just shortly before we crossed Vermillion River. It was delicious!!
 |
| View Back Down Floe Creek Valley |
 |
| Vermillion River Almost Back To The Trailhead |
We were back at the car around 3:00 after 23 km and 1,000m of ascent feeling satisfied and a little tired. I think the consensus was that my friend should be OK to bring his two young kids for an overnight adventure, having to be careful at one little sketchy spot that is probably more scary for us adults than the kids! I was happy to have helped out, and hope I get the call for some other recce missions in the future!
No comments:
Post a Comment