2015 SKYLINE VENTURE HIKE JASPER ALBERTA

DAY 1
It was my privilege to attend a well planned venture hike in the mountains of Jasper National Park.
The hike started by leaving Lloydminster at 7 am and heading west for 6 hours. Around 1pm we parked our cars at the landing area of the Skyline hiking trail, and took Caribou Cabs, a taxi service, to the trail head at Maligne Lake.

               

We entered the trial around 230pm and started our hike to number 29 on the above map, approximately 8 km. With in the first 20 minutes the hike was halted as a yearling black bear crossed the trail in front of us. We waited patiently for the laid back bear to carry on eating berry's and wondering through the woods. He was not worried that we were there and had no desire to attack. He must of know that we were equipped with air horn, bear spray, and bear bangers. We soon carried on our way to camp with no incident, except Mike Koo was a little to eager to get going before the bear was not that far off the trail, and had to be coached back to wait a little longer.

The trail was very nice easy grade passing through the forest and creeks. It was very calming and peaceful through out the hike. The weather was amazing. No wind, not too hot and not too cold.

We took a few short breaks but soon found our camp at little shovel camp ground. Each camp ground was equipped with a latrine, a fresh water source, food hanging system, picnic tables, and tent areas.

The fresh water source at Little Shovel was strait from the ground. The water was extremely cold and clear. It was the best water you could ever drink. The day was hazy, as the air was filled with smoke from forests fires burning somewhere. There fore the vast mountain range was difficult to distinguish.

LUMPY

DAY 2

I was out of the tent a bit before the troop was up and did a little walk about, and stopped by the creek to enjoy the sultry sounds of the running water and watch some birds play. While watching the birds play in the water and among the trees and shrubs a scripture came to mind. 3 Nephi 13:26-33. Avery pertinent scripture for my life right now as the decision to move to Cold Lake has brought some doubt in my mind. This little experience was an answer to prayers in only a way that the Lord would teach me. 

The troop was up at a good hour and continued the journey up the trail heading to our next camp site Curator camp ground. We were on the trail before 8 am, and had a good pace. The weather was amazing. It was warm and soon had to remove excess clothes to prevent sweat. The sites on this leg of the trail were nothing less than extravagant. We saw all kinds of land scape. Forrest, creeks, and meadows. The decent thought Little Shovel pass had us dropping down to a creek area and following the creek out to a meadow. The little creeks and streams that we passed as we marched through the mountain meadow was so beautiful and tranquil. No artist or engineer can compare to the Architect that created this picture that we were blessed to walk through. 

We had to hike up through big shovel pass, which we reached about noon. There we saw what lay ahead of us. 

The pathway to the "notch" it sure looked daunting. We had to hike along the side of the mountain and we arrived at the sign pointing to our camp, Curator which was down, down, down, in the bottom of the mountain, and the sign also pointed to the top of the Notch- Up, Up, Up. disappointed that our hike the next morning was going to be a 3 km up hill battle we defended down to Curator camp ground.

On the way down we ran into some mountain sheep wondering along the side of the  cliff edge. 

the path down was switch backs and hard on old knees. The camp ground at the bottom was very nice and hedged in on the north, east and south with large rock face.To the west a descent down to the cabins, hotel site.

The wind picked up that evening and caused most of us to retire early to our tents as we were not allowed to have fire at the camp grounds.

The wind howled through out the night, bringing a change in weather.

DAY 3

Again our Troop was up and ready to go at a good hour. By 8 am we were packed up and fed up. Hitting the trail early was our saving grace. We hiked onward and upward for a good 2-3 hours. The trail was rocky as we made our ascent up to the notch. There was a beautiful lake hid at the base of the mountain, filled with the bluest clearest water fed from the mountain streams. There were some narrow parts of the trail where hikers had to remain vigilant to prevent a twisted ankle or even a fall. The wind continued to blow hard that morning adding an additional challenge to all who attempted to hike against it.

After many micro breaks, we made it to the summit of the Notch, able to look down upon our accomplishment. 2480m elevation. The landscape below was nothing less than spectacular. we took a short moment to enjoy our feat, but moved on with great haste across the peak due to the emend force of the wind and the impending onslaught of fierce dark clouds. Those hiking had to lean into the wind  to prevent being blown down the other side of the mountain. Communicating was difficult as the loud whistling of the wind was all that could be heard.

Our troop managed to make the 1-2 km distance to the other side where we found shelter from the wind in the shadow of the mountain. Our next challenge lay in the large decent back down the mountain to the next camp ground. This path was full of switch backs which added the distance but made it a bit easier. Funny moment, while we were hiking down, Lehi's sleeping bag fell off his back pack and rolled down the side of the mountain. It was funny as it did not go too far, and he was able retrieve it.

At the bottom there was a creek where we sat and enjoyed a break while eating our lunches. Eventually we continued on to Tekarra camp ground. The path meandered in the valley of the mountain base which led to us back into trees. 

We eventually made the camp site and took a little wrest and donned our rain gear as the dark clouds overcame us and brought the rain.

3 runners overtook us and told us quickly about their journey- they started at the trail head that morning and were going on to the end that day. Amazing, to think they would do 44km in one day, but not just around a town site, or in a river valley, this was no easy walk, i can't imagine how they were able to run it, and with minimal gear and in the raging wind and oncoming rain.

Cozy tent arraignment

Lake at the bottom of the Notch

Top of the Notch

LEHI Getting his Sleeping bag

MT TEKERRA

After our break we headed on to the last camp site on our hike, which was going to make this day the longest day by far.

I think the boys were laughing as we finally made our last campsite around 430.pm  I was exhausted and very stiff. During this last leg of the hike, whenever I stopped, every joint seized up. The trail was very nice all the way from Takkerra to the final camp spot Signal. At this point the hiking path turns into an old road and heads down down down. 

We set up camp and enjoyed a nice break and dinner. After dinner and clean up the group took part in a testimony meeting. There was a sweet spirit that rested upon us as we talked about our blessings and learnings from this hiking trip as well as the trip of life.  It was a strong witness to the boys growth and their faith.  

We all slept like babies. If there were any beasts outside our tents, we missed it. 

DAY 4

The last 2-3 kms awaited us all down hill. Needless to say we were ready to go bright and early so we could make it home nice and early. This portion of the trail was hard on the knees. It did not takes us to long to complete the trail and load up the vehicles. It was a beautiful 4 days.