Adventures in 2019

I quote" Kiteboarding in Squamish  has earned our community the rightful  reputation as a world class kiting destination. This is due to our unique weather conditions which provide a consistent wind flow in the summer months". Is this true ? Curious and being a keen kiteboarder, I had to find out.

My holiday is coming to an end. I left Squamish prematurely due to weather, so it was fitting that I returned to finish my trip here. Walking will be my focus as the scenery here deserves more intimate attention that cannot be provided simply from a car window.

My next phase of my adventure holiday is cycling a walking.Today I head back to Canada to ride some of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

What a journey. I am glad that I was able to participate in this adventure. This experience is what I live for- adventure and that immersion in what nature has been providing us since our world began: a life. The packraft was a great variation to the trip and I am thankful I could bring it along, I am not one to sit down for long periods, the packraft provides me with the action and excitement I need.

I thought yesterday was something, today we headed into Alsek lake. Loaded with ice bergs,  glaciers thundering away as they collapse into the see. If yesterday was the main course, today was the dessert.

In "The Complete Guide to the Tatshenshini" there is a discussion about eyegasms and SOS - scenic overdose syndrome.  The skies are a bit hazy from the wildfires but I do get it. Hopefully my photographs on this post reflect that statement.

Today we see the spectacle of clear waters running down Melt Creek converging into the silt laden Tatshenshini river. The additional water pumps up the volume.

Let's get down to it straight away. This day had our hearts bleeding as watched a mother moose trying to keep her youngsters alive in the dangerous waters of the Tatshenshini river.

I had images of freezing cold nights, blizzards and all that is associated with a glaciated northern region. Did I expect and was I ready for hot summery weather ?  No.

I start the day well.  Donning my dry suit I forgot to zip it closed. This was an easy omissione, as the zip is on the back of the suit. As I often do, I did a test immersion, and of course the dry suit was now a wet suit much to the amusement of my fellow adventurers.

Before we set off on the river I had a chat with the guides Maxime and Bethany. They explained that the water was quite high and our first day is through a narrow demanding section of class 4 rapids. With only two guides in big rafts, support will be limited and most unlikely as far as my person if things go awry.

There is something special about a UNESCO. They have nailed their world heritage listings. The Tatshenshini - Alsek watershed is truly a marvel (refer to link): These parks comprise an impressive complex of glaciers and high peaks on both sides of the border between Canada (Yukon Territory and British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska). The spectacular natural landscapes ....

The Canadian Packraft Rendez-vous was the catalyst for my trip to Canada. I started packrafting in April 2018, did a wildwater course in October in Tasmania and was keen to go places. This event crossed my path at here I am.

Without any doubt Canada's   Icefields Parkway is a spectacular drive. It runs up a river valley and is decorated with the high mountains of the Rockies and lake scenes. This region is rightly a member of the UNESCO natural World heritage list.

Edmonton proudly hosts Elk Island national park. This is special in that it is a refuge home to  bison and elk as well as many birds. Before heading off to Mt Robson for some packrafting I made a special effort to visit this park.

The best time to leave a party is when you have had a good time. We've had a good time and exited the Chilkoot trail via Lake Bennett and the historical train with cheerful mindset.

About 14km from Happy camp over gently undulating terrain Bare Loon is a short walk. Our last camp: I am not sad, it's been a great memorable few days.

Happy Camp is only 12 km from Sheep camp, however there is about a 700m elevation change to deal with. Our feet are challenged with a boulder strewn ascent through the pass.

"Sheep Camp is the last campground before Chilkoot Pass, making it the ideal staging area for the hike over Chilkoot Pass."

After a long day travel we, elected to have a short 8km warm up hike as our start of the Chilkoot trail to Finnegan's Point .