Week one, section A is complete. According to River this is the most challenging section of the GDT. We did two alternates on this section; Cassina Ridge and Barnaby Ridge. With these two alternates this last week could really be summed up as the Skywalker Section. We where at or above tree line for most of the week. This afforded us great views but also meant that we got hammered by the weather. It rained 5 out of our 7 days. Having soaked feet simply became normal. Putting one cold wet socks and shoes was just part of the morning routine. I know that our total elevation gain on day 5 was around 5000 feet. On day 2 we climbed 2000 feet in a little less then a mile. This climb followed a "cut line" up the slope right on the BC / AB border. The cut line includes a swamp, brush, swarms of Hungary misquotes and no trail what so ever. However the reward is to be on top of Cassina ridge with views of alpine wonderland in all directions.
Barnaby ridge was just stellar. From the top of La Corressete you have to make a choice of either climbing two more peaks to reach a saddle and then drop into the West Castle River valley or to head north to a committing 18 km ridge route. This route just looks awesome and frankly it is as full value as it looks. For an afternoon and a full morning we Skywalked the rigde line. Things only got dicey when we got hit hard by a late evening thunderstorm that just kept going until the early hours of the morning. Navigating up there requires patience, perseverance, and to be one with the fact less then a meter to your right is a thousand foot cliff. After getting beaten up by wind, rain, a ton of uphill, and some brush we where rewarded with a great trial out of South Forks Lake. Barnaby Ridge would be an awesome hike to do in reverse with a light pack. I would forward come back for that.
We have a four legged friend along on this trip. Opus is almost two years old and is quickly learning what it means to be a dog of both the trail and of the mountains. It was interesting to watch her gain confidence daily and to start making her own choices when navigating obstacles.
River and I have always been close. He is my big older cousin that I have always looked up to and held in very high regard. I can remember him packing for one of his early trips out on the PCT; I was about eight and he was eighteen or nineteen. He picked me up in Washington and brought me down to Eugene to do an overnight backpack with our dads when I was no more then nine or ten. He was the first one to take me rock climbing at the columns. I'm super stoked to be here with him sharing this adventure, getting to know each other more closely and to be able to tap into each other's strengths to make our journey even more successful. Remember, this is his third time to be on the Great Divide.. I believe it says so much about the trails beauty if he is willing to come back again and again.
X-Pro 2 all of the following photos are directly off the Pro 2 processed in camera and then spit over to the iPad as jpeg. The X-Pro 2 is a remarkable camera, it is so much camera in my hand yet it is small and nibble. I'm using the 14mm and the 18-135 primarily I brought the 27mm pancake but it is going to not come with me on the next section. Over the week I used about 1.5 batteries and shot over 700 frames which far exceeds the specs from Fuji. I'm going to carry 3 batteries for section B. I'm missing a tripod about 3 times per week I brought the tiny Really Right Stuff pod with me. Is about 11oz with the plate on the camera. I used it a few times not really sure it was worth it. I'm glad I switched out to the x-pro 2 over the X-e2 I'm loving the optical range finder function, super fast processor, bigger controls and better battery performance.
Goat Haunt border patrol
Jump over to Canada
Big horn sheep on day 3
Stellar mountain weather up on Cassina Ridge. Middle of nowhere didn't expect to find a flag...
La Coulete Peak
Sky walking on Barnaby Ridge. Day 5 wet morning
Water fall coming from the South Forks Lakes
Grouse
Walking out Willoughby Ridge. Divide in the background.
Day 3? Skywalking
Snow melting out. Ice bergs
Lunch time
Day 2 still looking clean on the top of Mt Roe. The key to big climbs just keep smiling and laughing. It took us two hours to complete the Cutline.