Oh, Canada

Many years ago I had aspirations of climbing Mt. Robson in British Columbia but after one recon trip, poor weather and finally an injured climbing partner a trip to the Rockies was abandoned. Just a few years ago I was excited when a friend wanted to spent two weeks in Canada. Plan was to drive to Banff and spend twelve days climbing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We drove the 600 miles in one day arriving quite late in the evening to filled campgrounds. The only place available (after being kicked out by a ranger on a random spot up a dirt road-too many bears for safe camping) was an overflow campground parking area full of large RV’s. The two of us placed our sleeping pads and bags on the graveled ground next to the car and was treated to the sound of recreational vehicle generators starting and stopping all night long. I can say it was one of the worst camping nights I have experienced. The remainder of the time went well with some decent climbing/scrambling between rain storms. Views were incredible and once one left the highway and ventured a few miles uphill off the main road and trails you were alone in a wild rugged backcountry. One highlight of the trip after a scramble up Nada Peak was being treated to a herd of Bighorn Sheep that ran a hundred yards in front of us as we crested a hill. I relish those surprises. Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada

Near Summit of Mt. Temple