Day 4 dawned, and we were up early - today was the big test. After a few consecutive days of hiking, how would we fare on a 23km hike with full packs? Especially with knees that weren't getting any younger... We had eaten all we could to lighten the load, but that only helped so much.
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| Ready to depart! |
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| Making good time as we passed the Berg Glacier and blew through the flats |
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| Emperor Falls heralded the steepest downhill and loosest footing, requiring care |
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| Looking down onto the plain containing Kinney Lake |
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| Was it really this snakey and steep on the way up? |
Well, we rocked it. We left just before 8:15am, and including breaks for snacks, a full lunch, and photos, we were at the trailhead just a hair after 2:30pm. I have to say, I was extremely impressed by Sarah's performance - she was practically running the whole way, until the last few kilometres - a really phenomenal feat, especially for someone unused to the feel of a heavy backpack. Way to go Sarah!
Not only that, but against all odds - and certainly owing to the great weather and unbeatable scenery - I think I've converted Sarah into a fan of backpacking. Who knew?
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| We did it! On the bridge at the trailhead |
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| Grrr, don't mess with S Fro! |
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| Arrrgh, you want some more of that? |
We spent a well-deserved night at a room in the nearby, rustic Mt. Robson Lodge, and watched a huge rainstorm roll through for all of that afternoon, night and the next morning. Our timing was perfect. We even rewarded ourselves with a "nice" meal at the Caribou Grill in Valemount, since we had spent out first wedding anniversary on the Berg Lake Trail. (Fitting, given that we got engaged on a hike too.) Though our general recommendation would be, if you don't have to eat in Valemount, don't. The prospect of two long days spent sitting on our butts and driving across the province sounded good at this point.
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