Arctic Alaska

Finally reached the Alaskan Arctic after 3 days of travel and an unexpected layover overnight in Deadhorse AK.  Our final leg was a 30 minute flight over the Beaufort Sea landing safely on a snow covered runway on Barter Island.  The Island is home to the Inupiat Village of Kaktovik and a large population of Polar Bears.

Day 9 - Mt Shuksan, WA

Hit the trail this morning hiking about 4 miles along the ridges around Mt Baker.  Had stunning views in every direction.  Found some nice reflections of Mt Shuksan in a few tarns.  Heard the "eek" of a marmot, but he never showed himself.  Definitely one of the best hikes of the trip!  Now back to Vancouver to catch flight home.

Day 8 - Artist Ridge

Crossed the border into Washington today to visit Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest.  Drove up to Artist Point which on my last visit was closed due to heavy snowpack.  Initially, the mountains were socked in and it felt like I was driving in the clouds.  But after a short wait, the fog lifted and the peaks revealed themselves.  Explored the ridgeline for several hours.  There are still lots of snowfields and beautiful wildflowers blooming.  Mt Shuksan is so picturesque and towers over the entire valley.  Got a brief glimpse of Mt Baker before it disappeared behind the clouds again.  Settled in at a campground at base of mountain and will rise early tomorrow for more explorations.

Day 7 - Glacier National Park in BC

Arrived in Glacier National Park in BC in the Kootenay Rockies. The peaks towering over the valley are breathtaking and lots of waterfalls are cascading down into the valley. Several glaciers are within view. Trail options were limited due to high grizzly bear activity in the area. Joined up with some locals for a hike in the valley leading up to Illecillewaet glacier. The glacier has receded significantly over the years, but still impressive. Found a great campsite along the Aluksan River.

       

Day 6 - Revelstoke

Woke early after best night of sleep I've had in a week. Nice to take a break from camping. Headed east today to Revelstoke National Park on edge of Canadian Rockies. Drove up the Meadows to the Sky Parkway which led to the summit of Revelstoke. The wildflower bloom was just near peak with meadows full of Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Asters, and more. Hiked about 3 miles along the ridge enjoying mountain views in every direction. Visited a few other areas of park and then photographed the rising moon over the Columbia Mountains.

 

              

Day 4 & 5 - Manning Park

Arrived in Manning Park Sunday afternoon. After setting up camp, a hail storm arrived, but luckily my tent held up ok.  Crashed early.  Next morning, hiked the Heather and Paintbrush Trails enjoying a few wildflowers, scenic vistas and even spotted a Grouse with her chicks.  The bloom was past peak and vistas not quite as impressive as the area around Whistler, but a nice hike regardless.  Caught a nice view of Mt Whitney in the US.  Grabbed a late lunch in town of Hope and returned to Vancouver. 

Day 3 - Joffre Lakes

Hiked the 6.8 mile trail that connects Lower Joffre, Middle Joffre and Upper Joffre Lakes.  The trail was brutal leading up root staircases and having to navigate boulder fields. Climbed over 1200 ft to reach the upper lake.  All are glacial lakes and exhibited a rich turquoise color.  The upper lake was surrounded by Joffre Peak and glaciers that melted into waterfalls cascading down the ridges. Amazing scenery!  Camped along a creek and soaked my tired achy feet in the cold water while enjoying some red wine.  Perfect ending to a long, hard, but rewarding day!

Day 2 - Hiking at Whistler

Climbed to the summit of Whistler Mountain via gondola and chairlift.  Hiked along the High Note Trail which looped around Whistler Mountain for approximately 6 miles. Had amazing views of surrounding mountain peaks throughout the hike. Took a lunch break at the "Flute" point overlooking the turquoise Cheakamus Lake down below Mt Garibaldi.  The second half of hike was much more challenging traveling up and down several steep ridges, but the views along the way made it worth it.

Day 1- Garibaldi from the Air

Flew into Vancouver on Wednesday and will be spending next 9 days exploring the mountain regions of British Columbia.  Started adventure with a scenic flight over Garibaldi Provincial Park to get an up close view of some amazing mountain peaks such as Mt Garibaldi, Black Tusk, Whistler and Blackcomb.  Flew over glaciers and turquoise glacial lakes.  It was breathtaking!  Toured Whistler Village and went ziplining which included a 20 story drop on the final line which I managed to do upside down.  Scary but an awesome rush!  Greeted by a large black bear when arriving at campground that night.  Regardless, had a safe and good nights rest.

Italy/Alps Trip Route 2012

Mont Blanc/Italian Alps

Mont Blanc

  

Of course we saved the best (& biggest) for last.  The grand finale of our trip was a visit to Chamonix, France which is home to the massive Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps at 15,772 ft.   We took a cable car up to Auguille du Midi which is over 12,000 ft elevation.  We were fortunate to have great weather so enjoyed clear views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks including the Matterhorn in the far distance.  Also watched climbers and skiers work their way down the steep terrain.  Spent a full day on the mountain and it was amazing!  A great ending to an unforgettable trip!

We are back in Italy now and headed out for our last Italian dinner before we fly home tomorrow.  It has been an amazing adventure touring Italy and the Alps with my good friend Lori.  But now its time to say "Arrivederci"to Europe...