There are certain events in life that etch themselves into our memory. When you reminisce about the highlights of life or the times when you were just flat out happy, these events are what stand out. And I can say that my first backpacking trip with Marc will be one of those experiences that I can dig out of the archives of my mind and smile on, forever.
Last week, we made our way from Spokane to the Garibaldi Lake Trailhead just south of Whistler, British Columbia. To our surprise, the parking lot was packed when we showed up. Our competitive nature kicked in as we threw on our packs and marched up the trail, passing those that chose to rest along the way; there was no way we were making this grueling hike without the reward of a camp site. After almost six miles and no breaks, we finally reached Garibaldi Lake. Talk about a sight for sore eyes...and legs.
We scored one of the last camp sites, so it's a good thing we passed all the people that we did. Site #38 was ours for the weekend.
Taking your pack off might be one of the best feelings in the world. So we did just that, and set up camp. Then we made our way down to the water to bask in the sun.
Now, keep in mind that along with my irrational fear of knives and mountain lions, I am also terrified of bears: I almost didn't eat a slice of bear salami the previous night in an effort to prevent some sort of bad bear karma. If I eat bear, will one eat me? I know how ridiculous that sounds, but they don't call it an irrational fear for nothing. It probably didn't help that we ate a box full of Teddy Grahams in the car either.
So here we are, relaxing on our rock, soaking our achy feet in glacier water, when we hear rocks sliding or splashing or something across the lake. I tell Marc it sounds like there's something over there, but we see nothing. We keep wiggling our toes in the lake and watching the fish jump. Less than five minutes later and about sixty yards away, a black bear climbs out of the water and up the bank.
Apparently, we weren't the only ones enjoying the water. As he shook the water off his coat and loped into the woods, we put on our shoes (quickly) and headed closer to camp, where we ate dinner...and Gummi Bears for dessert. Day 1 was a complete success.
As if we hadn't hiked enough already, Day 2 we trekked skyward to Black Tusk--another four miles each way and 910km in elevation change, whatever that means. I don't do math. Or metric.
If it isn't obvious, the big black rock is Black Tusk. It's huge. And the views of Garibaldi Lake from the trail are mind blowing. I took 382,984,157 pictures because Garibaldi Lake is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We probably stopped every ten minutes to take pictures; I could not get enough. Plus, having Jell-O Jigglers for legs makes resting imperative.
We mowed through our trail mix and beef jerky at the Black Tusk Lookout before clambering through the snow and volcanic rock to get up close and personal with the Tusk. Trudging through volcanic rock is like trying to make it to the top of a never-ending gravel pile, but eventually you make it. It was definitely worth the work.
And now for the fun part...sliding down the snow. I opted for the tush toboggan, and Marc used his shoes as skis. I feel terrible that I didn't get a picture of him in the act; he looked way cooler and entirely more athletic than I did. Regardless, it was a blast!
Here are a few pictures of Black Tusk from the campground...
Battleship Island...
Day 2 was also a success.
On the last morning, I woke up just before sunrise and before everyone else at camp. The birds and the bugs were still sleeping, too. There is only one word to describe the few minutes alone with the lake: peaceful.
Marc and I ate breakfast, packed up our gear, and were on our way. Neither of us wanted to leave this gorgeous place. I wish we were still there even if it means eating freeze dried meals and falling victim to a poisonous spider bite.
We got one last show from Mother Nature on the hike down. Exhausted and worried about finding a camp site on the way up, we didn't bother stopping at the Barrier Lookout. So we figured we should wander down to the lookout on our way out. And it was no bother--just more amazing topogrpahy and the perfect place for a morning snack. I don't think a mealy apple has ever tasted so good.
Twenty miles, over a mile in elevation change, sunshine, swimming in a glacier lake, a black bear, good company, and s'mores all made for an unforgettable trip. I cannot wait for the next backpacking adventure!
be beautiful
About Me
- Nicole
- Life is not meant to be safe. It's only in our mistakes, our errors, and our faults that we grow and truly live.
AMAZING. You guys and the photos. I'm so proud of you for getting out there and making your dreams happen. Love you! And am still a wee bit jealous... :)