The longest trip I ever went on was in to Mt. Assiniboine in Mt. Assiniboine Park. Mt. Assiniboine is much higher than all peaks in the area and is a typical alpine shape. Mt. Assiniboine is 3618 m(11870 ft) in altitude. No,we didn't climb it.
A Venturer scout group ages 16 -17, wanted to do a five day backpack trip for one of their activities. We had nine Ventures and five supervisors...three man and two women. So off we went to Mt Assiniboine. Now these kids didn't need supervisors. They were super good kids. They were also in great shape.
We started at the Sunshine Ski Resort which is a few miles west of Banff, Alberta. We found a pickup truck that was driving to the top and threw our big packs in and he took them to the top of the ski area. We walked up the 9 Km with our day packs. We found our packs at the ski lodge on top. By this time it was 5:00 PM . We hiked three more kms and camped for the night.
The next day was a long hike over rough terrain. When they said Boulder Pass they really meant it. Boulders were the size of houses. We camped for the night and the next morning there was frost on the tent.
The next day was a short walk to Mt. Assiniboine. We camped there two nights and enjoyed the area. We were at an elevation of 7000 ft. We were across from the mountain and in the late afternoon large chunks of ice would break off the glaciers and fall into the lake below. Some of these chunks would start off the size of houses and end up completely crushed by the time they hit the lake. the peak was about 5000 ft above us.
Mt Assiniboine is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the southern Rockies.
On the way out we went over Wonder Pass which is a very good name for it. One more camp over and then a short walk out to where we were picked up.
It was one of the most strenuous trips I was on but very well worth while. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
The photos were taken by my friend Mike.
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| These kids would sing as they walked along. |
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| MT Assiniboine is the peak on the right |
This is the first I've heard of Mt. Assiniboine but it's certainly a picturesque mountain.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many mountains that we don't remember very many of them.
DeleteI think it's wonderful that you helped to provide this opportunity for these young men, and that your reward was having such a memorable experience.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think there were two girls in the group.
DeleteLongs Peak in Colorado had a boulder field in the path to the top. I was 19 years young and I still remember the pain of that climb. I can't believe I consented to do that but college kids are really not very smart.
ReplyDeleteI really liked you story but supervising sounds like it turned into a big job.
Oh to be young and have that much strength and energy.
Deletewhat an awesome trek!
ReplyDeleteWe covered many miles.
DeleteBeautiful area.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely and it's in B.C.
DeleteYou are so very lucky to be in such good condition then and now! How wonderful that you were able to help out.
ReplyDeleteI remember struggling with this one as lots of it is over 9000 ft so it was tough to get enough oxygen for that much effort.
DeleteNice memory, I like those names of the mountains, sounds so funny to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's an Indian name.
DeleteBeautiful area to enjoy and a great experience for all
ReplyDeleteThere's no road into this area so you either walk or fly.
DeleteI have heard of and seen photos of this beautiful area in my past hiking ventures. I have never been in this area though. Looks pretty nice to me though and nice memory.
ReplyDeleteMt. Assiniboine is very photogenic.
DeleteHi Red, Another neat story and a great reflection photo. Happy Easter to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you. My friend took the photo.
DeleteWhat a great image - kids singing and hiking.
ReplyDeleteThey were very poor singers but I remember them trying to sing.
DeleteWhat a fabulous time you all had! I have memories of some exciting backpacking trips, too, and you have just reminded me of them, and how much fun (and work) they were. I'm glad to have YOU in my little community of friends, Red, and I hope you know that. Happy Easter! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy photo scanning brought all these fun times bak. I had to really search to find these shots. When I retired Mike made a calendar for me and I couldn't find it for a long time.
DeleteI thought The Southern Rockies were in Colorado - not in Alberta. I just went to look at Mount Assiniboine via Google. What an impressive mountain!
ReplyDeleteWell, I think we both use southern as in in our country ie. Canada and U.S.
DeleteIncredible! We never had things like this when I was in school!
ReplyDeletethis was a scout trip in late July. We also had two girls on it.
DeleteIt really is a beautiful area!
ReplyDeleteIt would have been nice to stay much longer.
DeleteStunning in more ways than one Red. So beautiful and your description of the hike knocked the wind out of me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your show and tell Red . I enjoyed your explanation and pictures. I too agree. I am glad your in our little community of people here like D.Jan mentioned.
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