Sunshine Meadows

Elevation: 2194 m
Distance: 29 km
My Ascents:
August 21 2011
Trailhead: Magog Lake Backcountry Campground

After spending the last couple of days at the foot of Mount Assiniboine and on top of Nub Peak, Sunburst Peak and The Towers, it was time to pack up camp and start our long walk back to civilization (and showers)!

Brianne modelling the latest in back-country fashion.

Despite everyone else in the area seeing bears, we did not. I guess my frequent “Yo Bear” calls did the trick! We did however see a black wolf on our way out of Assiniboine Provincial Park. Hadn’t thought to start yelling “Yo Wolf”...

Porcupine Creek was the only campground we stayed at all week where fires were permitted. After 5 days without showers, it was a relief to smell like smoke!

Uhhh...uh oh. You got that under control, Boss?

We managed to fill the entire valley with smoke, but we didn't burn it down! While we enjoyed the fire at Porcupine Creek, we were the only people in the campground and once it got dark, the sense of isolation was intense. Adding to the intensity were the loud noises we heard in the valley during the middle of the night. Suffice to say, both Brianne and I slept poorly and were thrilled to see the sun rising the next morning!

After our restless night kilometers from any other human company, we started off our last day with a steep, miserable ascent from Porcupine Creek back towards Citadel Pass.

At least our alpine start granted us stunning views of Nestor Peak.

As we gained elevation, we could readily make out our conquests, including The Towers, in the steadily increasing distance.

Back in Banff national park at Citadel Pass (and all done with the massive uphill slog – thank God). Assiniboine getting smaller and smaller on the horizon.Back in Banff national park at Citadel Pass (and all done with the massive uphill slog – thank God). Assiniboine getting smaller and smaller on the horizon.

Mount Ball from Citadel Pass...only 9 km to go!

While our feet and shoulders were killing us, the gorgeous views, like this one of Citadel Lake, kept us going.

Finally we can see Sunshine Village again!

Howard Douglas Lake. Gross outhouse, but at least it had toilet paper...ours having run out the night before...Note to self: bring more TP when back-country camping with a girl!

Last views of Assiniboine from Quartz Hill. Damn we walked a long way. Between 95 and 100 km total by my calculations.

The ice axe became more of a crutch as the day went on...

Rock Isle Lake marking the approaching end of our journey.

The happiest I saw her all trip! Back at Sunshine Village!

I take it back...this was the happiest I saw her! Nothing like a beer and a Mr. Big to follow up a bag of potato chips!

Happy trails Assiniboine!