Coleman to Cache Creek – 89km
May 27 – Just Stretching the Legs
I said goodbye to Coleman and set out on a long road walk.
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GDT – Deep Deep Snow
Author: Justin
Great Divide Trail – Too Early?
West Castle to Coleman – 48km
May 23 – Postholing Through Deep Snow
For hiking, May is early season in the Canadian Rockies. Really early. July is a pretty normal time to begin walking the 1100-km long Great Divide Trail, June adventurous, but May? Well, it’s been such a low-snow winter, I thought why not start as soon as avalanche conditions permit? Shouldn’t be too much deep stuff left, should there?
Continue reading “Great Divide Trail – Too Early?”
Great Divide Trail
I’ve just begun my second long-distance hike of the year. I really enjoyed New Zealand’s Te Araroa and now I’m excited to challenge myself on a long trail back home in Canada.
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Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho is often described as “the strangest 75 square miles on the North American Continent”. This chaotic mess of volcanic craters, lava flows, and piles of loose rock is so other-worldly that the Apollo astronauts trained here in preparation for their moon missions. Julius Merrill, who visited in 1864, described it as “a mass of Black Vomit”.
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Te Araroa – New Zealand’s National Trail
A month ago we completed the South Island portion of the Te Araroa, New Zealand’s national trail, which runs the entire length of the country. We were amazed at the rich diversity of scenery and landscapes. From the steamy rainforest and hidden coves of the Queen Charlotte Track to the craggy cliffs of the Richmond Range to the endless golden tussock fields of the Rangitata, we felt like every day was a new discovery. New Zealand packs a tremendous amount of variety into a small country. Sore feet and heavy packs are already fading memories. Instead, we think fondly of the people we met along the trail who shared the journey with us or welcomed us into their homes.
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Te Araroa – Bluff & The End
From Riverton we walked along the long sandy beach all the way to the outskirts of Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The walking was quick and easy, although high tide was in the middle of the day, forcing us up into the sand dunes briefly.
The final forest and now the sea
After a night in Otautau, we hitched back to the trail. It’s our final climb on the Te Araroa – the very last one after walking the whole South Island! We quickly reached Bald Hill with views of the sea and Stewart Island (New Zealand’s third largest) far in the distance. And there’s Bluff – the end of the trail
Takitimu Forest
We had a very nice break from hiking with our visit to Milford Sound. Mind and body refreshed, it was time to get back on the trail. We began with a nice farm track heading into the mountains.
Magnificent Milford Sound
Arriving in Te Anau two days earlier than planned, we jumped on the opportunity to see something completely different – the famous Milford Sound.
Queenstown to Greenstone
Queenstown was an exciting place for a break from hiking but I was happy to get back on the trail. Less shopping, more walking.
Eating Snow Around the World 