WHISTLERS MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
The views are stunning no matter where you look in Jasper, but there's something special about seeing it all from above. And turning around to see the entire 360* view is another experience all together. Our day began driving a short distance from basecamp to the Lower Station and then taking a ‘flight’ as they call it on the Jasper SkyTram. It is the longest and highest-guarded aerial tramway in Canada. The seven minute journey in the gondola gets you just a part of the way up this beautiful majestic mountain.
Once at the Upper Station then the hard work began. We now realized that today was the best weather day to make this hike happen. Here are a few statistics for you:
Elevations …
Town of Jasper: 3,489’
Our Basecamp: 3,550’
SkyTram Lower Station: 4,280’
Upper Station: 7,410’
Summit: 8,110’
And we did it all!!
This summit hike took a little effort. When I got to the false summit point I considered myself done. Then Tim TOLD me that I would be disappointed if I didn’t summit. So we did! Onward. And it wasn’t bad at all. Not at all!! I had more of an avalanche fear and a fear of not heights but a fear of falling. INDESCRIBABLE VIEWS! (and haven’t even viewed the GoPro pics yet)
Soooo 1,000 percent worth the effort! We had put on our micro spikes part of the way up for safety. It was just what I needed. The trail at this point was not only super steep but covered in snow. What did we see at the summit? A breathtaking 360* view of the Athabasca Valley and all the surrounding peaks. Just a winter wonderland spectacular! And of course no words or pictures do this amazement justice. Thought we were prepared. Had hats. Gloves. Hiking poles. Water. Snacks. Micro spikes. Needed more gloves. Needed my snow boots and my scarf! Needed a few trees and my emergency hammock!!
Once back down to the Upper Station we stopped in at the Summit Restaurant for a much needed cold brew and some amazing hot and yummy Whistlers Mnt. Bison Chili. It was so good! And great to replenish a few calories before heading back to our basecamp.
Just as we were settling back at basecamp (note: we were inside the Airstream) Tim noticed a line of seven to eight or so cars (just happened all were black) coming into our camping loop and stopping in front of our site. He figured he’d go out see what was going on. Keep in mind there is not much vehicle traffic here and you knew these cars were not ‘campers’. Just as Tim opened the screened door to step outside the Airstream a somewhat large mama grizzly and her cub came walking by between our campsite and the next one. WOW! (no time for pics) They were moving through!! We just stood frozen in the doorway watching them. We kinda tried to get a picture but sometimes you just need to observe and take in the view.
Appears weather wise we will have a lovely evening. Tim started another campfire. Head on a swivel!
What a day! 🌸
Oh-ohh, the landslide bring it down.
Sunset: 10:02 pm
Sunrise: 5:37 am
Wildlife viewing:
Elk
Chipmunk
Ground Squirrels
Mama Grizzly and cub
No comments:
Post a Comment