Good Friends, Great Hike.

So I am still playing catch up with my summer adventures. Now that the wedding is over and the routine of real life is setting in, I have had some time to reflect on the summers past events. One adventure that took place that I am excited to blog about was my bachelor hike. Just me and my best buds Matt Baik and Mackenzie Caron hiking the mountains of Jasper National Park. Because the two of them had never hiked backcountry before I was excited to show them the ways of the wilderness.  So when the trail I had chosen for the hike was deemed "un-hikable" by the parks office employee, I though "perfect, now we could really get into some rough country!" I want to mention that the reason I decided to go for it was based on the guides assessment. I wasn't just leading two rookie hikers blindly into the wilderness. Also, if things would have gotten to rough I would have most definitely turned the bus around. Her assessment was that some trees were down, their was snow at higher elevations, and also that the bridge to the campsite was washed out. My thoughts on this were; downed trees were nothing we couldn't handle and because I had hiked this pass once before I had already dealt with the snow, so I knew what we were getting ourselves into. I also knew the bridge was right outside the campsite so at worst we could set up camp outside the actual campsite if the water was too high. At best we cross the quick moving stream bare ass, then light the stove and warm our tootsies.

The name of the hike was Geraldine Lakes, a 9Km elevation gaining beast located in Jasper National Park. This hike offered  a lot of rock hoping and due to the high water level usually wet feet. The reason I chose this hike was the payoff and sheer beauty the entire experience. Gaining elevation at such a rapid pace and experiencing so much beauty simultaneously is rarely attained in such a short hike. I knew the boys would love it! We set out about ten am and made great time. We encountered the fallen trees the guide spoke of within the first twenty minutes of the hike. But after some careful footwork and strategizing we were through. We got to the first lake in just over an hour. 

Mackenzie at the first lake.

During our short break at the first lake we took a look up and got our first peek of what was to come.  The guys got really pumped to reach the top, and so they suggested we carry on. Upon reaching the second lake we decided we had better stop to make a little lunch. It was here I found myself reflecting upon our friendships and how much these two guys meant to me. It was here, as we blurted our mindless anecdotes and laughed until our hungover guts hurt that we reconnected. 

Me and the boys! Matt (middle) and Mack (right).

Upon completion of lunch it began to rain, we threw on our rain gear and decided we had better make a push toward the campsite. We moved on and in no time at all we were at the steepest and most difficult section of the hike. A steep shaley scramble, with a considerable amount of elevation gain. At the top of the scramble we were confronted with the snow field that had to be crossed. 

It took some coaxing on my part to assure the boys that they were in good hands and finally after a few minutes of hesitation they followed me across. One phrase I specifically remember being murmured on more that a few occasions was "This is fucking crazy, this is fucking crazy." And although I was laughing inside I made sure to keep a calm voice as I said "you guys are doing great, almost there". In a situation like this where a person is a little unnerved by the terrain they are confronted with the best thing you can do for them is to just send them your positive energy. After that was over and the boys calmed down a little we found ourselves atop the snowbound ridge that would lead us to our final destination of the day, camp.

I knew their would be one more obstacle to overcome before the day was done, the washed out bridge. After tip toeing around a flooded lake trail and enjoying a few more relaxed laughs, we finally made it to the river crossing. Here we found exactly what the guide had adamantly informed us about, a creek crossing with no bridge to be found. We knew what we had to do. After all, we had expected it, and had even gone as far as to discuss how it would be done as we hiked the trail throughout the day. The creek looked fast but not very deep, we estimated around three to four feet. There was also a shallow area directly in the middle that would serve as our rest point if need be. The strategy was set in place and it seemed all that was left  was to do execute! Mack manned up quickly striping down to his fruit of the looms. He charged in full throttle but came screaming back as quick as he had entered! "To cold! to cold!" he Yelped. I knew I would have to give this a go in order to calm the minds of my comrades. So I got nearly naked and took the plunge. I moved out slowly into the fast moving water keeping a wide stance, trying to prevent myself from being swept off my feet and into the cold lake down stream. As I reached the middle of the loud quick rushing water I felt a presence over my shoulder, it Was Mack and he was coming fast and furious! Almost knocking me over as I took my rest at the shallow waypoint he bellowed, "Out of the way this shit is cold!" I laughed and followed his lead, fearing that the big Matt might be right behind me and knock me off my shallow perch. As Mack and I left the water I turned to find Matt, he was right on my heels. He had a smile on from ear to ear even thought the water was bitterly cold. I could tell he was enjoying the adventure. We reached the waters edge to find the carved out trail that led to the campsite was completely submerged in water, so we kept on moving bare foot and nearly bare ass. 

The incredible view from our campsite. 

That night after the tent was pitched and we had our fill of the finest dehydrated cuisine the laughs and good times continued, until we all laughed ourselves to sleep. The morning came early and once again we were forced to make the hasty river crossing of yesterday. It was still cold and a little higher than when we crossed the night before. But we were eager to hit the trail and get home. So we crossed with conviction making the rushing creek feel more like a mere puddle jump. After reaching dry land we put our pants and boots back on, dropped our heads and aimed for home. 

These guys were incredible to hike with and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. My only question to Mack and Matt now is what's next!

Overnighter Rating:  5 out of 5 Stars

Payoff:                    5 Stars

Scenery:                  5 Stars

Overall Experience   5 Stars

Geraldine lakes has been and remains to be my favourite overnight backcountry hike. With its incredible views and endless potential for exploration it continues to hold a special place within my heart. The first time I hiked it was with my wife a few years back. This is when I initially fell in love with it. I would like to make another trip to Geraldine and stay two nights in the backcountry, in order to explore the ridge that you view to your right while hiking the lake side approaching the campsite. I believe that by summiting this ridge a view of Mount Edith Cavell may be possible.