Washington — From exercise and GPS trackers to devices that measure on-the-job stress, ergonomics or potential exposure to chemicals, wearable sensors have become part of everyday life.
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| El Puente Ingles |
GPT section 7 starts at “Puente Ingles”, the English bridge which was constructed by a British engineer in order to drive cattle across the river. Nowadays it is a popular picnic spot. When arrived late in the evening there were still plenty of locals frolicking in the water. I walked half a kilometer to get away from the hustle and bustle and camped.
Next day started with a long and dusty road walk but I refused all offers of rides. When I finally turned onto horse trail I was passed by a group of friendly carabineros on a patrol ride.
They knew the area so well that they used this last chance with cell phone receptions to make some calls. To my big surprise they did not object at all to have their picture taken.
The following day turned out to be one the most beautiful on the GPT for me. The trail took me up a pass in the morning and down the pass in the afternoon. Views on each side were absolutely spectacular and I did not see a single soul that day which ended even more spectacular at the Laguna Maule. Although horse drops told me that this is a popular campsite I had the lake all to myself and enjoyed a wonderful evening swim.
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| Laguna Maule (photo with no filter …) |
I was a bit nervous in the morning because I now had to walk around the lake – but there was no easy beach! The horse trail contoured the steep slopes fifty or hundred meters above the lake. If I slipped I would just fall into the water but this did not make me feel a lot better … I even walked short bits in the water in order to avoid the eroded horse trail. In the middle of this stretch I even came across a lonely puesto and met the arriero who was living there a couple of hours later on horse back.
I still could not relax because at the end of this stretch the horse trail took me up to a pass and contoured around a terribly steep slope where a fall would send me down several hundred meters …
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| Descent down to Laguna Maule |
Views from the pass onto the dark blue lake were fantastic and luckily the steep descent was on sand. I was sliding down but not slipping and falling. When I arrived at the outlet of the lake I took a bath and had a long break. I thought that now the worst was over but as usual on the GPT I was wrong. What I had thought to be a nice afternoon stroll along the river turned out to be more nerve-wracking hiking on eroded horse trail high above the river. The trail was so badly eroded that someone had even tried to repair it with logs – it was still scary as hell.
At one point I had to cross a slope where the trail was more or less totally washed out. I clang to some thorny bushes to avoid sliding down into the river and promptly had several thorns in my hands and arms …
At least the river crossing at the end of this demanding day was easy. I filled up my water bottles and camped at the first possible site being totally exhausted and fed up …
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| Trail high above the river |
Next day was far less demanding and a lot more entertaining! I passed an outpost of Chilean carabineros who are not only police but function as border patrol. When arrived at their puesto in the middle of nowhere I was immediately offered breakfast and mate. Their main job is to prevent cattle rustling but of course they check for all sorts of contraband. Or as one of the carabineros put it: “If you check on one of the arrieros we always look what he has in his saddle bags. If we find marihuana, we sit down and smoke a joint together!” This guy looked so serious when saying this that I almost fell for his joke. Because Chilean carabineros have an excellent reputation and are not corrrupt!
But beside all this joking around these guys did their job and copied all my passport details. Or as they put it: “If you slip and fall here, you will not die immediately. It takes a couple of days. But when we find your bones finally we at least know who you were …”
With this comforting knowledge I left my new friends and traversed a very hot and dusty plain, crossed a braided river and camped under a plum tree full with ripe fruit! There were only bushes in this plain – only around puestos there were huge green trees giving shade. This way you could see each settler from far away.
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| See the dark green trees in the middle – there is a house there |
Two days later I came across another highlight – hot springs close to the trail. As the crow flies they were only around 1 km away from the trail but of course the path was eroded steep. Luckily I was the only person there and could frolick in the hot water. I kept my clothes on because I wanted to wash them.
Unfortunately there was no shade and you cannot stay long in hot water with the hot sun shining directly onto your head. At least I was very clean when I continued to the little village of Carrizales which turned out to consist only of around three huts, no shop and no cell phone signal – but another carabinero post!
Here I was greeted with cold lemonade and learnt even more about their job in the mountains. Most of their “clients” are Chileans who hop over the border and steal Argentinian horses or cattle. The other way around (Argentinians stealing Chilean cattle seemed not to happen very often …). There are usually six men at these outpost. Three of them go on patrol for several days and the other three stay in the outpost for emergencies. Their shift is one month long and most of them seem to enjoy it a lot. “We shot rabbits and go fishing a lot …”
But they have to bring in all their food for one month! The government is only paying for the horse feed ….
I joined them feeding their horses and was allowed to take pictures – but only after they had changed from shorts and T-shirts into their uniform … Being a lot taller than any of them I kept my seat for the picture …
The next was very hot and dusty walk through cattle country. Although being generally very dry there were huge swampy meadows that were difficult to cross. I finally emerged up on a high plateau were I was nearly caught in a thunderstorm and then followed by a herd of cattle. When they saw the steep descent at the end of the plateau they turned around … Unfortunately I had to go down there ….
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| View into the valley |
Of course there was no trail and very carefully I descended meter by meter, sometimes sliding down on my butt until I finally reached some sort of cattle trail and the river. I pitched my tent on the first flat spot and thanked God that I had not hurt myself on the descent!
I had hoped that from now on it would be an easy stroll along the river out to the road and then back to civilisation but again the GPT was full of surprises. The cattle trail was generally routed high above the river and I was trying hard not to slip and fall. I finally reached a very well maintained dirt road and soon the highway came into sight. But to my utter surprise there was a locked gate and a guard station between me and my return to civilisation. But surely the guard would let me out! Well, he didn’t. The poor guy was very apologetic but explained that the camera would film it all and get him into trouble. After a short discussion he showed me a hole in the fence out of camera view were I could get out to freedom … From there it was a long road walk to some popular hot springs and a bus ride into town.
Greater Patagonian Trail: GPT 7 Read More »
Please note that these are day hikes in Canada – not multi-day hikes. Some are short and very family-friendly while others can get into the epic category. I have tried to offer some variety geographically so as an example, not all hikes in Alberta are in Banff and Jasper National Parks.
I have also not included backpacking trips here but you could read this post – 37 Long Distance and Backpacking Trails in Canada.
John enjoying an airy view from the Mount Allan summit in Kananaskis Country
This is an easy hike with a trailhead close to Haines Junction. In short order you’re rewarded with wildflowers (in season) and gorgeous alpine scenery. Allow three to five hours to cover the 15 kilometres with an elevation gain of just 397 metres. There is a rustic campsite at the turnaround point.
Read: Hiking the Auriol Trail in Kluane National Park
Spectacular scenery on the Auriol Trail
The hike starts at the 74.5 KM sign on the Dempster Highway, only a 10 minute drive north of the Interpretive Centre. This is a great family-friendly hike or for anyone who wants to stretch their legs while driving the Dempster Highway. It’s all of 3.4 kilometres round-trip with a vertical gain of 210 metres. Allow 90 minutes.
If you’re looking for an epic all day hike nearby I highly recommend Grizzly Lake though I think it’s better done as a backpacking trip.
Read: The Goldensides Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park
The start of the Goldensides hike in Tombstone Territorial Park
If you don’t have time to do the West Coast or Juan de Fuca Trails, spend a day hiking 10 kilometres one way on the Coast Trail. Don’t turn up your nose at its length.
Like all coastal trails, this one is way harder than you’d expect. Allow 5-6 hours one way. If you can’t arrange a shuttle do it as an out and back, going as far as you have time. Enjoy wonderful coastal views, massive trees and wildflowers.
Read: A Hike on the Coastal Trail in East Sooke Park, BC
Coastal views at the northern end of the trail
Plan on a full day if you want to summit the Black Tusk – or even if you want to go as far as its top flank. Its 29 kilometres return from the Rubble Lake parking lots – and there’s a lot of elevation gain – 1,735 metres. Allow a solid 8 – 10 hours and go well-prepared.
The reward apart from the spectacular views at the top are high alpine meadows, great views of Garibaldi Lake and loads of wildflowers.
Read: A Hike to the Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
Snowfields on the way up the Black Tusk
If you make it into the Chilcotin and you don’t mind hiking with nary a soul around, then this hike is for you. It’s a moderate hike climbing 300 metres over 8 kilometres. The scenery once you’re out of the trees is unreal – deep blue tarns and mountains in almost every colour of the rainbow.
It’s possible to continue off trail and even spend a night or two up here exploring. When we did it, we didn’t see a single hiker – only some horse-packers.
Read: A World-Class Hike in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, BC
The Rainbow Range hike near Bella Coola is a winner
As one of the top day hikes in Canada, you can be assured of spectacular scenery once you’ve reached treeline.
You can do the hike as an up and back affair or as a loop. Weather may dictate your choices. Hike anywhere between 13 and 21 kilometres with a vertical gain in the order of 690 metres. The reward is a superb view of Takkakaw Falls – the second highest waterfall in Canada. As you hop across glacier-fed streams you’ll catch views of the Yoho Valley and Emerald Glacier.
It’s possible to extend the trip and either camp or stay at Stanley Mitchell Hut. If you do that I highly recommend some off-trail exploring in the President Range.
Read: Hiking the Spectacular Iceline Trail near Field, BC
Great views of Takkakaw Falls from the Iceline Trail
The Lake O’Hara trails offer some of the most accessible, jaw-dropping mountain views in Canada. Although the area is just 11 kilometres in from the Trans-Canada Highway, most people take the school bus and the crux of your hike might just be nabbing a reservation. As of 2020 they are doing random drawings for seats. Check out the Parks Canada website for all the details.
You are best off overnighting in the area – either camping, staying at the Alpine Club of Canada Hut or trying to nab a reservation at the pricey Lake O’Hara Lodge. But then you have days’ worth of day hikes on your doorstep. I highly recommend the Alpine Circuit though even going to Lake Oesa or Lake McArthur are good choices.
Read: The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, Yoho National Park
View from the Yukness Ledges
It’s just 12 kilometres return to reach Helen Lake and the scenery is pretty darned amazing within a few kilometres of leaving the parking lot. Enjoy great views of Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier once you’ve hiked about 50 minutes.
Some hikers will reach Helen Lake within 90 minutes. If you’ve got the time and energy continue climbing up to Cirque Peak. It’s a total of 1043 metres to summit the peak. Even if you go up to the ridge below the peak, the views are rewarding.
Helen Lake is very much worth visiting in wildflower season – one of the hot spots in the Rockies.
Read: The Fabulous Helen Lake Hike in Banff National Park
Looking down at Helen Lake
The 23.4 kilometre Alymer Lookout Trail is a great early season hike to do in Banff National Park.
It’s easy hiking as far as the Aylmer Pass junction. At times there are some excellent Lake Minnewanka views. At the signed turnoff it’s time to start climbing. It’s another 4 kilometres and 570 metres of climbing to reach the lookout. But what a treat it is offering views up and down the length of Lake Minnewanka.
Allow 7 – 9 hours round-trip, depending on your pace. There are campsites along the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka through reservations are needed. This area is also known for its healthy bear population so don’t forget the bear spray.
Read: The Aylmer Lookout Hike in Banff National Park
Views up and down Lake Minnewanka
Prairie Mountain is my go to hike from Calgary – especially in the winter when I want a real workout with a view. It’s a stiff hike of 7.6 kilometres round-trip with a vertical gain of 726 metres. Once you break through treeline, the views of the prairies and the mountains are excellent. It’s a popular trail but a tough one. Allow 2.5 – 4 hours return.
Read: The Year Round Prairie Mountain Hike near Bragg Creek
Grand mountain scenery on the way down
If you want your heart to sing, do this 8.7 kilometre one way hike in September when the larches are ablaze in yellow. If you start at Highwood Pass (the top of the highest paved road in Canada) it’s a 950 metre elevation gain and a 640 metre loss to finish at the Little Highwood Pass parking lot.
The hike is best done as a shuttle and it’s easiest from Highwood Pass. Once you gain the high point it’s a long ridge walk above treeline with amazing views in all directions.
Read: The Fantastic Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Kananaskis
The Pocaterra Ridge hike off of Highwood Pass
The Lake Agnes Teahouse is a very popular hike and destination. But rather than stop there, continue around Lake Agnes and climb up to the Big Beehive. You’ll be rewarded with great views of Lake Louise – on a far easier hike than Fairview Mountain – seen across the lake.
The hike is 10.3 kilometres return with an elevation gain of 540 metres.
Read: The Lake Agnes – Big Beehive Hike
Stellar views of Lake Louise from the Big Beehive in October
The Crypt Lake hike offers a variety of experiences you won’t find on other hikes in Canada. After crossing a narrow scree slope, you must climb a ladder, make your way through a 20 metre tunnel and then inch along a rocky trail with a steel cable for a handhold – with a drop-off on the other side that may scare some people. (It’s not as bad as it sounds.)
The 17.4 kilometre round-trip hike starts with a scenic boat ride to the trail head. Allow 5 to 7 hours to tackle the hike with its moderate 690 metres of elevation gain.
Read: The Crypt Lake Hike in Waterton Lakes
John hanging onto the steel cables on the Crypt Lake Trail – one of the top hikes in Canada
You won’t have a lot of company on the hike up Turtle Mountain and yet it’s well worth doing. Start in the town of Blairmore in the Crowsnest Pass area and follow the unmarked though obvious trail 3.1 kilometres one way to the summit of Turtle Mountain. This is where Canada’s second largest landslide occurred on April 29, 1903.
You still feel some tension on this hike as you look down at the carnage wrought by the Frank Slide. At some point the mountain will slide again, though there is monitoring equipment on top to provide a warning. Forget the threat and enjoy the views instead!
Read: 3 of the Best Hikes in the Crowsnest Pass Area
Looking at the Frank Slide from the top of Turtle Mountain
For a hike that offers a lot of variety do the mostly steep hike up to flat-topped Table Mountain in Castle Provincial Park with its exceptional views of the prairies.
The hike is reportedly 10 kilometres return with approximately 700 metres of elevation gain. We made it to the summit in 90 minutes but I think the average time is closer to two hours. From the summit allow another couple of hours for wandering to the peak beyond Table Mountain. It’s easy hiking once on top with 360 degree views. I recommend poles for the descent.
Read: Alberta’s Fabulous Table Mountain Hike
It’s worth the climb up Table Mountain to get this view
The Boreal Trail is Saskatchewan’s longest hiking trail – but most people don’t do the whole thing. Instead they bite off chunks of the trail that can be done in a day. If you’re with a group, even better as you can arrange a shuttle and cover more ground.
The trail showcases the beauty of the Boreal forest. I think it’s particularly pretty at the western end of the trail. Hike through lovely stands of birch trees, past the odd lake – and listen for the bird song. Some of the trail feels wild and remote – and some does not, especially any sections you share with the ATV crowd.
Check the Meadow Lake Provincial Park website before you go as some sections of the trail suffered significant damage in summer 2019.
Read: The Boreal Trail Hike in Meadow Lake Provincial Park
Starting the Boreal Trail at its western end in Meadow Lake Provincial Park
You’ll find both front-country and backcountry hiking in Grasslands National Park down in southern Saskatchewan.
Front-country hikes are accessible and you don’t need strong navigation skills – just common sense. Some of the trails to consider include 70 Mile Butte Trail which gets you to the highest point in the park. It’s particularly lovely – in its quiet way – with loads of grasses and lichen-covered rocks about.
Two other choices in the west block of the park include the Two Trees Trail and the Riverwalk Trail. Fall is lovely as its cooler and the bugs are gone. Night skies here are amazing.
Read: Hiking in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Beautiful prairie skies and colours in Grasslands National Park in the fall
Called one of the top hikes in Riding Mountain National Park, this trail will probably surprise you with its range of ecosystems. Hike up and down the Manitoba escarpment – keeping an eye out for poison ivy and black bears.
Enjoy swaths of wildflowers as tall as a human, views of the plains and a forest so lush you may think you’re in another country and not a prairie province.
Allow 3.5 – 5 hours to hike the 12.8 kilometre return trail with its 300 metres of elevation gain and loss.
Read: Gorge Creek Trail Hike, Riding Mountain National Park
Walking through tall wildflowers on the Gorge Creek Trail
Near Brandon Manitoba is Spruce Woods Provincial Park, the home of Manitoba’s only sand dunes – located where the Boreal forest meets the Assiniboine River.
Allow three to four hours to explore all the trails that make up the Spirit Sands – Devil’s Punch Bowl combination. While the hiking is easy on the Spirit Sands trail, it can get very hot by noon on a summer day. All the hiking trails could be covered in as little as 90 minutes but at a meandering pace it could easily take three hours.
This is a great place to take kids. If you were driving the Trans-Canada Highway it would be a fine stop.
Read: The Spirit Sands Hike in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Manitoba
Hiking the Spirit Sands Trail
If you want to enjoy superb views of Lake Superior do the 24 kilometre return hike to the Top of the Giant. Even though it’s a long hike, there is only 290 metres of elevation gain. The first 8 kilometres are completely flat so you can knock them off in a couple of hours.
Interestingly, when you reach the Top of the Giant you’re still 45 minutes away from the high point. Be sure to go to the very end of the hike so you get the thrilling view over the cliff. At this point you’re at one of the highest points in Ontario overlooking the largest freshwater lake in the world by area. It’s quite a sight!
The hike is easily accessible from Thunder Bay as a day trip or you can camp in the park.
Read: The Top of the Giant Hike in Northwest Ontario
Superb view of Lake Superior from Top of the Giant hike
The Southern Headland Trail is a mere 2.2 kilometres long but it packs a punch over its short length. Enjoy boardwalks, views of Lake Superior and beautiful beaches. You can knock it off in under an hour.
For a full-day hike, head to White River Canyon and Suspension Bridge on the Coastal Trail that runs for 60 kilometres. This is the easiest part of the longer hike and very enjoyable. Boardwalks, some lovely flat stretches through woods, and beautiful Playter Harbour are some of the highlights between the parking lot and the suspension bridge.
Read: A Hike on the Southern Headland Trail in Pukaskwa Park
The start of the views on the Southern Headland Trail, Pukaskwa National Park
For a hike on the most scenic section of the 894 kilometre Bruce Trail, head to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Look for the 21 kilometre section of the Bruce Trail that jogs through the park.
Either arrange a shuttle or do out and back hikes, perhaps over a few days. The trail often runs close to the cliff edge where you can look down at an otherworldly colour of turquoise blue water. Don’t miss a stop at the Grotto and Indian Head Cove. It’s also worth hiking on the sharply pointed rocks to the fantastic lookout of Overhanging Rock.
This park is far busier that when I visited, so aim to come early or visit on a weekday. There are some really lovely campsites too.
Read: Highlights of Hiking the Bruce Trail in Bruce Peninsula NP
The Bruce Trail in Brice Peninsula National Park
This is one tough but rewarding hike. Over 17.4 kilometres climb 885 metres on a trail that feels like it’s on the steep setting of a Stair Master. Hike up the short, steep section so that once you reach the massive plateau you’ve got views for hours and a slightly easier descent.
If you’re lucky you might see a caribou or two. I was not. But still the hike delivers fabulous scenery that includes tundra and waterfalls. There is a shelter on top if a storm moves in.
Read: Hiking to the Summit of Le Mont Albert in Quebec
The first views from the top of Le Mont Albert
Follow the coast on Les Graves – a 15.2 kilometre out and back hike that takes you by quiet coves, along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail to ultimately end at the Cape Gaspé lighthouse. Along the way stop to enjoy the beaches and admire the wildflowers. Find a bench and enjoy the sweeping views.
Allow up to a full day depending on how many stops you make.
Read: A Coastal Hike in Forillon National Park, Quebec
Beautiful scenery on the Coastal Trail in Forillon National Park
Head to Quarry Island via a boat trip (you can charter or check for a guided tour) and hike one of four trails. The longest – Les Cypripèdes is a 10.8 kilometre loop while the shortest is a mere 0.6 kilometres. Be sure to hike the shore trail as a loop via Les Falaises so you can walk around the natural monoliths made of rock. They are like nothing I have ever seen and there is nowhere else in Canada where the monoliths are in such abundance.
Read: A Trip to Mingan Archipelago National Park in Quebec
Superb hiking on the coastal trail on Quarry Island
After hiking 4 kilometres in on a flat road you arrive at the Squirrel Hut – the first stop on the Charlevoix Traverse. The Trail of the Summits is accessible from the hut and offers stupendous views of the hilly area.
The full Trail of the Summits hike is 17.6 kilometres long though the main trail is just 7.2 kilometres return. Trails branch off the main trails to reach the various summits including Sommet de la Grive, Sommet du Mont du Lac a l’Ecluse, Sommet de PV Coulee and Sommet de PV Pic de l’Aigle. You can pick and choose what side trails you want to do, based on how much time you have.
Read: Hut to Hut hiking on the Charlevoix Traverse
Great views & lots of blueberries on the Trail of the Summits
If you have ever wanted to see 10 million trees from one perch, the Mount Sagamook trail is the one to do. It’s just 5.8 kilometres as a loop with a few short side trails to viewpoints. It’s steep but so worth it for the views.
Chances are you’ll have the trail to yourself – and all the blueberries you can eat – at least in late summer.
Read: Sagamook Peak Hike, Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Gorgeous views on the Mount Sagamook hike
Grand Manan Island is one of three Fundy Isles off the New Brunswick coast. Its home to several hikes but perhaps the most interesting one is the easy hike to the Hole in the Wall on the east side of the island.
It’s an easy family-friendly trail that is only 3.1 kilometres long. While you can get to it from roads in a campground, take the trail that follows the coast, even if it is slow-going at times.
Pay to park in the Hole in the Wall Park and pick up one of their maps. Enjoy excellent views of fishing weirs and of the Bay of Fundy. If you’re lucky you might spot seals or a whale.
Read: A Visit to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick
The Hole in the Wall hike on Grand Manan Island
Although the hike out to Cape Split may be underwhelming at times, it’s worth it just to see Cape Split. The approximate 16 kilometre hike (probably high) will take you 2.5 – 5 hours depending on your pace and how long you stay out at the end.
Cape Split at the tip of the Blomidon Peninsula, offers stunning Bay of Fundy views and loads of bird action. In the spring the wildflowers are excellent too.
Look for lots of side trails running off the main trails to lookouts but be very wary as the drop-offs can be extreme.
Read: One of Nova Scotia’s Great Day Hikes: The Hike to Cape Split
Views at the end of the hike to Cape Split
The 8.7 kilometre Port Joli Head loop trail is a gem. It takes you to the coast via a boardwalk and gravel paths through a forest of stunted balsam fir and white spruce. Wildflowers are outstanding, especially the clumps of pitcher plants and wild iris. Orchids grow here too.
Keep an eye out for black bears. I came upon a mom and her two cubs when I was hiking alone – without bear spray. Around Harbour Rocks look for basking seals and seabirds. Allow a half-day to do the whole trail but it’s worth lingering and bringing a picnic.
Read: Hiking in Kejimkujik National Park – The Seaside Edition
Beautiful coastal walking in Seaside Kejimkujik National Park
It’s just 4.5 kilometres return to hike to the Greenwich Dunes and beach from the Interpretation Centre. That includes a section on a beautifully built 0.75 km boardwalk. Once you arrive at Greenwich Beach you can continue walking for about 6 kilometres.
This area isn’t particularly busy but it’s lovely. Don’t forget the bathing suits or a picnic.
Read: Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes: Greenwich: PEI National Park
Lovely boardwalk section in PEI National Park
The East Coast Trail is one of Canada’s premiere long distance hikes. But it’s broken into sections and each section can be done as a day trip. One of the best one day sections is the 8.9 kilometre Sugarloaf Path. We hiked it from Logy Bay all the way back to downtown St. John’s via Quidi Vidi Village.
Enjoy fantastic bird life, rugged coastal scenery and icebergs in season.
Read: Hiking the Sugarloaf Path on the East Coast Trail
Scenery from the Sugarloaf Path – – one of the more interesting and diverse hikes in Canada
The Skerwink Trail is a 5.3 kilometre loop hike that offers fantastic coastal scenery. The well-built trail takes you by sea stacks, sea caves and arches, past capelin beaches and onto a promontory with a bench and a view where you might spot a minke whale or an errant iceberg.
Signage is excellent. You only need 1.5 to 2.5 hours to do the whole trail
Read: Hiking the Skerwink Trail near Trinity, Newfoundland
Gorgeous hiking on the Skerwink Trail – one of the exceptional hikes in Canada
Do you like stairs? If your answer is no then give this hike a pass. But if you can handle the thought of 2,200 stairs then you will be much rewarded at the top – called Haypook. In June we could see icebergs off in the distance. It’s a great trail that takes 3 – 5 hours – and perfect for breaking up a drive if you’re on your way to Deer Lake.
Read: Hiking the Alexander Murray Trail in King’s Point, Nfld
My friend Judy thinking enough already with these stairs
If you only have time for one hike in the park, make it this one. It’s a full day hike covering 16 kilometres with 800 metres of elevation gain. But the rewards are sublime ….on a clear day. Enjoy views of Ten Mile Pond, the Long Range Mountains, and Arctic tundra. Look for animals like moose and woodland caribou.
Again there’s a steep section of stairs – 177 of them – on the descent. Camping is possible at the Ferry Gulch Campsite.
Read: A Hike to the Summit of Gros Morne Mountain
Views over to the Long Range Traverse from Gros Morne Mountain – one of the top hikes in Canada
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| Along the road to the power plant |
I decided to tackle this route on an alternate trail because I could reach this section terminus by bus. I knew from the map that there was a hydroelectric plant in the valley I had to ascend but did not think much of it … When I approached the valley on a well used dirt road I saw a big guard station at its entrance. There were lots of signs but none said “no entry”. So I tried to just walk by while the guard was dealing with some cars. Of course I was stopped. The poor guy did not really seem to know what to do with a hiker – and in order to play it safe he denied me access. I decided to not make a scene. This was all open landscape with no fences and it would be easy to just sneak in. And hopefully that late in the evening nobody would stop me once inside.
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| My designated camp site … |
It was easy to bypass the guardstation without being seen and soon I was on a huge maintenance road leading towards the power plant. I just made it 2 kilometers in before I was discovered by another security guy in a car. He stopped immediately and asked me where I was going that late. “Have you registered at the guard station?”, was his next question. I mumbled something about cross country and hoped for the best. At least it now looked like hikers were allowed here. He told me to get into his car because he wanted me to register at the guard station and promised to bring me back afterwards. There was nothing I could do about this – but I wondered how the security guy at the guard station would react when he saw me again … It would then be very obvious that I had disobeyed his orders ….
But I was incredibly lucky: In the meantime a new work shift must have begun because a different security guard was sitting at the entrance. He copied my passport details and off we went going back. Unfortunately the driver would not let me out where he had picked me up. He told me again and again that this was too dangerous and there were pumas and so on. He would take me to a safe spot. Again there was nothing I could do. After five more kilometers he finally stopped, showed me a very nice camp spot close to the river and left. I don’t want anyone to know where I was camping but it was already getting dark. I decided to trust the guy and stayed. And indeed nobody showed up while I was camped there although vehicles were coming and going to the powerplant all night long.
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| I never made it down to these lakes … |
I did’t see a single person next day! I passed the power plant, ascended 1000 meters and walked in breathtakingly beautiful country. At the end of the day I wanted to descend down to the lake in the photo and camp there. I could already see on the map that this 400 meter descent would be difficult because it involved a 1 km long traverse of a very steep slope. When I stood at the beginning of this traverse and looked down things were a lot worse than expected. The very steep slope had eroded so badly that there was no more trail whatsoever – only sun baked dirt covered with loose pebbles. If I slipped there I would fall almost 400 meters … I retraced my steps very carefully. I felt too exhausted at the end of the day to tackle this difficult section and walked two kilometers back to the last water source. Next morning I deliberated my choices: If I took the risk to traverse the steep slope (and survived!) I would immediately be confronted with the next problem. The GPT passes very close to the volcano Chillan which was in “alerta naranja”, orange alert now. As hikers were not suppposed to get closer than four kilometers I would have to take an alternate route that involved a very long and very exposed cross country section …
I came to the conclusion that no trail in the world was worth this risk. I just did not feel comfortable continuing – and therefore decided to turn back and skip the rest of this section. In order to get some variety I wanted to hike out on the regular route which turned out to be incredibly beautiful – and full of steep slopes with eroded trails … After 16 kilometers I came to another section where a slip would have meant immediate death. As spectacular as the scenery was – I did not want to risk my life for it. I turned back and hiked out the route I had come in. For someone who is 100% sure footed and free of vertigo this would probably have been easy. And even for me the chance of an accident was minimal – but I did not want to take that risk …
I arrived back in the valley after a very long day and steep descent, set up my camp and slept very well. In the morning my decision to turn back was confirmed by the fact that my shoes were falling apart. The sole was coming off and I would have felt even more uncomfortable in this difficult terrain with defective shoes …
But before I arrived back in civilisation I was in for another surprise. A lonely puesto near the trail that had been empty two days ago was now full of people, probably a family. When the father saw my clumsy efforts to climb over the gate next to the puesto he immediately invited me over. “Have a drink, have a peach, relax!”, he told me and offered me a chair.
 |
| Hugo and yours truly in front of the puesto |
Hugo was here on holiday with most of his family. Only one son was back home looking after the cattle. They had brought a goat from their herd as food for the weekend. When I jokingly told him that I had never ever eaten goat, I was invited to try a bit. His wife put a huge piece of meat onto the open fire inside the hut and thus warmed up the rest of last night’s barbecue. Despite the rather primitive hut I was served this meal on a porcelain plate, with silverware and napkins. The meat tasted delicious and Hugo even sang for me!
When I left these friendly hosts my luck continued. When I reached the power plant and the road again I was picked up by two locals who had been cutting wood here. We passed the guard station without any problems and they took me to their village, where to only direct bus to Chillan, my next destination stopped for me within five minutes ….
Greater Patagonian Trail: GPT 8 Read More »
Even if you don’t like camping, it’s still worth learning wilderness survival tips in case you get lost or have to bug out. That’s the topic of this video. #urbansurvivalsite #wildernesssurvival #bushcraft #survivaltips #survival
The post 10 Wilderness Survival Tips For Your Next Adventure appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
10 Wilderness Survival Tips For Your Next Adventure Read More »
Installing a home security system to protect your loved ones and valuables need not be expensive anymore! Today, you can purchase a modern, affordable, and do-it-yourself home security system with …
The post Ring vs Simplisafe: Which Home Security System Is the Best? was written and published on 24/7 Home Security.
Ring vs Simplisafe: Which Home Security System Is the Best? Read More »
The Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail plan. When finalized, it will guide project stakeholders as they refine the planned corridor and build the trail.
The trail will connect Chimney Rock State Park to locations in Catawba County as well as the Overmountain Victory State Trail, the Town of Valdese, and South Mountain game lands and state park. When complete, the trail will traverse Rutherford, McDowell, Burke and Catawba counties.
The plan is being developed by the division with input from officials from the four counties, major towns in the corridor, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Conserving Carolinas Land Conservancy, among others. It will identify opportunities, challenges, trail section sponsors and stakeholders along the trail corridor.
Drop-in style open house meetings to receive public input will be held on Jan. 14, 15 and 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
Jan. 14
Rutherfordton County Administration Office
289 N. Main St.
Rutherfordton, N.C. 28139
Jan. 15
South Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountains Park Ave
Connelly Springs, N.C. 28612
Jan. 16
Catawba County Government Center
25 Government Drive
Newton, N.C. 28658
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and can expect to spend about 20 minutes to review, discuss, and comment on the planned trail corridor.
If inclement weather is anticipated for any of the meetings, a weather-related notice will be posted on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail planning webpage at https://trails.nc.gov/state-trails/wilderness-gateway-state-trail.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
I’ll go on and bet if you’ve got any friends that are heavy into hiking, camping or homesteading you have heard then go on and on at length about rocket stoves, the new marvels of efficient cooking and heating.
Well, got a little spoiler for you: they aren’t new, but boy, oh boy are they efficient! Rocket stoves can be had as an over-the-counter product or built yourself as a DIY project.
No matter how you come by your rocket stove you can rest assured you’re going to get tons of heat on very little fuel. You know, it almost sounds too good to be true. So tell us, Tim: how does a rocket stove work?
Rocket stoves work by drawing in a large volume of cooler air over the burning fuel. This mass of oxygen supply facilitates more complete combustion of fuel particulates that would otherwise go unburned into the air as smoke. By burning the tiny particles that would otherwise escape, rocket stoves not only burn cleanly, but they also burn very hot compared to traditional stoves.
In this way, a rocket stove will furnish a tremendous amount of heat for a little fuel and with virtually no smoke when designed and operated correctly.
Big or small, rocket stoves have the chops for almost any heating task. The ability to do so much work with so little fuel is entrancing for preppers, and it should be! From boiling water in the middle of camp to cooking a huge meal or heating your entire home there is a rocket stove application for you. Read on to learn a little more about these powerful stoves.
Considering how easy they are to make you’d think there be some kind of catch with operating a rocket stove. Well, surprise!
There isn’t, unless you consider screaming high temperatures a disadvantage with a stove, and I sure don’t. Below are just a few of the advantages rocket stoves boast over conventional ones.
I know what you might be thinking: if rocket stoves are so great how come so few people use them? It’s a question I often ask myself, reader. I only hope after this article and other sources more preppers in the West will come to appreciate and use the terrific design that is the modern rocket stove.
Rocket stoves are very simple designs. So simple, in fact, you might think its cheating. No matter if you plan to buy or build your own, take some time to learn about the design of a typical rocket stove and the principles behind its operation.
They are so easy to build using common materials; you’re doing yourself a major to service if you don’t know how to put one of these bad boys together.
To help yourself understand the operation and design of a rocket stove, start by imagining a capital letter J. if you look at a rocket stove from the side, this is exactly what it looks like inside.
From left to right, you have a short vertical pipe open at the top, a horizontal pipe at the very bottom, and a large vertical pipe, connected to the shorter one by the horizontal pipe. These components are respectively the feed tube (or fuel chamber), the burn tunnel (or combustion tunnel), and the heat riser or chimney.
All those components are usually made out of metal of some kind or high heat tolerance ceramic. All those components will be insulated to hold in heat, increasing efficiency and thoroughness of combustion. This insulation is most often dirt, but can be clay or any other material that will pack & seal tightly around it.
From here operation is a simple puzzle: fuel, most often wood, is placed in the wide open top of the fuel chamber where it is lit and then begins to burn. As the fuel burns, the flames are drawn through the burn tunnel, pushing a great mass of quickly rising hot air through the chimney.
The combustion process begins to suck in more and more cool air for the fuel chamber which makes the fuel burn more completely and therefore hotter.
A hotter burn pushes a greater quantity of air, more quickly, through the chimney drawing in an even greater volume of cool air and the process repeats in a sort of vicious cycle until the fuel is exhausted.
The flames will grow so hot and begin moving so fast there is often an audible whooshing or howling sound created by a rocket stove. By now you’ve probably figured out how they got their name.
In fact, rocket stoves burn so hot and so efficiently that most new operators struggle the most with controlling the heat, not getting enough of it.
By reducing the amount of fuel placed in the rocket stove and a few other tricks you can keep the heat down to a manageable level, assuming you don’t want to turn your tasty dinner into fresh charcoal briquettes.
And remember a properly set up rocket stove is so efficient it will do all of this with virtually no smoke. Recall if you will at the smoke itself is burned up in the combustion process.
The design of a rocket stove allows the burning fuel receives an ample supply of fresh oxygen compared to traditional stoves. This hotter, more complete burn contributes to the vastly higher temperature that a rocket stove can supply, which in turn leads to a drawing in an even greater quantity of oxygen further fueling and sustaining this reaction.
Rocket stoves are easy to make, burn extremely hot, extremely cleanly and on very little fuel. They’re your heat-producing ace in the hole if you are a prepper!
So, How Does a Rocket Stove Work? Read More »
