Day Five: Roping up!

Early breakfast at 07:00 as we are in for a long day. It is Eric's 70th birthday today and the guy barely looks more than 55. He is in great shape and has been friends with the owner for many decades. Lots of coffee for most of the hikers. Lana and I are not coffee drinkers. The cold water from the bathroom taps sure can wake you up!!! Lana gets a cup of hot water first thing and uses that on her face cloth to wash her face in the morning and at the end of the day. 

Today the hiking will be longer in terms of kms and for many hikers the most elevation gain. Most of our hiking today will be above the tree line. Trails are not easy to see in this country as they tend to blend in to the slopes or rock scree. Breakfast burritos and I get a bout of diarrhea just before the hike. Warm already outside and no bugs (yet)...

This is our hiking itinerary for the day:

Take Lightning Bolt trail to Boogie Basin. Then hike up to Camelot Ridge from the Laforme entrance. On the Laforme Bowl trail next to Spire Lake. Long uphill steep climb to Marty's Ridge. Traverse on Grizzly Bowl trail to Princess trail. Take Granteloupe trail back to the chalet. Marty's Ridge will be the highest elevation point and where we will have lunch. It will take us 3 hours and 9 minutes (9 kms) to reach the lunch point.

Fortunately I was unaware there would be good deal of ropes on the climb along Marty's Ridge as it will not be good for my fear of heights. Florina is our very capable guide and is the daughter of the Swiss owners. I find the ropes portion super scary as there are sharp and long drop offs if you slip. I have never grabbed a rope that tightly in my life! Don't look down!

Above the tree line and another incredible vista looking down onto a lake with the sheer bedrock above. Lots of snow patches. 

More beauty in the absence of trees and shrubbery with the mountain in the distance yet framed by the trees below. 

Love these views!

Rock spire in the distance. I asked the guides if it was claimable, but given the rock conditions it is not as the shale just breaks. Beautiful alpine path traversing the slope. Just another example of the fantastic hiking and climbing available at this special chalet/lodge. 

Carleen's Lake - many of the landmarks are named by Ruedi. Pretty cool alpine lake as it looks like an infinity pool! From this lake back to the chalet it is almost all downhill. Fortunately, for the three of us Florina picks up the pace and we arrive quite a long time before the others. For me, finally a good pace. 

I tried to capture the ropes and the steepness, but the photo doesn't help my cause.

Another rope picture. The views in behind are pretty spectacular too as we are quite far south here from the chalet. 

Our main hiking group returns to the chalet around 2:50 pm as three of us are in the lead group; Irene, Leslie and myself. We have climbed the most elevation and length of hikes. Hmmm, I am not competitive... much...    ;-)

HIKE STATS:    16.10 kms        1031 metres elevation gain        5 hours and 32 minutes hiking time

                            around 29,000 steps

LANA:

My hike today is the "shorter one" although not really by much it would seem as we were gone for about 5 hours, but our elevation gain is only 650 meters. 

Our route takes us to Boogie Basin for essentially the same view of but without doing onto Woolsey Glacier that Randy's group hikes. 

If you look closely in this photo, you will see the two red roofs of the lodge and other buildings in the middle of the dark green trees. 

At the top of Camelot Ridge--quite the hike across the basin with it's moonscape like terrain, then up a lot of shale rocks. This hike also required traversing across some narrow rock faces holding onto a rope, scaling down shale rocks using a chain to hold onto and two ladders to climb up!! We had not one but TWO lunch breaks as well as two snack breaks. En-route back Tate and I stop at Marmont Lake and wade in up to our knees for some cold water therapy!! Felt amazing. Good thing because the steady hike back down along Grantalope Trail was killing both of my knees. 

Found this heart-shaped lichen on the rock!!

Randy:

Upon return straight into the shower as I want to ensure I have first dibs on the hot water and a shower stall. The dining room is pretty busy as Ruedi has returned with one of his buddies. Lots of high spirits from the long hike today and chatter. 

Croissants for snacks this afternoon. Both chocolate and plain style. Having jam with the warm croissants is a real treat and appreciated after the hard work we put in today. Lana is in the dining room reading a recipe book and taking pics of recipes she wants to try. Lana has several interesting conversations with Dan the chef about his approach to cooking (healthy, nutrient dense) and it turns out he doesn't plan out every meal for the week, but looks at what's on hand and what can be made with what's available. The lamb tangine was delicious--apricots, cashews, couscous. Even the vegetarian version was declared delicious by Irene who sat at our dinner table. 

Another great dinner. A beautiful night and I took the opportunity to go outside and enjoy my last views of the mountains at dusk. No bugs tonight! Fantastic fresh air to breathe into my lungs! They announce the passengers for each helicopter ride time slot tomorrow and we are on the first ride. We are told to be ready for 07:00 breakfast and have our stuff on the helicopter pad as early as possible. Still noisy downstairs after 8 pm. Most of us are busy packing our bags and exhausted after a long day of hiking in the fresh mountain air. Lana's luck at cribbage continued again tonight--it got a little smelly in the room as she skunked me again!!  What is going on?!??!!

Fantastic alpine hiking in high elevation and fresh mountain air. Spectacular views. Wildlife on occasion, but no goats. Lots of elevation gain on pretty good trails. Overall, a great experience. It will be good to return to Vancouver although we discover on our return most of southern BC is covered in forest fire smoke from Washington and Oregon state. 

Day Four: Where are the Goats?

We need to remember no toilet paper in the toilets! They have a septic system so putting your toilet paper in the toilet is a no-no! I have to say though they empty the bins up to six times a day so that dramatically reduces any potential smells...

These are really OFF THE GRID experiences:

- wifi is super slow and you cannot send pics/videos or any attachments and frankly we never even attempted to send an email

- no cell phone service unless you find yourself hiking near a cell tower transponder

- no hot water except in the four minute shower

- the rooms are very basic

- electricity minimal, but you can charge your phones

- if an emergency the only way out is by helicopter

- no roads into this rugged high alpine region

- chalet building is the only building for guests

The above are not complaints, but recognition this is a unique experience hiking in the mountains and glaciers. 

Another morning awakening to sunny blue skies with no clouds. It is getting warmer each morning. Breakfast is at a more civilized 08:00 time slot. Fresh baked bread and muesli. Lana has decided to hike on her own this morning and does the Durrand Bowl hike--about 2.5 hours total. My hike is with the rest of the hikers although some of the hikers are not going with the group and choosing to relax. 

The hiking itinerary for today is to cross the creek below and head northeast just above the Durrand Glacier and then some elevation gain. It is purposefully short and gentler as they are wanting a serious hike on our last day being Friday. 

Many of our destinations today are named after Goats. To date nobody has seen a goat except for hiking guides off doing their own thing. Maybe I am too cynical?  :-)   It is another beautiful day for hiking and no rush during the entire hike. We do see some more chipmunks and another marmot in the rocks. 

Another pic of the mouth of the Durrand Glacier but from a different angle than a couple of days ago. Yup, I can't get enough of the glaciers.

Tried to show with this pic the steepness of the slope and the wild flowers/grass that make this so special. Plus, below the bedrock and then the glacier to the left. 

The flowers in the foreground are "Hippies on a Stick" according to the hiking guides. They are fairly prevalent in various elevations of each of our hikes. I love the name although not too politically correct. They are very fuzzy. Durrand Glacier in the background. Pretty artsy photo!

This is my attempt of a panoramic photo at Upper Goat Café. Usually Lana makes these for us.  ;-)

Another attempt at a panoramic photo from Upper Goat Café. By the way, no goat sightings but a marmot was in the rocks spying on us. 

Upper Goats Café pic towards another glacier. 

We stopped for a nice lunch at Upper Goats Café which is the high point of our hike today at 2300 metres elevation. Lots of meadow grass to relax upon and soak in the incredible views/scenery which never get tiring. About 4 kms to get to our lunch destination. 

Rugged country in the high alpine and above the tree line. It really is a different hiking experience and vintages when you are above the tree line. Almost like the moon or Mars landscape. 

Monashee Mountains in the distance. 

Compared to yesterday's marathon hike/elevation gain this was a pretty easy day. In fact, we return to the chalet around 1:40 pm which is super early. Lana is napping on my return so I grab a shower quickly before the other hikers return. We were in the fast group. On the way back there was elevation gains and this tends to string out the group. 

Head downstairs to grab a cider. At this point I am super frustrated with the biting and swarming horse flies so not going outside. This is when you really appreciate a strong breeze as that deters the flies from swarming. Lots of time this afternoon to relax prior to dinner. Played some more cribbage with Lana and not only did she beat me both games, but one game she skunked me! Lana should buy a Lotto ticket! ha ha 

Another good snacking day with potato croquettes/tomato sauce and chocolate cake and then dinner around 6:30 pm. Very nice "Greek" style salad but more with avocados, peppers, cucumber, pumpkin seeds. Roasted salmon was perfectly cooked and Dan crisped up the salmon skin and used it for garnish in the polenta. The crispy salmon skin was incredible says Randy. Dan also made pea puree (like traditional english mushy peas) that went perfectly with the salmon and roasted corn. The chocolate fondant was a chocolate lava cake--cakey on the outside and warm molten chocolate inside. Very decadent but rewarding after all the hiking that was done. This paragraph written by Lana of course. 

HIKING STATS:        7.80 kms        440 metres elevation gain        3 hours and 20 minutes hiking time

                                    around 16,500 steps

Tonight's menu.

Day Three: Fronalp Summit hike

We are up at 06:15 this morning. Although it gets cold outside at this elevation at night, our room is always warm. The walls are paper thin though as you can hear almost every word of the couple talking--and snoring beside us. Lots of door slamming both at night and in the morning so that causes some stress. The rule is to turn off the lights in your room when it is not occupied. Electricity is powered by solar panels. Our bed is comfortable and we have a window facing southeast. 

Group hiking is the expectation. There are two options today. One smaller group will diverge eventually and climb/hike to the summit of Franalp peak at 2508 metres elevation. The other group will stay at Tumbledown Lake 2030 metres. If you know me, there is only one option and that is the longer and steeper hike. Lana's legs are both sore, but her right knee is not seriously damaged. She is unsure in the morning if she will hike.

An observation is there is no signage on the trails. Easy to get lost, but there is a decent trail map provided by the chalet. The three guides are young women. All are friendly, informative, patient and interesting. The guides communicate with the chalet and each other using a radio walkie talkie. Water bottles are filled with tap water and you can drink out of the streams. Refilling your water bottle is easy. 

Early departure today at 08:00 given this hike will be longer than previous days by quite a lot. For the longer hike we all go through the Swiss Meadows and then diverge. Once returning to the river at the foot of the knoll it is another 250 metres elevation gain to the chalet. 

It is crepes for breakfast! Orange juice,  biscuit and a slice of melon. Very delicious. I had a good chat with Eric about bears in the area. 

List of the fourteen (14) guests:

Group of Leslie, Carol (sisters) and their friend Bob

Dave and Laurel from Kelowna

Dave and Linda from Kelowna

Laura and Alex from North Vancouver

Barry and Bonita from Vancouver (Marpole area)

Irene from Vancouver (Kits area)

As you can see many of the woman's names begin with L. There are two Daves. 

Rumour is the outside temperature this morning was 3 degrees Celsius, but it feels warm to me outside. I did not need anything more than my t-shirt for the hike today and my customary shorts. This will be our longest and steepest elevation climbs to date. Hike down to the stream below and then back up along alpine meadows by traversing westward across the slope. Very beautiful on this side of the stream as we are northwest of the chalet. 

As you can see there is snow at these elevations as they are partly covered during the day and it is cold during the nights. Pretty steep downward slope here.

Above Tumbledown Lake with the group of hikers that will ascend to the top of Franalp peak at 2508 metres. Looking from here up it is pretty intimidating given the elevation gain of about 500 metres straight up. The first person is our guide Tate. Irene, Leslie and Dave are my hiking mates. 

On the hike up towards the peak but looking back towards the lake below. Lots of wild flowers and good view of the steepness. 

This is a wooden marker close to the peak that is an old mining claim post. 

From the peak of Franalp looking eastward. 

Glaciers below Franalp. As you can see pretty dry and barren country at this elevation. 

Another view towards the northeast capturing the incredible rock/geology of this area.

Yup, at the peak and to the right of me is a steep sudden drop of 100s of metres. My legs are shaking given my fear of heights. 

My agent wanted a pic of me without my baseball cap. 

At the summit!

It took approximately 2 hours and 50+ minutes to reach the peak from the chalet. Lots of shale/loose rock so not the easiest hike/climb. Tate ensured we took a good route as towards the top there are no markings. Lots of snow patches as well. The fun part was coming down from the peak we slid on our hiking boots in the snow patches and tried not to crash. One of the greatest parts to getting to the summit was no damn flies! There was a slight breeze as well up top. 

Red algae in the snow patches. This occurs quite often in the snow patches in this part of the country. It can be called watermelon snow. From Google: "a phenomenon caused by Chlamydomonas nivalis, a species of green algae containing a secondary red carotenoid pigment (astaxanthin) in addition to chlorophyll."

Another picture of the beautiful wild flowers growing on the alpine slopes. So many colours and types of flowers. I did not attempt to learn their names. 

On the hike back a picture towards the mountains showing how these gigantic glaciers carve right down to the bedrock. One excellent hiking outcome is that walking on the bedrock is easy and for some reason the rock is somewhat sticky. 

Hiking back through the alpine meadows and traversing the steep slope back to being swarmed by damn flies and some mosquitos. We decided to snack above Tumbledown Lake and doing our best against the flies. Very beautiful in the lower meadow with the flowers and shrubs. Still sunny and warm weather. We are still above the tree line. During our hike we saw another fat marmont scrambling along the rocks. These animals are pretty rotund! I believe they hibernate so they are getting ready for a long sleep. 

Returned to the bridge above Carnes Creek which runs from the Durrand Glacier. Huge volume of water. Since the chalet was founded in 1985 the glacier has subsided an incredible distance. Twin Falls are located here and blast a lot of water down the gorge. For the uphill hike to the chalet we choose the 'middle' route which is slightly longer, but more gentle. I wanted the shorter and steeper hike!  ;-)

HIKE STATS:     12.40 kms        1110 metres elevation gain        5 hours 30 min hiking time 

                              about 25,000 steps

Our group of four hikers and guide returned to the chalet around 2:30 pm so we were gone for about 6 1/2 hours. Pretty tired from the elevation gain and descents which work against the quad muscles. 

Lana in the dining room eating her lunch. She went for a two hour hike on her own earlier. She stated she almost got lost but doubled back on the trail and walked past Marmont Lake. 

Delicious snack of a type of pizza pie with fennel confit and cheese. Plus another dense cake that was yummy. Decided to opt for a cold Strongbow Apple Cider from the fridge. Chatted in the reading room with Barry and then Eric. Pretty quiet in the main dining room as I think many of the hikers are napping? I update the journal and chat. 

We took a bottle of BC Pinot Gris and it worked well with the delicious vegetarian Thai Curry--sweet potatoes, carrots, lentils and chick peas! Lana gave me her cheesecake! Another beautiful sunset tonight. Everybody pretty tired tonight so by 8:30 pm everyone is in their rooms. Lana and I played two games of cribbage (we each win one game) and then she played one of her video games on her iPhone. We don't have to get up early tomorrow morning as there is a lighter day of hiking planned. 

With the slow internet there is zero chance of me doing any blogging while up at the chalet. No problem as I take good notes and ensure our photos will be loaded in order. 

Tonight's menu.

Day Two: On the Glacier

 It is early Tuesday morning and the noise in the chalet begins around 07:15. Breakfast to be served at 08:00. On being seated at our designated table there is a side plate of fresh blueberries and freshly made warm scones with a fantastic jam. Breakfast was a poached egg on an english muffin with arugula and a herb hollandaise sauce. Another great meal and good start to the day. I take an extra scone! Too yummy and pairs with my orange juice.   ;-)

Lana still suffering with her sore right knee and unsure of her ability to hike. The guide Carleena thought she could start with the group and branch off with Tate (guide) if her knee was not working. That is exactly what occurs as the group continues to the mouth of the Durrand Glacier while Lana and Tate go to Goat Lake. Eventually, we meet them at Goat Lake for a quick snack. It is a hike from the chalet downhill and then up to the mouth of the glacier. The itinerary for the group from the glacier is to Goat Lake then up the Goat Pass to Goat Peak. Then hike down from the peak onto and then up Mirror Lake Ridge and then down into the bowl with Kala Lake system and then Mirror Lake and back to the chalet. 

Another beautiful day with no wind and warm temperatures. Once we are at the glacier I want to diverge from the group and explore at the mouth. There is a cave just above a creek draining the gigantic glacier. I have lots of energy so not worried about getting tired later. Also, Ruedi, who established the lodge in 1985, had the foresight to spray paint a line where the glacier was along with the year. It's really sad to see this marker now and note how was the glacier has receded over the past 35 years. 

At the mouth of the Durrand Glacier

Closer to the mouth of the glacier. 

Mouth of the glacier. 

Yup, the hiking guide loves taking my picture!

My agent gets 15% of any photos.

Pretty good hiking up to Goat Peak. One fun thing was jumping a narrow crevice in the rocks. If you don't make it not sure how far you would fall to your death? The group sticks together for the most part except when there is some steep incline hiking. All pretty good people and if you don't want to chat you can just stay silent. Of course some of the hikers like to talk. Carleen is our guide and keeps a steady pace and sets expectations. 

We lunch at Mirror Lake Ridge which was a steady but gentle incline. The best thing is you can have views from both sides of the ridge. On west side all glacier and jagged peaks in the distance. Lots of rock scree so some tricky steps. Slightly breezy, but warm. 

I chose to have a peanut butter and jam sandwich with some veg snacks and fruit and goodies. Each morning you pick up your two white lunch bags as you make your choices a couple of days in advance. For some reason on each day's hike I forget at times to resume my Garmin watch so my stats are not going to be perfect. 

Mirror Ridge lunch spot. This part of the ridge is pure bedrock. Tricky hike down into the bowl area below. 

Beautiful wild flowers in the alpine meadow. 

Mirror Lake.

Kala Lake area. Check out the peaks in the distance. This entire area is ground and excavated by the massive receding glaciers. 

HIKE DATA:    11.5 km        745 metres elevation gain        5 hours hiking

Sunny and warm on arrival at the chalet. I decide to make the 10 minute one way walk/hike from the chalet to Marmont Lake for a swim on my own. I am wearing my bathing suit under my shorts. The water is freezing cold and then the horseflies start swarming around me given most of the my skin is now exposed! I let you some yells when hitting the cold water (nobody is around). The bottom of the lake is sandy, but pieces of slate/shale are underneath so tricky to walk. Not very deep and given the attack by the flesh eating flies I make a decision to dip for a bit and then get outta the lake and dressed. Oh well, it was refreshing and I did not get bitten by the flies. It is a beautiful trail to and from the lodge full of grass, wild flowers and trees. 

My decision is have a shower and get warmed up. Lana is napping. She returned around 2 pm. Time for snacks in the dining room. Today snacks are sushi and polenta peach cake. Hmmm, another yummy dining experience. Lana reading the Sunday NY Times in the dining room. Unfortunately, her right knee is still sore, but being a trooper she made it through the hike with Tate. 

OK, Englishmen do know how to make a delicious baguette! This bread is as good as any baguette we've had in Paris--crusty outside, great texture inside. 

Menu board for tonight. Dinner at 6:30 pm tonight. Lana had seconds of the entrée which was only a small roasted chicken leg with mushrooms sauce. It was served with two types of braised cabbage (savoy and red) as well as roasted butternut squash. Dessert is a whole poached peach served with a hazelnut cream. Our guides discussed options for hiking tomorrow. We could start as a group, but the fitter and more ambitious group will go longer and steeper. We need to be down tomorrow for breakfast at 07:00 and hiking departure at 08:00. 

Sunset from the patio.

Day One: Hiker Injured

It is Monday morning, September 7th, 2020 and we are picked up at the Best Western Hotel in Revelstoke with a number of other hikers. Before leaving from the lobby, we complete the necessary paper work/liability waivers etc. Plus, watch a safety video. Everybody looking pretty excited and some of the couples know each other from staying at the Lodge before. You are allowed to bring no more than 25 pounds each. Only duffel bags and back packs are allowed for luggage. We drive up past the big Revelstoke dam and pull off at a gravel parking area. There are eight of us in the shuttle van.

The helicopter takes up to five passengers and it is about ten minutes up to the mountain chalets. Pretty windy today so a very bumpy ride. Fantastic views of the mountains and forest below and some creeks winding down the valley. 

Helicopter staging area.

Lana seated beside our helicopter pilot. Best views on the ride up!

Lana's helicopter ride videos:

Up the valley

The chalet

The chalet landing

Helicopter in flight above chalet helipad.

Staff and owner chalets + sauna (not operational due to Covid-19 protocols.

View from the chalet towards the west. The snow capped peaks are the Monashee Mountain range. 

The Swiss style chalets (1946 metres elevation) are built amidst the trees on a small knoll rising above the cliffs and trees so perfectly situated for the hiking trails. It is about an hour hike to the mouth of the Durrand Glacier. Many mountain peaks surround this area so the views are spectacular. We are in the high alpine, yet did not have to hike here over a couple of days as the helicopter has delivered us. You can hear the waterfalls below that are fed by streams running from the glacier above.

All the guests/hikers stay on the second floor of the main chalet. We find out there will be fourteen (14) of us staying and hiking. The second floor has the "communal" indoor bathroom with proper toilets and there are two toilets to serve all of us. The two showers are in the same general room and the rule is four minutes of shower water. This is the only hot water to be found unless you boil the water. The sinks in the room are cold water only. Very refreshing in the morning!!!

This is our room. Pretty basic and not very big. A side table and a shelving unit in the opposite corner. Some room on the floor for the duffel bags and our backpacks. Spartan furnishing, but functional. The only light is on the wall opposite to the head of the bed. If you are wanting to read then you need to use your headlamp for light. Yes, Lana is a real trooper on this trip! No electrical outlets in the rooms.

We get our stuff together and meet on the main floor with the other guests for an orientation. There will be three hiking guides for each day (mostly). The expectation is group hiking which isn't what their website indicated. Over the next days, we find out why that is recommended. Our departure time for the day one hike will be 10:45 am. 

There is a map of all the trails.At first sight it is pretty confusing as it is mostly vertical lines for the trails. Once we get orientated to the trails/surrounding area it makes sense. Our day one hike will be fairly gentle compared to the next four days. There is some elevation gain so that will give the guides some ideas of hiking abilities/stamina/pace etc. 

Day one hike.

This is a small lake located next to a snow spot that has not totally melted during the summer. The colour of the water is beautiful and typical of glacier fed lakes in this area. 

We hike down from the chalet along a path on the west side of the chalets through a forested area and then along a meadow. Creek beside us for the first part of the walk in this bowl area and then we gradually climb towards a ridge. Fairly quickly we are above the tree line so that is super cool. The trails here are pretty easy to navigate. Blue and sunny skies with Lana doing well at the start. 

A little chill for my fingers though so I am wearing my finger-less wool gloves. For some reason it is pretty windy today so that brings the temperature down. We stop at a couple of places for a bite/snack. We stop for lunch at Moon Hill ridge to the southwest of the chalet. Elevation is 2345 metres. 

Picture at top of Moon Ridge and as you can see we are warmly dressed due to the wind gusts. At this elevation the gusts are chillier and in some cases come over the surrounding glaciers. 

We enjoy posing. 

Yup, can't get enough of ourselves! Actually one of the guides offered to take pictures for everyone which is great because we never get a picture with the two of us in it!

The views from the top of the ridge are panoramic and awe inspiring. Sit in the grass and one of the guides points out where we are on the large trail map. We head back on Lightning Bolt trail and then by Honeymoon Lake and then back to the chalet. Unfortunately, as Lana was walking on a new trail her right knee twisted on a loose rock and she began to fall although I caught her in time. This is her 'trick' knee and not a good start to what will be five consecutive days of hiking. Her knee was immediately sore, but she continued on. She heard a popping noise when it happened--not good.  We make it back to the chalet where most of the hikers have found their spots on the patio to take in the sun and views. 

HIKE DATA:    Around 9 km    623 metres elevation gain    3 hours 30 minutes actual hiking

I discover my Garmin Smartwatch 935 Forerunner model doesn't really sync with my Garmin app. The wifi is very weak and so weak you can't send pics/videos or much of anything using email. Your cellphone will not pick up any transponders except when you luck into a hike in a weird spot. The afternoon snacks are both savoury (cut up veg from local farms) and sweet (milk brownie bites/cookies) and delicious! In terms of wildlife we saw a ground squirrel and a chipmunk. Lots of small creeks and some ponds/lakes dug out by the receding glaciers. 

I grabbed a beer for the patio. There is a small fridge with a supply of white and red wine, beer and some ciders. It is an honour system when using the booze supply so you add the item to a list with your name. Funny as everyone is trying to remember each other's names. Mostly older people in their 60s and a few in their 70s. Some couples in their 50s and one younger couple. Lana takes a shower and has a much needed nap/rest. I update our journal outside on the patio deck. In terms of origin of guests we are all Canadians. This is Covid-19 time so no Americans. Some couples/people from Vancouver and some from Kelowna. 

My turn for a four minute shower and do some of my NY Times crosswords. Lana eventually comes down to the main level and dinner will be at 6:30 pm and a Swiss cowbell is rung. Ruedi, lodge owner is German Swiss, but her is away until Friday afternoon rock climbing with a buddy! We have assigned seating that is spaced to ensure physical distancing. Wow, we find that the dinner is even better than the afternoon snacks. Starts with an olive focaccia homemade bread by Dan (23 year old English gourmet chef). The chalkboard provides the three course dinner items. Tonight we start with a cold soup (cucumber gazpacho with large pieces of cauliflower and cashew nuts) and the entrée is pork tenderloin with risotto. Dessert is a homemade salted caramel ice cream. Yup, gourmet food in an off-the-grid location.  

You can ask for more servings. At our table is a couple from Revelstoke (Eric and Peggy). Irene sits to one side of us and she lives in Vancouver. By the time we have finished eating and talking it is 8ish and most hikers heading to bed. Under my pillow I have my customized earplugs and my headlamp. If I get up in the middle of the night to take a pee I need to find some clothes.   :-)