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.
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