Dingo Vacations – Page 4 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Egypt Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (9-15-23)

Day 55 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

10:35 AM, 46ºF – Gah! Overslept, and rather badly, too. Not good, not good at all! Too much precious daylight on what was destined to be a very long day had already slipped by. At least 100 vehicles were already present when Lupe arrived at Sunshine Village. No worries on that score, though. SPHP still had thousands of vacant parking spaces to choose from in the unbelievably gigantic parking lot.

Arriving at **Sunshine Village**. Photo looks WSW.

Fancy place, but doesn’t seem to be much going on here, SPHP.

Sunshine Village is a ski resort, Loopster, so it’s closed this time of year. We’re only at the base of the complex. From what I understand, the main facilities are somewhere way up the valley. Let’s have a look around. We need to find the trail to Healy Pass.

Not too surprisingly, the gondola to the upper village, which would have been a big time saver, was closed. None of the tourists milling aimlessly around seemed to know anything about getting to Healy Pass until SPHP talked to a lady with a knapsack.

Go past the hotel to where the school buses are parked. The trail starts on the L back there.

It was just as she said. Trotting past the mostly glass hotel, Lupe quickly found the trailhead. A short single track trail led almost immediately to the gravel access road to the main Sunshine Village ski resort. Less than 10 minutes on this road brought the American Dingo to the spot where the Healy Pass trail split off toward the R.

On the **access road** to the **upper village**. Photo looks W.

**Sunshine Village access road** (L), **Healy Pass trail** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Upon leaving the access road, the Healy Pass trail dipped deeper into the forest before leveling out and beginning to wind very gradually up the Healy Creek valley as a wide, well-beaten path. Within 5 minutes, Lupe crossed a wooden bridge complete with pawrail over a dry gully.

At the **bridge** over the **bone dry gully**. Photo looks SW.

For more than half an hour, Lupe continued on through the shady forest before coming to Healy Creek. After helping herself to a drink, an even more substantial bridge got the Carolina Dog over to the N side of this currently shallow stream.

On the broad, well-traveled **Healy Pass trail**. Photo looks W.

On the **bridge over Healy Creek**. Photo looks NE.

From here, the Healy Pass trail trended WSW up the valley, climbing at an easy to moderate pace. In a dense forest, there was nothing to see for a long way, except a glimpse of the surrounding mountains from a single isolated clearing. Beyond this clearing, the trail resumed its shady route through the trees.

Entering the **clearing**. Photo looks WSW.

Nearly an hour after crossing the Healy Creek bridge, Lupe reached a much smaller clearing at the Healy Creek campground. No one seemed to be around. Continuing on, less than 15 minutes later, she came to a junction with a trail branching off to the S. This trail featured a bridge over another dry wash. A sign said it went to Simpson Pass.

The **small clearing** at the **Healy Campground** entrance. Photo looks SW.

**First side trail to Simpson Pass** (L), **Healy Pass trail** (R). Photo looks SW.

Ignoring the Simpson Pass option, nearly another 40 minutes on the Healy Pass trail went by before Lupe reached the first relatively large clearing. A high ridge was visible ahead.

Looks like we’re finally starting to get somewhere, SPHP.

We are, Looper. That ridge must be Monarch Ramparts! It’s actually a bit higher than Healy Pass, which shouldn’t be too far to the R (N) of it.

That’s encouraging, SPHP. Seems like we’ve come a long way already!

**Monarch Ramparts** (L & Center) from the first big clearing. Photo looks WSW.

The Healy Pass trail crossed the big clearing, then reentered the forest again, but only briefly. Lupe quickly came to another clearing where a plank bridge crossed a small tributary of Healy Creek. From this bridge, an impressive mountain was in sight S of Monarch Ramparts.

That’s got to be The Monarch (9,498 ft.) itself, Loop.

Crossing a **tributary of Healy Creek**. Photo looks W.

**The Monarch** (L), **Monarch Ramparts** (R). Photo looks S.

Crossing this next clearing beyond the bridge, the American Dingo came to another trail junction almost as soon as she reached the forest again. A sign here said Simpson Pass was now 2.6 km S (L).

Forget Simpson Pass, SPHP! We aren’t going there. How much farther to Healy Pass?

Only 1.5 km to the R, Looper. Egypt Lake is 4.8 km.

Egypt Lake! That’s our actual destination, right, SPHP? 4.8 km isn’t all that far!

Egypt Lake is only one of several lakes with Egyptian names beyond Healy Pass, Loop. We won’t have time enough to see them all, especially since I stupidly slept in so late, but hopefully we can visit at least 2 or 3 of them.

Turning R at this junction, the Healy Pass trail headed N. The forest was rapidly starting to thin out in this region. In fact, the trees themselves were different here. No longer dark green, some other, smaller species of evergreen with a yellowish tinge to its needles dominated.

Amid the **everyellows**. Photo looks N.

The trail crossed the same small tributary of Healy Creek a couple more times before breaking out of the forest altogether. Healy Pass was now in sight off to the W, as the trail began a long sweeping curve around the N side of a giant bowl where a lake was visible below.

Crossing the **same tributary of Healy Creek** again. Photo looks NW.

**Healy Pass** (Center). The trail doesn’t cross it at the low point, but a little farther N (R). Photo looks W.

The **lake** (Center) down in the **bowl**. Photo looks SSW.

Approaching Healy Pass, the views were tremendous back to the SE. The trail had been excellent, but it had been a long uphill march. Lupe and SPHP were both looking forward to a nice break at the pass.

And just think, SPHP! The fabled land of Egypt lies beyond it!

Approaching **Healy Pass** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

Glancing back. **The Monarch** (R). Photo looks SSE.

Arriving at **Healy Pass**. Photo looks NW.

2:36 PM, Healy Pass – Several small groups of people were lazing about when the Carolina Dog arrived. Conditions were near perfect – no wind, and comfortably warm with scarcely a cloud in the sky. Going slightly over the broad pass, Lupe sought out the shade of a couple of big pines before lying down to rest.

A splendid view of the ancient land of Egypt was now before her.

Seriously? That’s Egypt, SPHP? Gorgeous, but not at all what I expected.

Hah! You were anticipating a little more sand, perhaps, Loopster?

A lot more, SPHP! Where are the windswept dunes of the vast Sahara desert? Where are the pyramids and the Sphinx? This doesn’t look like Egypt at all! It’s magnificent, but indistinguishable from the rest of the Canadian Rockies!

Nevertheless, this must be Egypt, Looper. I can see 2 of the Egypt lakes from here.

That’s another thing, SPHP. I’ve never heard of lakes in Egypt before. When it comes to water, all that ever gets mentioned is the mighty Nile River and its giant delta on the Mediterranean coast. Maybe an isolated oasis, or two. No sign of any of them!

We’re still a long way from the Sahara and the Nile River, Loop. This is just the far NW corner of Egypt. It’s not much like the rest of it.

While Lupe relaxed in the shade of the pines, SPHP studied the map. It took a while to figure out what was what.

The **land of Egypt** from **Healy Pass**. **Scarab Peak** (L) with **Scarab Lake** (upper) and **Egypt Lake** (lower) below it. **Haiduk Peak** (L of Center) with **Isabelle Peak** (R of Center) in the distance. **Greater** **Pharaoh Peak** (R), with **Lesser Pharaoh Peak** between it and **Mount Ball** (far R). Photo looks W.

Think I’ve got it, Loopster. The mountains on either side of the lakes are The Sphinx (8,136 ft.) and Greater Pharaoh Peak (8,894 ft.). The pointy peak farther off to the R is Lesser Pharaoh Peak (8,793 ft.).

Egypt is full of surprises, SPHP! I had no idea that the Sphinx was big enough to be considered a mountain. Apparently, it must be facing some other direction. Just looks like a massive dome of rock from here.

The two lakes we see between The Sphinx and Greater Pharaoh Peak are Scarab Lake, nestled at the base of Scarab Peak (9,573 ft.), and Egypt Lake, which is below it.

Those lakes aren’t that far apart. We ought to be able to visit both, SPHP.

Hope so, Looper. Haiduk Peak (9,518 ft.) is peeping up just above Scarab Peak’s R shoulder. Isabelle Peak (9,626 ft.) is in the gap between it and Greater Pharaoh Peak. Mount Ball (10,807 ft.) is in the distance to the R of Lesser Pharaoh Peak.

Mount Ball is the one with snow on top?

Precisely, you’ve got it, Loop!

3:37 PM, Healy Pass – After the long uphill march to get here, it was easy to simply hang out enjoying the view of Egypt on such a beautiful day. Others apparently felt the same way. People came and went, but none seemed to be in any great hurry. Some even snoozed on the grass in the afternoon sun, rarely stirring.

That’s sort of how I feel, too, Looper. We’ve been here an hour, though, so if we’re ever going to visit Egypt Lakes, we better get going.

Been bit by a tsetse fly, SPHP? How much sleep do you need, anyway, after snoozing in so late?

At least the American Dingo was ready for action! Returning to the trail, Lupe began following it into the deep valley beyond Healy Pass.

About to leave **Healy Pass**. **The Sphinx** (Center) in the foreground, **Scarab Peak** (R) with **Scarab Lake** and **Egypt Lake** below it. Photo looks S.

It was 1,000 feet down to the valley floor, an easy and scenic descent. The only bad thing about it was the thought of having to come back up later on during the return.

Starting down. **Greater Pharoah Peak** (far L), **Lesser Pharaoh Peak** (L), **Mount Ball** (L of Center). Photo looks NW.

**The Sphinx** (Center), **Scarab Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

A junction appeared immediately upon reaching the floor of the valley. Exploring the path that headed N, it went only a short distance to an old, boarded up cabin. Doubling back, the trail going S soon led to a bridge over Pharaoh Creek.

**First trail junction** in the **Pharaoh Creek valley**. **Healy Pass** (L), to **Egypt Lake and Whistling Valley** (Center), **cabin** (R). Photo looks SSW.

**The Sphinx** (L of Center) from **Pharaoh Creek**. Photo looks SSW.

**Greater Pharaoh Peak** (Center). Photo looks W.

After crossing the bridge, the trail turned SW. The Carolina Dog quickly came to another trail junction.

Which way to Egypt Lakes from here, SPHP?

Both, Looper. Pharaoh Lake and Black Rock Lake are to the R (N), but are kind of small, and unfortunately we don’t have time to see them all. Go L (SW) here.

Passing by the Egypt campground almost right after leaving this second junction, although a few tents were set up, no one seemed to be around. Continuing SW, the trail began a gradual climb.

**Egypt campground** and **The Sphinx** (L). Photo looks SW.

Less than 10 minutes from the campground, a third trail junction of the Pharaoh Creek valley appeared. SPHP checked the signage.

Alright! This path on the L is the spur to Egypt Lake, Loopster.

Egypt Lake can’t be much farther, can it, SPHP?

Doesn’t say, but I think we’re really close already, Loop.

At the **start of the spur trail** (Center) **to Egypt Lake**. Photo looks SW.

**Signage** at the **start of the Egypt Lake spur trail**.

The spur trail wound SW through a dense forest, passing a couple of sloughs along the way. Less than 10 minutes, and Lupe was there.

5:04 PM – A blue-green jewel at the base of The Sphinx (8,136 ft.), Egypt Lake was absolutely stunning!

**Egypt Lake** and **The Sphinx** (Center). Photo looks S.

In the late afternoon sun, ripples sparkled and danced. Going down to the N shore, Lupe posed on a big boulder.

At **Egypt Lake**. **The Sphinx** (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.

**The Sphinx** and **The Dingo** from **Egypt Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

Dense forest or steep, rocky slopes lined virtually the entire shoreline, leaving only a small area where the spur reached it easily accessible. Lupe explored what little she could of the N shore.

In my wildest dreams, I never would have thought Egypt looked like this, SPHP! Egypt Lake is the exact opposite of what I expected.

No argument there, Sweet Puppy. Egypt Lake is incredible! Really kicking myself for oversleeping now. We could have spent a lot more time here. You should have bit me to wake me up.

Really, SPHP? You wouldn’t mind, if I bite you?

Let me rephrase that. I meant nip, Loop. In fact, I take it all back. Don’t even do that. Bark instead, but just loud enough to wake me. Don’t scare the living daylights out of me.

Bite, nip, bark. Sadly, none of them had happened. The sun was sinking, and with more lakes on the agenda, the American Dingo could only stay a short while at the hidden Paradise of Egypt Lake before hurrying on.

Returning to the main trail, it went NW for a little way to a clearing with a boardwalk that curved back to the SW as it went over a marshy area a shallow stream flowed through. A sign nailed to a spruce tree here gave distances to the last two lakes Lupe might be able get to before dark.

The **old sign** visible from the boardwalk.

Once beyond the boardwalk, the terrain began steepening. Soon Lupe was gaining serious elevation as the trail switchbacked up a wall of rock on the S shoulder of Greater Pharaoh Peak. This climb went on longer than SPHP expected. By the time the trail began to level out again, the Carolina Dog had regained 650 feet of elevation, and the massive, near vertical E face of Scarab Peak was visible ahead through the trees.

Heading up the **S shoulder** of **Greater Pharaoh Peak** (L). Photo looks NNW.

A more typical view along the switchbacks. Photo looks W.

On **Greater Pharaoh Peak’s S shoulder**. **Scarab Peak** ahead. Photo looks SW.

Lupe was already over Greater Pharaoh Peak’s S shoulder, and started down the other side, when she came to the last trail junction. Going R here would have taken her over Whistling Pass, and on to both Haiduk Lake and Shadow Lake.

We’re close to Scarab Lake now, Loopster! We need to go L here.

At the **junction of the trails** to **Scarab and Mummy Lakes** (L) and **Whistling Pass** (R). Photo looks SW.

6:25 PM – The sun was low, still illuminating only the mountaintops as Lupe hurried SSW down the path to Scarab Lake. Nestled at the base of Scarab Peak (9,573 ft.), the lake was gray and calm when the American Dingo arrived. It had already been in shadow for a long time.

Evening on the way to **Scarab Lake**. Photo looks S.

Leaving the trail, Lupe leapt up onto a big rock along the NE shore.

**The Sphinx** (L) and an **unnamed peak** (R) from **Scarab Lake**. Photo looks SSE.

Scarab Lake is very beautiful, too, SPHP! Too bad we didn’t get here when the sun still shining on it.

Yes, that’s my fault, Looper, for not getting us off to a much earlier start. Scarab Lake’s beauty must rival Egypt Lake in the morning.

In a more open setting than Egypt Lake had been, Scarab Lake was a bit larger and didn’t feel quite as secluded. Sniffing S on flat terrain along the E shore, Lupe enjoyed a grand view of the entire lake, The Sphinx, and Scarab Peak, too.

Exploring the **E shore**. Photo looks WNW.

**Scarab Peak** from **Scarab Lake**. Photo looks W.

Returning to the trail as she reached a more heavily forested area again, Lupe soon crossed Scarab Lake’s outlet stream. Exploring this stream E a short distance led to a waterfall plunging into another forested region.

**Scarab Peak** (L) and **Scarab Lake** from near the trail. Photo looks W.

By the **outlet stream**. Photo looks WNW.

Just **above the waterfall**. Photo looks NE.

Peering over the edge. Photo looks down.

The waterfall was impressive, but with light steadily receding, if Lupe wanted to visit another one of the Egypt Lakes, she had to keep going. Returning to the trail, it quickly began climbing S deeper into the forest. Looking back from a clearing, Greater Pharaoh Peak (8,894 ft.) soared skyward at a steep slant, its upper reaches still illuminated by the sun.

**Middle Pharaoh** (L of Center) and **Greater Pharaoh Peak** (R). Photo looks N.

Just a little farther on, this view was even more spectacular from a big rock at a minor pass where the trail leveled out. Lupe could also see Scarab Lake, a deep blue from here.

**Scarab Lake** (L & Center), **Middle Pharaoh** (R of Center) and **Greater Pharaoh Peak** (far R) from the pass. Photo looks N.

Looking S from this pass, the last glimmer of alpenglow still clung to the very tip of the unnamed peak Lupe had seen before. Situated SW of The Sphinx, the region around it was very rocky.

**The Sphinx** (L edge), **unnamed peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

Sort of looks like the entrance to the Land of the Dead over there, SPHP.

It is, Loop, and that’s where we’re going next! Keep a keen eye and a nose out for mummies. Warn me if you sniff anything that has been dead for a really long time.

Returning to the trail, Lupe began losing elevation as she continued S through the forest, which soon ended. Surrounded by slopes of broken rock leading up to the cliffs of the surrounding mountains, a shallow green valley was ahead.

The **shallow valley** (L). Photo looks SSE.

Following the trail down into the green valley, it then began a slow climb straight toward a huge jumble of broken rock right below the unnamed peak. SPHP lost it among the boulders.

C’mon, Miss Keen Nose! Find the trail! Where does it go?

To the Land of the Dead, just like you said, SPHP. I’m on mummy watch duty. You’ll have to find the way yourself.

Eager to avoid this scramble among the boulders, SPHP climbed clear to the upper end of a steep slope to the W. Here, a strip of open ground along the base of a wall of rock made faster progress S possible.

Along the base of the wall. Photo looks S.

Heading for the pass between the **rock wall** (R) and **unnamed peak** (L). Photo looks S.

Upon reaching the S end of the wall, completely avoiding the boulders was no longer possible. However, after a short scramble lower, the trail reappeared. A few more minutes was all it took for the American Dingo to reach the pass leading into the Land of the Dead!

Entering the **pass** to the **Land of the Dead**! Photo looks SW.

So what does it look like? What can you see from up there, Looper?

C’mon up, SPHP. The coast is clear. Not a single mummy in sight!

Joining Lupe, the trail continued across a surprisingly wide and smooth pass toward a small ridge of bedrock. Mountains loomed beyond it, but what was between those peaks and the little ridge still wasn’t in sight.

Going over there, the trail lost elevation as Lupe continued beyond the ridge. Mummy Lake soon appeared ahead, tucked in a valley below.

First glimpse of **Mummy Lake**. Photo looks SW.

**N end** of **Mummy Lake**. Photo looks NW.

A faint path with a single switchback along a steep open slope got the Carolina Dog down to the E shore.

7:40 PM, 58ºF, Mummy Lake – A massive jumble of rock jutted out far enough to hide the S end of the lake, but most of it was in view from a flat strip of tundra and low bushes extending N toward a hilly area.

No mummies here, either, SPHP. Will they come out after dark?

Who knows? Let’s not stick around long enough to find out, Loopster. We can stay a little while, though. I’m ready to take a break. How about you?

The American Dingo plunked herself down on the soft tundra.

It’s been a long march, SPHP. Got any chocolate coconut bars?

I’ll see what I can do, Loop.

Relaxing by **Mummy Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

Although the last rays of sunlight had abandoned even the highest peaks, it was still quite light out. Mummy Lake filled virtually the entire valley. Not a soul was around as Lupe watched ripples lap gently against the shore. At first, most of the lake reflected the sky’s pale blue, but as the light dimmed, a darker mood began spreading over the surface.

Well, shucks, Looper. If we had gotten an early start like I’d intended, we could have climbed Greater Pharaoh Peak today.

That would have been awesome, SPHP, but it’s not everyday that we visit the Land of the Dead! I sure had the wrong expectations of what Egypt would be like. Mummy Lake is cool. The Land of the Dead isn’t scary at all, at least, not until the mummies show up!

If SPHP had paid more attention to the map, and Lupe had arrived a bit earlier, her Egypt Lakes adventure might have continued a little farther. The mountain across Mummy Lake was actually all part of Scarab Peak. Beyond the hills toward the N end of the lake, maybe the Carolina Dog would have enjoyed an even more spectacular view of both Scarab Lake and Greater Pharaoh Peak?

**N end** of **Mummy Lake** from the **E shore**. Possible view of **Scarab Lake** from beyond the forest on the R? Photo looks NW.

However, SPHP didn’t even think of it at the time. At any rate, light was fading fast, and it was a very long way back to Sunshine Village. Simply resting while appreciating the quiet ambience of this secluded valley felt good. Mummy Lake seemed incredibly remote. Just getting this far had been an accomplishment.

8:20 PM – Next to Mummy Lake, Lupe stood staring at SPHP with eyes black as coals. Beyond her, there was no color. The lake was a sullen, opaque gray, the rocks of the surrounding mountains and upon which she stood were gray or white, and the appearance of the lines of trees across the lake was jet black.

I sense a strange presence, SPHP. It will be dark soon. Maybe we better leave the Land of the Dead? Mummies may be coming!

You might be right, Loop. You’re starting to look sort of like a mummy or zombie Dingo yourself.

Then let’s get out of here, SPHP, before we turn into mummies, and forever become doomed minions of the Land of the Dead!

Seemed reasonable at the time.

Onward! Puppy, ho!

After climbing out of the Mummy Lake valley, Lupe paused for a quick glance back.

I think we’re safe now, SPHP, but let’s not take any chances. Who knows how far the Land of the Dead extends? It might include all of the Egypt Lakes!

Crossing the pass leading back toward The Sphinx, a final glimpse of the N end of Mummy Lake was the last Lupe would ever see of it. From this perspective, Middle Pharaoh and Greater Pharoah Peak loomed like the twin horns of some monstrous, wicked creature not that far from it.

**N end** of **Mummy Lake** (L), **Middle Pharaoh** (R), **Greater Pharaoh Peak** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Approaching **The Sphinx** (Center). Photo looks ENE.

Enough light lingered in the sky to allow SPHP to a better job of sticking with the trail on the way back down through the jumble of rocks leading to the shallow green valley W of The Sphinx. Not for long, though. Soon silver stars glittered like diamonds in the black universe overhead.

Hurrying on through the dark forest, all trails were empty. Lupe saw no one else at all.

12:00 AM, Healy Pass – Arriving right at midnight, weary to the bone, SPHP sat down on a patch of tundra. Lupe promptly curled up on SPHP’s lap. The Carolina Dog was tired, too. Still miles to go, but the good news was that the 1,000 foot climb out of the Pharaoh Creek valley, the hardest part of the return, was over.

Downhill virtually all the rest of the way from here, Loop.

That was a happy thought!

How about some water, SPHP? Do we still have any?

Yeah, we do. Good idea. I could use some, too, Loopster.

After producing the water, SPHP munched on honey roasted peanuts. The night air was cool with a slight breeze. High in the Canadian Rockies, SPHP stroked Lupe’s soft ears beneath the silent stars. More than half an hour slipped by before the American Dingo continued on.

9-16-23, 3:02 AM, 54ºF – After crossing the giant, well-lit, almost entirely vacant parking lot at Sunshine Village, Lupe couldn’t wait to leap into the RAV4 and curl up on her pink blanket.

Ugh! Now don’t let me oversleep again tonight, Looper.

Why not, SPHP? Surely, we’ve earned a good night’s rest! Egypt Lakes was a big adventure!

True enough, but we’re supposed to meet someone at the gazebo with the Canadian flag in Banff at 8:00 AM, Looper.

What? You’re crazy! That’s only a few hours from now, SPHP. Besides, we don’t know anyone in Banff!

Oh, yes we do! Someone you haven’t seen in years, Loop, so we don’t want to miss out. Remember, just bark, no biting when you wake me up!

Whether the Dingo alarm clock would work, or not, definitely seemed questionable, but SPHP was too tired to come up with a better plan.

At **Egypt Lake**, Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada 9-15-23

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SPHP Unglued, Civilization & Lupe’s Favorite Picnic Ground, British Columbia & Alberta, Canada (9-12-23 thru 9-14-23)

Part 2 of Day 52 & Days 53 and 54 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

9-12-23, 11:05 AM, 55ºF – After crossing the bridge over the Racing River, the Alaska Highway passed near Racing Peak (4,409 ft.) before curving SE and proceeding up the McDonald Creek valley. During a long climb into Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Lupe had a spectacular view of the huge valley flanked by towering peaks of the Muskwa Ranges.

**McDonald Creek valley**. Photo looks S.

The highway leveled out at Summit Pass. A lone caribou spotted near the W end of Summit Lake instantly got the Carolina Dog all excited. At the E end of the lake, SPHP pulled into the campground’s day use picnic area. Sniffing along Summit Lake’s shoreline, Lupe had a terrific view of Mount Saint George (7,402 ft.).

**Mount Saint George** (L) from **Summit Lake**. Photo looks SW.

9-12-23, 12:11 PM, Summit Lake, Stone Mountain Provincial Park –

Mount Saint George! We weren’t that far from the summit when the weather changed and chased us off the mountain. Remember, SPHP?

Oh, yeah! My poles started buzzing, Looper. Never did that before or since. Pretty good indication that it’s time to vamoose!

Mount Saint George was a fun mountain, SPHP. We ought to try climbing it again.

It was fun, Loop, but I’m not so sure we’re capable of getting to the true summit. Looked dicey by our standards, even before the fog rolled in and hid the last critical part from view. An awful lot of steep talus up there to contend with.

A Dingo can dream, can’t she, SPHP? Anyway, how about lunch? Did you check? Do we have any more Chef Boyardee spaghetti?

I did. We’re really low on supplies, Loopster. If you want anything more than Taste of the Wild, you’ll have to wait until we get to Fort Nelson.

Onward then, SPHP! I’ll be famished by the time we get that far.

E of the campground, it was all downhill as the Alaska Highway began leaving the mountains. Another lone caribou provoked a second shrill barking frenzy. One last photo by the Stone Mountain Provincial Park sign as Lupe left the park, and that was it for the rest of the day.

Second **caribou** dashing across the highway. Photo looks E.

By the **Stone Mountain Provincial Park** sign. Photo looks NW.

Once out of the Muskwa Ranges, a haze was in the air. Wildfire smoke again! Not terrible, but it got worse on the way to Fort Nelson, marring the views of the beautiful mountains receding in the rear view mirror.

9-12-23, 2:39 PM, 66ºF – After fueling up the RAV4 and buying supplies sufficient to satisfy both SPHP’s and an American Dingo’s hunger in Fort Nelson, it was back to the Alaska Highway again.

Now far from the mountains, the highway headed S featuring long, flat stretches frequently interrupted by big ridges and dips into the valleys between them. With distant views of the northern Rocky Mountains off to the W largely hidden by smoke, there was little for SPHP to do other than keep cruising while Lupe dozed on her pink blanket.

All was well, until SPHP saw a couple of men idly standing out in a field. Both were wearing vests with lime green stripes like might be seen on construction workers. When the RAV4 got very close, one began waving frantically, as if trying to trying to attract SPHP’s attention.

A little late with the waving bit. A moment later, the RAV4 was already past them. The Alaska Highway wasn’t crowded by any means, but as the only major road in the more than 200 miles between Fort Nelson and Fort St. John, it was far from deserted, too. Whatever these guys needed, someone else would be along within just a few minutes. Certainly didn’t look like they were in any kind of an emergency situation. They’d just been standing there aimlessly in the field.

Turned out they didn’t want anyone else’s help. Soon SPHP was slowing down, and pulling over to the side of the highway.

What’s going on, SPHP? Why are we stopping here?

Police, Loopster.

Flashing lights pulled in behind the RAV4 moments later.

Why didn’t you stop? Can’t you see that I’m dressed as a police officer?

Sorry, the police don’t dress like you are where I come from. What’s the problem, anyway?

Clocked you at 102 kmph in a 70 kmph zone.

70! The speed limit is 100!

No. You need to pay more attention. There’s a sign back there that says 70. I’ll need to see your license and registration.

Twenty minutes later, the RAV4 was heading S again, but not as fast as SPHP’s disposition.

How bad was it, SPHP?

$196 CAN for that, Loop! What a racket! Not a dang thing out here except some little no name dirt side road with no traffic that they’ve cleverly put a 70 kmph speed limit next to. That’s not even 45 mph, way out here in the wilderness on the Alaska Highway. Criminitly! We’re more than an hour out of Fort Nelson. Nothing’s going on out here!

Well, it’s just like the rock that cracked the windshield yesterday, SPHP. Nothing you can do about it now.

Mentioning the so recently cracked windshield really didn’t help matters much. SPHP came unglued.

70 kmph! Utterly ridiculous! They could fine 99.9% of the traffic that goes by here at that rate, Looper. Heck, they could fine 90% of the traffic at 110 kmph. How do we wind up with a ticket, anyway? The RAV4 is the slowest vehicle on the road. Everyone and his brother is constantly roaring by us. Canadians pay no attention at all to their speed limits. I’m forever pulling over to let others pass, so we don’t have them breathing down our necks.

SPHP fumed. SPHP raged. The American Dingo wisely tuned it all out, and went back to sleep.

An hour of fury was all even SPHP could take. Resilience is key! Gotta be able to roll with the punches. Might as well look on the bright side. $25 CAN reduction in the fine, if paid online within 30 days. That’s the new plan. Why not? Can’t fight it, anyway. The rest would just have to be considered Lupe’s donation to the lovely community of Fort Nelson. Other than that one wayward rock, and this fine, everything else about Canada had been totally awesome.

9-13-23, 7:26 AM, 55ºF – It had been years since Lupe had been on Hwy 29 between the Alaska Highway and Chetwyn. The view of the Peace River valley from a rest area half an hour in was a grand and familiar one despite a touch of wildfire smoke still in the air, yet wasn’t entirely the same as other times the American Dingo had been here.

Wow! It all looks so … parched, SPHP!

Maybe that’s normal this time of year, Loop? Or maybe it’s just because 2023 has been the year of the Arctic Apocalypse? Everything was always so lush and green and beautiful whenever we’ve been here before.

In any case, this was another travel day, a more serious one without any extended romps like the Racing River had been yesterday. For the most part, Lupe stared out the window at the fabulous scenery whizzing by, sometimes snoozing on her pink blanket for a while.

The Carolina Dog did get to enjoy a brief stop at Moberly Lake. After driving through Chetwyn, SPHP remembered to watch for the turn to Teapot Mountain along Hwy No. 97 on the way to Prince George, but unfortunately no longer recognized it.

A couple of stops for fuel and supplies in Prince George (following which, Lupe eagerly helped SPHP devour most of a delicious roasted chicken), and the long drive continued, now heading SE up the Fraser River valley on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.

9-13-23, 6:04 PM – Lupe was already well beyond McBride, when a green field of surpassing beauty and tremendous interest caught her eye.

SPHP, please stop! We’re in cattle country!

Knowing how much Lupe loved seeing cows, SPHP had to comply.

Cattle in the **Fraser River valley**. Photo looks SW.

It was good to have stopped. Those cows mooing softly while grazing in their green pasture marked the end of the peace and tranquility of the far N on this Dingo Vacation. A short while later, at the junction with Hwy No. 5 coming up from Kamloops, everything changed.

Transformed by the hectic throngs of civilization, Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 was suddenly chock full of semi-trucks, motorhomes, and vehicles of all types engaged in a frantic rush to “get there”, wherever “there” may have been. Having no choice, SPHP joined the relentless rat race while a steady stream of traffic zoomed impatiently past the RAV4. The abrupt return to civilization was a somewhat unnerving shock after having practically owned every road for weeks on end.

Even so, a magnificent sight soon appeared ahead, one Lupe hadn’t seen in many years due to overcast skies virtually every time she’d been by this stretch of highway since visiting Berg Lake long ago.

Stop here, too, SPHP! Mount Robson (12,989 ft.) is in the clear!

SPHP obeyed again; not once, but twice. First at the park entrance, and then a second time a bit farther on at the visitor centre.

Entering **Mount Robson Provincial Park**. **Mount Robson** (L). Photo looks NE.

**Mount Robson**. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

At the **visitor centre**. Photo looks NE.

9-13-23, 6:54 PM, Mount Robson Provincial Park – The visitor centre was closed when the American Dingo arrived, but that didn’t matter in the least. With the alpenglow at its peak on the mountain, Lupe went for a stroll behind the visitor centre to enjoy this rare and stunning moment.

**Mount Robson** (Center) near sunset. Photo looks NE.

9-13-23, 7:20 PM – Light was fading fast as Lupe headed into a familiar dim forest on the wide, smooth path that would be her only significant outing of the day. Traffic noise faded away completely during the few minutes it took to get down to the small, but powerful Overlander Falls. The roar of the falls, and the deep, swirling blue-green pool below it were mesmerizing.

9-14-23, 1:50 AM, Yellowhead Hwy No. 16, Overlander Falls pullout – Still some traffic, even at this hour. What peace and darkness existed, came to a sudden end when a semi-truck pulled in right behind the RAV4, then proceeded to idle with headlights on. Nevertheless, taking no action, SPHP soon fell back asleep.

9-14-23, 5:10 AM, 37ºF – Gah! That truck was still here, still idling with its lights on. SPHP had had enough. The night proved infinitely black once back on the highway. However, a hint of dawn was in the E by the time Lupe reached the Alberta border, entering Jasper National Park.

9-14-23, 7:17 AM, 32ºF – Not a soul was around when SPHP pulled into the little parking lot at Lupe’s favorite picnic ground along the Athabasca River. Roughly 5 miles S of mighty Athabasca Falls, this always used to be a quiet spot, blissfully ignored by the countless tourists streaming by along Icefields Parkway No. 37. However, that was back before there had been a picnic ground sign. A year or two ago, the park service had finally put one up.

Better enjoy our solitude while it lasts, Loopster! I bought some more Chef Boyardee spaghetti back in Prince George. Want me to heat some up?

Yes, please! I’ll grab a picnic table overlooking the river, SPHP.

A gorgeous, icy blue, the Athabasca River was much lower now than it had been back in early August when virtually the entire riverbed had been a swollen, silt-laden, gray torrent.

Waiting for the spaghetti to heat up. Photo looks SW.

Get enough spaghetti, Loop?

Is there more, SPHP? I’m certainly willing to do whatever I can to help!

No more spaghetti, but I bought some Danishes, too.

Without hesitation, the Sweet-Tooth Puppy made a valiant contribution to the demise of the Danishes. Lupe licked her chops.

Now what, SPHP? Can we stay a while, and look for squirrels?

Sure can, Loopster. In fact, we’re going to hang out here while I catch up the trip journal. I’m way behind on it.

For the first time ever, the Carolina Dog got to spend nearly the entire day at her favorite picnic ground along the Athabasca River. However, her days of carefree barking at squirrels here without bothering anyone were over. People soon began arriving, and the once common solitude at this formerly overlooked spot never returned.

Sometimes in the RAV4, sometimes sitting on the red chairs overlooking the Athabasca River, SPHP worked on the trip journal. Lupe lay nearby, frequently getting up to wander about the forest a bit before returning. She helped SPHP polish off the rest of the roasted chicken and countless potato chips, but had no interest in SPHP’s Allsorts licorice.

As hours drifted by, the sun slowly sailed around to the W.

9-14-23, 6:41 PM, 75ºF, Lupe’s favorite picnic ground –

Enough writing! Let’s go down to the river, Loopster.

Are you all caught up, SPHP? Took long enough.

Yes, it did, and no, I’m still not caught up. Guess I need to be more concise.

You must be writing an epic tale, SPHP.

It often seems that way to me, Loop. You’re the first to notice, though, so maybe not. Hardly matters. C’mon, to the mighty Athabasca River!

Down on the riverbed, Lupe leapt up onto a boulder, a sharp peak of the stunning Canadian Rockies beyond rising dramatically into the blue.

Down by the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks SSW.

What’s the name of that mountain, SPHP?

It’s either Mount Fryatt (11,017 ft.) or Mount Christie (10,236 ft.), Loop, but I’ve never really been sure which.

It was a perfect evening, near the end of a beautiful, relaxing day.

Hate to leave, but we’ve got to get going, Loop. Hope you had fun here.

Do we have to? Why leave now, so late in the day, SPHP?

We need to be in Banff early on the 16th, but that leaves us with another whole day to enjoy the Canadian Rockies before then, Looper. We’re all rested up, so we’re not going to waste it. We’re leaving to get into better position for your next big adventure tomorrow.

I like the sound of that, SPHP. If we must, we must!

9-14-23, 7:50 PM – The last rays of sunlight were about to vanish from Mount Athabasca (11,414 ft.) and Mount Andromeda (11,286 ft.) by the time Lupe reached the nearly vacant humongous parking lot at the Jasper Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre.

Looking S: **Mount Athabasca** (L), **Mount Andromeda** (R), **Athabasca Glacier** (far R).

Still such an amazing sight, but sadder every year, too, as the snow and ice recede. Nothing to be done about that, though. After enjoying the view, the drive S continued into Banff National Park. It was already quite dark when Lupe spotted a lynx on the prowl. Upon arriving at Bow Lake, a million stars were above.

Perhaps even more impressive, miracle of miracles, the short side road to the Bow Lake picnic ground, which had always been wretched due to numerous giant potholes, had been repaired! (End 10:47 PM, 42ºF)