Wapta Traverse, 2023

 As usual, Andy had an idea, Wapta Traverse in one day !! Stefan and Mark came along as usual. We left Calgary early (5:00am), parked a car at West Louise Lodge and drove with Mark to Bow Lake where it all began.

It was a chili morning -18c, crossing the Bow Lake was a tempo pace set by Andy (I don't think I have crossed the lake that fast before). Up to Bow Hut we managed to stay in the sun for the last few hundred meters. The hut was full, we used the washroom and kept going. 

Up to Saint Nicholas peak ! from there after a short scramble we took the skins off and descended to Balfour Hut (stop for lunch inside and refill water and off we went again. This will be the highest pass of the day (Balfour Glacier), all roped in we started the climb (is not that steep, but loooooonnnngggg). Beautiful scenery, blue ice melting from the glacier, crevasses, and lots of snow. I have never felt so in Canada before, where ever you see it was snow and ice.... soo nice. 

From the top, we glided down to Scott Duncan Hut, the last on the trip down to the car, we didn't stop at the hut since it was warming up quite a bit and wanted to be out of there soon..

Coming down from the hut we decided to take the creek down, that meant to go into some steep terrain with water and some exposure around. There was a pitch that was steeper, but we all managed it well. 

It wasn't quick getting out, or easy.. but at least it was mostly down. 

Crossing the Sherbrooke lake wasn't as long as the Bow Lake, but it was at the end of the trip and I was starting to feel tired.

Got down in the last stretch, super fast double track and twisty exit, right down to the parting lot at West Louise Lodge..

Stefan and Mark drove back to Bow to pick up the other car while Andy and I sat on the porch of the Lodge for an hour waiting and recounting the beautiful view of the day... Wow what an adventure !! 9.30 hours.