Packers Roost -- Flattop Mtn -- Fifty Mtn -- Waterton (walk to Canada)

Yesterday friends and I did a modified version of what is, I learned, called "the dash."  We were planning to hike from Logan Pass on the Highline Trail to Fifty Mtn to Waterton but some in our group weren't excited about bringing ice axes and crampons to navigate a couple of the remaining and reportedly gnarly snow drifts on that route so we changed routes.  I was assuming this new route would suck and it would just be time on my feet (not sure why I had this idea) but it was absolutely awesome.  LOVED this hike.

 Alpine meadows are some of my favorite things on earth, and this hike had lots of them. 

 We could see our original planned route on the Highline -- it was really pretty being across the drainage on Flattop Mountain which had 360 degree views.

 The meadow near Fifty Mountain was my new favorite place in the world.  I want to live there during summers.  We stopped for lunch here and I was pretty much in heaven.

 The best part of lunch was that Dave packed lunch beers.  I'm never hiking without Dave again.  He was very popular on this hike.

Said after our hike: "can Dave be our mascot and come everywhere with us?"



One of three grizzlies on the horizon

After lunch, as we were heading towards the Waterton Valley, Deb spotted grizzly bears on the ridge ahead.  There were three.  I thought they were elk at first but no they were massize giant grizzlies.  Probably a mom with her two sub-adult cubs.  We were pretty excited until they started our way and, without running, were able to cover a ridiculous amount of ground quickly.  Deb yelled at them and they eventually went back and over the ridge.

Deb heading into the Waterton valley

 Finally after 23ish miles we hit Goat Haunt Ranger Station where we showed our passports to US border agent peoples.  I think it's weird that we are increasingly interrogated by US border agents before we even leave the country.  It strikes me as weird.  We haven't even left!  But maybe they wanted to be sure we'd be able to get back in?

The USA/Canada border strip

 The funniest thing about this was that our Canadian customs experience consisted of calling and telling them our names and no we don't have alcohol or firearms.  Don't forget to call Canada and tell them we're here!  Peculiarist border crossing of my life.

Prince of Wales Hotel

 I had originally wanted to hike (run actually) all the way to Waterton but Dave bailed on that idea and I knew no one would let me go alone.  It meant a leisurely boat ride on Waterton Lake and more time to drink beer.


post hike beers

 And we saw the most disturbing but typical display of complete ignorance and stupidity.  There were all these young bucks eating grass outside our hotel and people were petting them.  This little toddler was running towards one and Deb shouted "stop her! stop her!"  (Deb is a vetinarian by the way).  This guy started arguing about how the last deer let her sit on him.  Natural selection?

What is wrong with people?

 We had a fun evening and I tried to adopt a cute hippie girl Park Ranger and we danced and were merry.

Left to Right: Deb, Allison, Callie, Dave, Me

View out Prince of Wales -- Waterton Lake

I felt good the whole time and felt strong.  My feet felt a little beaten, like I need to be lighter on my feet.  I even wore my new Hoka Bondi Bs, which are superior to the Mafetes by a lot.  All in all a fantastic hike and one I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a sweet hike to Canada.  Also, thumbs up to the Chief Mountain border agents -- they were really friendly and funny, even if slow in getting people through. Finally, a video from Dave:

Packers - Waterton from Dave Chenault on Vimeo.