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Mags
08-28-2018, 13:50
For the curious:
https://pmags.com/the-great-divide-trail-overall-thoughts

The TL;DR version: About 600 miles with the caveat that fire closures forced me to take some alternate routes I suspect shortened my hike by two or three days. Lots of stunning scenery and wildness. Physically challenging, not navigationally difficult overall.

Slo-go'en
08-28-2018, 17:28
Nice. The Canadian rockies are pretty amazing.

I hiked from Banff to Jasper on the east side of the divide with a few friends a couple of times. First time was hot and dry. Second time was cold and wet. Both times in July. We did a valley route connected with several passes. We did scramble to the top of a few peaks. That is some wilderness to hike through! Some day I need to get around to scanning my photos, which are all 35mm film. Yeah, it was awhile ago :)

Venchka
08-28-2018, 17:38
Awesome! I had the NatGeo magazine with the original Great Divide Trail article for years. Just about wore it out. Still dreaming.
Logistics questions:
I assume you flew to Calgary. How did you get to Mt. Robson P. P. ?
Did you have any trouble getting a campsite on the Berg Lake Trail? Or did you hike through the crowds?
I’m pretty committed to avoiding white water crossings. The Moose River being at the top of list to avoid. What was it like?
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Wayne

Mags
08-29-2018, 13:13
To get to Robson, i took a Greyhound. Dropped me off at the Visitors Center. That route is ending in October, unfortunately.

I hiked through Berg Lake. Hard to avoid water crossing on the GDT. :) Up to my thigh. I looked for braid channels with gravel. Going in the morning is probably best.

Venchka
08-29-2018, 13:37
Thanks!
The Greyhound will be missed. Maybe another bus company will take up the slack.
I may have waited too long.
Apparently Parks Canada may have semi abandoned the North Boundary Trail in Jasper NP.
They are making it rough on us Old Timers.
Thanks again for the trip report.
Wayne

Mags
08-29-2018, 15:27
Moose River crossing

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blonnv5BQPk/?taken-by=pmagsco

Venchka
08-29-2018, 16:15
The gently sloping banks are encouraging.
Vallecito Creek has a similar washed out bridge never to be replaced. Just my luck.
There’s a way! I’ll find it.
Wayne