Our club's First Annual Backpacking 101 field trip was an enormous success according to all of the participants, Chechako/Greenhorns and Sourdoughs alike. Ten participants were not deterred by threatening stormclouds and embarked on our journey of discovery and learning: two Sourdoughs, one Greenhorn and seven Chechakos. The Chechakos overcame rain, wind and unseasonably cool temperatures and have now graduated to Greenhorn level. The Greenhorn has joined the ranks of Sourdough and the two Sourdoughs got a couple of days older.

Day 1: We backpacked into the Tombstone backcountry campground, claimed our campsites and set up camp for the night. Chechakos were given timely advice on how to select a campsite, clear of roots and rocks; little to moderate slope; proximity to privies and other members of the party etc., and then left to their own devices to figure out how to set up their rental tents. After set-up and a lengthy lunch we headed out for our afternoon hike to Tombstone Lakes and Tombstone Pass. The hike to Tombstone Lakes is relatively short but does involve a fair amount of elevation gain. However the viewpoints surrounding both the lower and upper lakes make the effort worthwhile.

Another grunt up a single track trail took us back to the main Little Elbow Trail where we headed south back to Tombstone Pass and our snug campsites at Tombstone Campground. Dinner became our main priority and once all our Chechakos had figured out how to start their stoves hot meals were soon prepared and consumed. Discussion was lively as everyone traded backcountry tips and recipes. The gourmet award would have to be awarded to Sandy and Helen for their fresh veggie stirfry served with pasta but once again Jim impressed everyone when he whipped up a backcountry latte to rival the best that Starbuck's or a Second Cup could offer. Campfire conversation, accompanied by after-dinner libations of choice, was lively and the group enthusiastically swapped stories of travel adventure into the late hours of the evening. Jim even contributed a little cowboy poetry. Mother Nature even got into the act by giving us a full moon to enjoy as it rose over the mountains and peeked through the clouds.

Day 2: We rose at a reasonable time after a good nights sleep, well rested and ready for another day's adventure. A leisurely breakfast was enjoyed by all and then we broke camp prior to a 10:30 am departure time. Our destination for the day was Rae Lake. The group had decided to experience a different style of backpacking from the previous day. On Day 1 we had hiked into a campground, established a base camp and then completed a day hike. On Day 2 we were to carry our full packs on a loop traverse to Rae Lake and then onto the Elbow Pass Trailhead. Rae Lake requires a moderate elevation gain over a combination of hard packed road and single track trail. Once again the beauty of this little lake made the effort worthwhile. Three energetic Chechakos joined Jim for a fast scramble up about 200 meters to the top of a knoll overlooking Rae Lake while the rest of the party relaxed or explored the shoreline.

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It was soon time to bid adieu to Rae Lake and head back to the Elbow Pass Trailhead and the end of our adventure.

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Two hours later we were back at the trailhead for a quick change of clothing before six of the finest ladies a guy could ever hope to backpack with accompanied the coordinator to the lounge at the Kananaskis Golf Course for a well earned beverage and more lively conversation. The ladies even insisted on buying the coordinator a beer as a reward for a weekend well spent.

Greenhorn graduates: Helen; Jeannine; Kevin; Karen; Steven; Margaret; and Susan.

Fresh Sourdough: Sandy

Matured Sourdoughs: Joyce and Jim, coordinator, photographer & scribe.