Fall hiking season is here! On our long-awaited hike to Lake O’Hara we experienced the cool, changeable weather and yellow larches that characterize it.
Booking the bus into Lake O’Hara in April makes it difficult to pinpoint the best weather day, but after the long, hot summer, we were hoping for a dry day. Shortly after boarding the bus at 8:30, light rain started, but stopped by the time we reached Lake O’Hara. With patches of blue sky showing, we hoped for a fine day.
We started up the steep ascent to Wiwaxy Gap on a dry trail and were pleased to see that the larches were turning to yellow, and although hazy, we could see the surrounding mountains. About half-way up, another shower started, that lasted for about half an hour. With frequent pauses to adjust clothing and take photos, we reached the Gap in about 90 minutes, where we paused for a snack break.
We had a pleasant traverse of the Huber Ledges without rain, but just as we were descending to Lake Oesa, rain started in earnest, causing us to seek shelter in the lee of some bushes to don serious rain gear and an early lunch.
We gamely continued along the Yukness Ledges, where the rain made the multi-hued rocks gleam in vivid oranges, reds, purples and white. Footing was surprisingly good on the rocky trail despite the rain.
At Hungabee Lake in the Opabin Plateau, we decided to forego the slightly longer return route via Opabin Lake, and returned via the West Opabin trail. The creeks and waterfalls in the Plateau area were beautiful with the additional water coursing through them.
We decided not to go to All Soul’s Prospect expecting that the steep descent would be muddy (and slippery) after all the rain, so reached the Le Relais Day Shelter well ahead of the 4:30 bus departure. There were lots of other soggy folks there as well, vying for space by the wood stove. We tried to dry off a bit, but were disappointed that they had run out of hot chocolate.
Aldis had organized to have us all over to her campsite for dinner following the hike, but with the rain, we moved the party indoors to the Lake Louise hostel where Teresa and I were staying. Snacks and beverages were provided by everyone to supplement the great meal and dessert that Aldis had prepared and Bill brought over.
Thanks to everyone for their good humour and sure-footedness in face of the poor weather, to Aldis for dinner and to Ron and Teresa for photos to supplement mine.