Norquay to Mosquito Cr in photos

Its already been a year since our last trip together. Jonny and G met me at the Helen Lk parking lot for the usual vehicle drop off. Seeing these guys is always the same, they bring out the best in me and I always cannot wait to spend time with them on these annual trips, as they have become.

According to Parks Canada, the booking levels for backcountry campsites had its peak in the 1970's. We are always amazed at how quiet it is, we have only ever seen a few people over the years and I think I can remember them all. There was Graham and his family hiking for two weeks from near Sask Crossing to Jasper: We encountered them in the lower reaches of Pobotken Crk and after us trying to swim accross the swollen Maligne river the day before and knowing that's what was in store for them, we wished good luck.  G gave the young kids his Chocolate stash as they seemed disenchanted with the 'add-water' hummus for likely the 8th or so day in a row. Their big eyes jumped out at G's outstretched hand, chocolate enclosed, then darted to Mom who nodded approval before graciously taking the sweets, smiling. I recall a few days later, after a few stream crossings and moving cross country over a higher pass, seeing a tiny boot print an wondering how the Maligne went, I am thinking that those kids will grow up to be pretty cool folk.

Its that quiet that I love......and simpleness..after the 2nd day a system is attained..sleeping, eating, packing and walking become a lesson in pragmatism. Stop when hungry, drink when thirsty..walk, walk. The mornings are my favorite, when the air is cooler and coffee has spiked your attention and the day is all ahead of you with a whole bunch of promise.

Trip notes: We packed light, under 12 kg each in total pack weight with food and water. Light sneakers and a ski pole each, we use ULW tarp tents made by Henry Shires.

We left Norquay and traveled up 40 mile creek, over Pulsatilla Pass, the Skoki area, the remote Pipestone, Molar Passes, Fish Lake and finally, Mosquito Crk. 120 ish KM.

I'd like to thank Jon and G for being stalwart attendees on these sojourns, good friends and rock solid mentors for me over the years. Till next year hombres.

Taseko Lake to Tyax

With much anticipation in the preceding weeks, the Chilcotin annual had finally arrived. We rode, pushed, bushwacked and carried our bikes over 100km and 4000m of elevation gain carrying food and supplies for 3 days. It was our most ambitious trip to date in the park and my favorite so far. The thing that always stands out the most with these trips for me is the camaraderie and friendship, I want to thank Jamie, Chris, Martin and Scotty for being great partners and friends on so many of these kinds of trips over the years - whether with bikes or on skis.

I will let the pictures do the talking...