We spent  two days in Lake Ohara in Yoho National Park, staying in the Elizabeth Parker Alpine Club of Canada Hut.  The weather couldn't have been much worse for this time of the year.  The first day it basically poured rain for much of the day.  It cleared up in the evening with some spectacular views of the snow covered mountains.  That was the sign of things to come as we decided to do one of the most demanding hikes in the area up to the top of Wiwaxy Gap.  No sooner we headed up, it began to snow and never let up.  At the top it was boot-top powder.  We elected to turn around at that point rather than take a chance on the Yukness Ledge, which is exactly what it is.  A ledge that runs acoss the side of the mountain with snow covered trails.  The hike to the top was only 1.9 km, but it was an elevation gain of over 500 metre(1500 feet). Some people ahead of us elected to do the ledges and lived to talk about it as we saw them later in the day and told us how scary it was.  It was quite an experience. Hope you like the video. 

We went with Friends Bob and Annie on a fabulous hike yesterday to the top of Balu Pass in Glacier National Park.  The trail head is just behind the information centre at the top of Roger's Pass which is about a 45 minute drive from Vagabond Lodge.  All the Park's info suggests the hike is 4 hours return.  No way!!  We managed to make in there and back(over 12 km and over 700 metre vertical) in about 6 and a  half hours.  But having said that, it was worth it.  Just a little section at the start that is in the trees and after that, it is a steady climb along a narrow valley, lots of wild flowers, creeks to cross, waterfalls and even a grizzly bear sighting.  Balu is an indian word for Grizzly Bear and this is a big feeding area for Grizzlies and you can only hike with 4 or more people.  There is a gorgeous alpine meadow just before you climb a series of switch backs to get to the top of the pass where there are some incredible views.  Certainly a hike I would do over again.  It is considered a moderate hike.  Great trail.  Here are a few photos and video from our trip.