Mount Bourgeau
My day off this week was Sunday, and although the weather promised to be scorching hot, I planned to take some friends on an amazing hike. My regular hiking buddy Jackson and myself were joined by 5 others for what turned out to be a beautiful, and not too hot day in the mountains.
Mount Borgeau, which can be seen just down the valley from about anywhere in Banff was our mission. I had previously been up this mountain last October, but our view from the summit was hindered by a snow storm. Although it was quite something to be up so high, we could only see the snow covered ridge we were on, and the weather station which occupies the highest point.
Devan appearing from the fog
On the summit of Mt. Bourgeau in October
Looking back at the weather station from the south end of the summit ridge
We started out around 9:45am, before the temperature became too hot. As we headed up through the woods, we were thankful to be shadded by the trees. The temperature soon climbed to 31 degrees, but as we ascended the mountain the temperature went down, if only by a few degrees. Our first landmark on the trail was a beautiful waterfall, about 5.5km in. We stopped and had a snack, while some of us climbed up beside the waterfall and cooled off in the mist.
Roland and the majestic waterfall
Waterfall - a little closer
The crew taking a break by the waterfall
Next stop on the hike was Lake Bourgeau. Situated in the meadow tucked behind Mt. Bourgeau, Lake Bourgeau is a beautiful high mountain lake at 2150m. A further 2km from the waterfall, the lake is the perfect spot for lunch and a swim, for those brave enough to endure the frigid temperature of the water.
Lunch spot at lake Bourgeau
Lake Bourgeau from above with the summit ridge in the background
After lunch, I ran up the grassy slope by the lake (left in the picture above) for a bit of training, and then headed straight for the lake. Myself, Jackson, and Brian (summer technical director) all braved the cold water, but couldn't manage more than 10 seconds each. The sun dried us off pretty quickly, and the short dip helped cool us down for the next section of the hike.
From the lake the trail head up past a few small mountain tarns (smaller bodies of water) and towards the summit ridge. 2km from the lake is Harvey pass, with another small. The pass is the destination for most hikers, and a few of our friends turned around and headed back. Just getting to the pass is a formidable endeavour, with a roundtrip distance of 18km. We paused near Harvey lake for a few minutes to take in the view, which included Sunshine Village Ski Area, my winter playground for the past 8 months (the season ended May 18th).
Small mountain tarn feeding lake Bourgeau
Hiking around Harvey lake with Brian
The scramble to the summit is really like a steeper, rocky hike, which completes the 12km trail to the top. Brain and I set out for the top, and Jackson continued up as far as he could manage in the hot sun, which was only scarcely covered by clouds. The last few kilometers were quite tough, but 4 hours after setting off, Brian and I made it to the summit. The view this time was absolutely incredible, with a 360 degree panorama of Banff, the Bow Valley, all the way up towards Lake Louise.
Looking out at Sunshine Village with Mt. Assiniboine off in the distance
Brian admiring the view with Harvey Lake in the background
Looking back at the summit ridge from the top
Myself and Brian near the summit
From the summit, the trail is 12km back to the parking lot, making for a 24km roundtrip. Brian and I spent some time at the top eating snack before we headed back down to find Jackson. A few hundred meters below the summit we found him taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. We regrouped, and began the long descent back to the car.
As we got the small tarn above Lake Bourgeau, I decided to go for another dip. The bottom was soft mushy dirt, much nicer than the sharp rocks on the shore of Bourgeau. Even though it's at a higher elevation, the shallow depth made for warmer water. It felt amazing after being in direct sunlight for hours. The swim was short lived, and the trek back to the car continued.
Nine hours after we set off, the trail ended and we had made it back to the parking lot. Sitting down in the car after such a long hike felt amazing, and after a quick snack, we set off back home towards Banff! After dropping off Jackson, I headed up Tunnel Mountain to gaze down the valley at the summit we had just been on top of. My total distance for the week was roughly 110km on the feet (running and hiking).
I have now entered the two week taper before my 'Three Peak Challenge' attempt. Currently the date of the run is July 11, and the other thing that could change it would be weather, or snow on Cascade (which still has some melting to do). The two week taper means my long runs/hikes will stop, and I will only run some easy 5km's less frequently for two weeks. This will give my body some time to heal the muscles, which take a beating during long distance endurance runs.
As the day draws closer I get more excited, anxious, nervous, scared, but I continue to stay focused and determined to complete my goal. I feel fantastically fit, and ready to complete the challenge, and with the support of my friends and family, I know that in under two weeks I will stand vindicated at the finish line, dreaming up my next big adventure!
Jackson crossing a stream
Small tarn where I swam
Swimming in the tarn
Brrrrrrrr! Still a little cold
Looking at Mt. Bourgeau from the top of Tunnel Mountain at the end of the day (top center)
