We set out for the first 10 kms to Three Isle Lake on Friday after work. We got to the trail head at the interlinks parking lot on Upper Kananaskis Lakes at 6 pm, got our packs on our back and started out. We passed a couple of other hikers who were stopping at a closer camp. The first couple of hours are fairly uneventful, treking around upper kananskis lakes and through the forest. It was amazing to see the effects of the flood in this area. Places that had bridges were completely washed out, as was part of the trail. By 8:30 we approached the final kilometer which is basically straight up. It was starting to get dark, and windy so we knew we had to hurry up it as fast as we could. Part way up, it started to rain. Looking back down the valley where we came from you could see the rain pouring down. Getting a little nervous we pressed on, and luckily the rain stopped shortly after. We got to three isle lake just after 9, found some beautiful sites, set up camp, and proceeded to enjoy some wine by candlelight before heading to bed.
Saturday morning we were up around 8, and we headed down to the lake for coffee. By 9:30 we had packed up camp and set out on day 2, a 12 km hike up and down Northover Ridge. This is definitely a BIG day, but the views make the climbing so worth it:
We got to Aster Lake around 3pm. We found beautiful sites right on the river. We set up camp, and then proceeded to have a 2 hour nap. When we got up we had a delicious 3 course dinner of Freeze Dried Katmandu Curry, Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff, and Freeze Dried Berry Cobbler for desert, and we washed it all down with a couple bottles of wine. We were back asleep by 9 pm.
Sunday morning we were up around 8 again. By this point we had woken up sore and tired, but we knew we had another 13 kilometers to get to the car. I think this is the hardest day of the hike. Although you are rewarded with some amazing views of waterfalls, and lakes, but you're fatigued and just want to get home. Unfortunately you still have another 4-5 hours to get to the car, with some fairly difficult terrain. We had some coffee and breakfast and packed up camp. We were hiking by 10am:
We were back at the car at 2:15. The last hour was very quiet as we were all very focused on getting back to the car. I must give a major shout out to my brother and his girlfriend as I don't think they knew quite what they were in for, but they made it! Although we're all tired and sore, it was an amazing time. This was the first time that I've done this trip without getting injured! Also, my knee seemed to feel ok. I had it taped up with KT tape, to keep my knee cap in place and give my patella tendon a break and it seemed to work like a charm!
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