Triple Crown & Fantastic Four. Done & Done.
Despite illness in the House of NVR, we are happy to report that we have finished the hiking challenges we set out to conquer in Glacier / Waterton Peace Park.
And we got the pictures – wearing our advocating shirts in most – to prove it!
Hike #1: Highline – 12 miles (Fantastic Four)
Largely considered the “must-do” hike in Glacier National Park. Big draws = a low elevation gain and unobstructed views much of the way. The chalet at the top is an ideal lunch spot. Yes, we even had a picnic table. And that view while eating. Jealous much?
Hike #2: Siyeh Pass – 11 miles (Fantastic Four)
A wonderful surprise. As was the case with Highline, we had picture perfect weather the entire way. We’ll never forget the sub-alpine meadow, known as Preston Park, that greets hikers mid-way. It was like walking through a dream.
Hike #3: Akamina Ridge – 12 miles (Triple Crown)
This one nearly killed us. Can you say windy? Can you say dangerous? We were on our hands and knees crawling up a rock wall (and then trying to keep from blowing off a ridge) at one point. Wall Lake made it worth it… at least that’s what we’re telling ourselves.
Hike #4: Crypt Lake – 12 miles (Triple Crown, Fantastic Four)
One we’ve done before. We refer to it as a “good old fashioned hike.” A nice length, a forested start, waterfalls, a goat trail mid-section with stunning views and a killer finale complete with a ladder and a tunnel.
Hike #5: Carthew-Alderson 13 miles (Triple Crown, Fantastic Four)
This was our last hike for both challenges, so we weren’t about to let crappy weather ruin it. Honestly, maybe we should have thought twice. We slogged through hail, beating rain and, finally, snow and oh-shit-I’m-going-to-be-thrown-off-the-ridge wind at the mid-point. We actually turned back once and changed our minds when the weather cleared a bit. So happy to have made it to and past the top, we ran the last 7 miles. Sorry, one of Kent’s jubilant arms is blocking three lakes.
In this year of pushing our limits / this month of focusing on challenges, we’re happy to have completed these hikes.
We’re already pondering what we’ll get ourselves into when we return next year.
Well done guys! I’m inspired to do more hikes.
Thanks, James. We’re happy we hit these 5 trails (and several others) but we’re ready for a rest. We’re already plotting big things for next year.
I already miss hiking!
I’m sure those gorgeous views made every hike worth it.
They did, Stephanie. We’ve been here so many times but – year after year – find ourselves drooling over all the new things we uncover.
Crypt Lake makes it look worth it.
Oh, and that wasn’t even the best. We saw lakes of every color – from milky green to sapphire blue.
Way to go you guys! This is definitely inspiring and I cant wait to hear what else you have in store next year!
Thanks, Shirlene. Well, it seems we set a more aggressive goal every year, so we’re thinking BIG.
Good job guys!! Great photos, sooooo jealous you got to go back!
Since we went in August instead of July, the trails were much better for hiking. This year, we avoided those mosquitos around Two Medicine.
Nice job! What beautiful county there too.
Thanks, Kristina.
Gorgeous photos! I’d love to see all of that stuff, but somehow without all the strenuous hiking. Let me know if you can arrange that
Interesting you should say that because, when visiting Glacier NP in particular, all the really good stuff is a hike away from anything. It’s so worth it though.
Well done guys!! We just visited Waterton on the Canada side yesterday for the first time. Gorgeous. Although there was a lot of smoke in the area from a forest fire just yesterday in Glacier Park. Nice to see what it looks like without all the smoke. Wonderful photos.
We didn’t see any of that – I wonder what’s going on?
Fantastic! gorgeous photos. What equipment are you using to get internet up in the mountains?
Since we were down a computer (and then Caanan got sick), we had to stay within close proximity to facilities. We did a lot of bouncing back and forth. Ah, the reality of working from anywhere!
You guys are amazing! I’m so inspired to get my butt out on the trails more this fall. Congrats on making your goals happen!
It always feels good to achieve something, doesn’t it? Honestly, all the hiking wasn’t the most difficult part. Rather, it was dealing with a broken computer and sickness.
Sorry to hear about the illness as I was myself travelling but its wonderful you both completed the hike! Loved the post, the captures are just fascinating especially the 4th and 5th one!!
Have a nice day guys
Thanks, Arti. And these aren’t even the best photos; they’re just the requisite shots to prove we made it.
I especially love the lakeside pic, very impressive. I feel like I did the same amount of hiking over the weekend, except it was all in urban environments. I could use a nice forest or glacier right about now.
I bet you’re missing Alaska about now.
Bravo Boys! Wonderful pics…..particularly the Lake!
You are inspiring O & I to give it try sometime ….
You know we love hiking with you 2
You guys are insane!
Totally awesomely insane.
Great job!
Congrats!!
I did Crypt Lake & Carthew Alderson over Labour Day weekend – also Lineham Ridge which was equally glorious but will have to return for the Akamina Ridge. It was too windy to consider it the day we were there – and I can easily understand how it almost killed you. Now I have to get to Glacier NP,
Don’t you love Crypt Lake & Carthew Alderson? So glad you went! Yes, get to Glacier NP
I love you guys! Congratulations on four great hikes. You look fantastic too, natural hikers, I would never have guessed that you were crawling on your hands and knees at one point.
Yes, there was some crazy stormy wind all up in there. It’s scary to see how quickly conditions can change. You start to understand how people get stuck in those situations.