Picklejar Lakes

 Sobota, 16 Lipiec 2022

Picklejar Lakes are described sometimes as "hidden gem of Kananaskis." They are, in fact, relatively remote (about a 2hr drive from Calgary, 67 km from Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel). In our case, they were not so "hidden." A few other trails were closed and it was a "free day" in Kananaskis (no need to buy a pass), so we encountered a lot of people and dogs. This however didn't take anything from the pleasure of this adventure. Beautiful mountains, a sunny day and a joyful company is always a winning combination! 

For the record, our GPSs showed 5.4 km and +460m of altitude gain to the first lake. It took us 2.5 hours. 

And these were the lucky participants (from the left): Asia, Roman, Jola, Jacek, Yanek, Mike, Barbara, Witek, Grażyna, Marek, Bożena, Elżbieta and Piotr. "Parszywa trzynastka?"

This all started the previous night however:

Marek received the Grand Prix Prezesa for the Best Photo of 2021 Photo-Competition, famous Polish "Zubrówka" vodka, which he promptly shared with everybody! (you may also see a short clip from this occasion - here) It was not without impact on our performance the next day. 

Luckily, we brought a lot of food to the hostel, so everybody had a hearty breakfast. 

More so, in absence of our beloved Bośnia, Barbara and Ela took the responsibility to stretch everybody before the hike. 

At 9:00 am we met all at Lantern Creek Day Use Area. 

It looked we would have a rather hot day. 

To "distract" bears we decided to ...

... send our most colorful participants ...

... to the front! And who wouldn't be impressed?

We took frequent rests in shade to rehydrate. 

Ela also wet her scarf in one of the streams to counter the sun (and the effects of "Zubrowka?")

We hiked in good spirits ...

... and in about 2.5 hours we reached the first lake. 

This required a few careful steps. 

It was a time to rest. 

Jacek and Bozena shared with me the most delicious sandwiches ever ... made on their camping site! They are almost as well organized ...

... as Roman, who normally carries little salt sachets for his tomatoes!

Marek was cool as always, in spite of having his bear spray so very close to his precious jewels.

Witek, known in some circles as Pilgrim (we did El Camino together), managed to stay breathless for a few seconds! 

Mike used every opportunity to court Barbara, but of course ...

... which made Grazyna play with her sticks ... nervously.

While the Trip Leader, Yanek, gave his feet some reprieve ...

... Elzbieta even snatched a sexy nap! ("Zubrowka" anyone?)

Shortly it was time to continue. 

Reaching the third lake made some ladies feeling like dancing!

Mike was almost ecstatic!

It looked that the moraine between the third and the fourth lake was a good place for ... fire purification!

The third lake was also a perfect background for romantic photography. 

On our way back ...

... we cooled down at the second lake. 

In spite of the lake being rather shallow, Mike attempted a swim. This dark zone in the foreground is where he ploughed the bottom of the lake with his manhood!

Then it was time to go back. 

While our handsome Trip Leader, Yanek ...

 ... led the main group down the alpine meadows ...

... I recorded Mike making some of his signature moves. 

He also fearlessly stood on this pinnacle. We agreed to share the prize for the Best Picture of the next photo-competition - I took the picture while he ... risked his life!

I also photographed a few "monuments of nature," especially for Barbara. 

The descent seemed rather long and arduous so at times we wished we had access to alternative modes of transportation. 

This didn't stop us, however, from the evening of singing songs at the firepit. 

We were even graced by the presence of Anita, the hostel's manager, and some handsome young climbers. Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is such a warm and welcoming place!

That is not the end - wait for the dramatic coverage of our hike to Troll Falls the next day!

With Love and Support,

PR. 

P.S. Great thanks to Bożena, Mike, Marek, Roman and Yanek for permission to use their photos. And for the record ... Ela didn't have any "Zubrówka" - I just like to tease her!

P.P.S. Clicking on the photos allows to see them in bigger resolution.