The High Note Trail and Flute Summit
At last, a high level alpine walk on a path more akin to a well used alpine path than to a badly engineered pile of Canadian rubble.
In exchange for only half a gold bar we were able to secure a gondola ride up to the Roundhouse Lodge at 1850 metres on Whistler Mountain. This was above the tree line! We were accompanied in our gondola by a chatty family from 60 miles east of Vancouver. It was the first of many chatty interludes with like minded walkers. There wasn't an oriental face to be seen.
Coffees were savoured as the sun dimmed due to a 90% eclipse. Somebody kindly lent us some suitable spectacles with which to view the eclipse despite the bright sunshine through minimal cloud.
We then ascended a further 300 metres or so by a chairlift over scary gaping chasms. Then we enjoyed by far the best walk of this trip. Was that because of, or despite the lack of trees? I'll let the reader judge that one.
The High Note Trail is a popular walk, there's no doubt about that. There were lots of people, but it wasn't just we who were comparing the mountain etiquette with that encountered on the Joffre Lakes paths. There were numerous viewpoints worthy of a pause. We kept encountering the same people albeit our walking speeds differed.
The mountain etiquette extended to the resident marmots, one of whom spotted me from a distance and kindly came to a nearby rock on which to pose for me. The chipmunks weren't quite so obliging.
There were fine views down to Cheakamus Lake, some 800 metres below us, and yesterday's route and summit could be seen clearly to the west. The Black Tusk visible on yesterday's last picture takes on a different persona from Whistler Mountain, appearing more like a giant tooth.
Our 13 km walk comprised a standard loop plus a there and back extension to Flute Summit, at 2012 metres my second summit, and Sue's third of the trip. We continued a little further, to an idyllic lunch spot and beyond. A mere 7.5 km beyond Flute Summit, at the end of the Musical Bumps Trail, lies Russet Lake, where wilderness camping is allowed. It's just below the nose of the Overlord Glacier. We met people going to and fro from this reputedly wonderful spot. Sadly we've not brought a backpacking tent on this trip, but this would be a good venue for anyone with such a tent. We were told that bears aren't known to visit this spot, so precautions are minimal.
On the way back to the main trail from Flute Summit we had the pleasure of meeting Kelly and Adam, a couple from Cheshire who are over here working and (when they get a chance) playing. They hope to be able to earn a living from travel writing and associated activities. We wish them well. Their website (under construction) is www.destinationaddict.com
It was a delightful walk back, despite a drippy ascent from Symphony Lake and another one to Harmony Meadow, to the Roundhouse Lodge, past more posing marmots and great views in all directions, if a little hazy.
Lauren was our companion in the gondola returning to Whistler. It's a half hour ride, which is just about long enough to get to know someone and more than enough for a first impression. So, Lauren, we are genuine about the offer to help you with any European trip planning, and you are welcome to get in touch/visit if you come to the UK. And the guys in the outdoor shop where you left us were most helpful. I exchanged the other half of this morning's gold bar for some shiny new walking poles, having inadvisibly left mine in the UK.
Lauren also provided a little insight into the Joffre Lakes debacle. Apparently it used to be a tough and not very popular trail, but a combination of social media postings that went viral, and the sanitising of the path with unsightly rubble, have changed all that. There are now better alternatives.
Regarding mountain biking, I may have been too harsh in my earlier comments. Lauren confirmed what others have told us, in that there is something for everyone. But I still think the high tree line would be a problem for me.
Today was a brilliant day, concluding with another excellent self cooked meal and a few beers at the Whistler Lodge Hostel.
Today's Pictures:
1. Ascent by gondola
2. Roundhouse coffee
3. Brandywine Mountain and part of yesterday's route
4. Roundhouse Lodge
5. At the Stone Man, with The Black Tusk to the left
6. A posing marmot
7. Cheakamus Lake
8. Lunch with a view towards Overlord Mountain
9. Afternoon tea at Symphony Lake
10. Whistler
13 km hike with about 500 metres ascent, in around 6 hours.
Today's Pictures:
1. Ascent by gondola
2. Roundhouse coffee
3. Brandywine Mountain and part of yesterday's route
4. Roundhouse Lodge
5. At the Stone Man, with The Black Tusk to the left
6. A posing marmot
7. Cheakamus Lake
8. Lunch with a view towards Overlord Mountain
9. Afternoon tea at Symphony Lake
10. Whistler
13 km hike with about 500 metres ascent, in around 6 hours.
3 comments:
I've been to Whistler a few times, but only in winter. Thus, I'm sure I've got a photos somewhere that are very similar to a couple of those you have posted, but with rather more snow present.
Pic 2. Obviously the coffee is to die for in there.
Pic 4. Love the skidoo with the propulsion system in the boot of someones car.
Pic 2 - The coffee was great. Everyone was looking at the eclipse, which had just started.
Pic 4 - well spotted - taken especially for you Alan!
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