Last Monday I left on a four day back country horseback riding trip through Banff National Park. I couldn't imagine any better way to experience the Rocky Mountains. Our 4 day trip was approximately 90 kms on horseback and took us into some places that not many people even get to see on foot.
The first day of the ride we met our horses and the rest of the people in the group. Our group consisted of Sally and her two kids Patrick and Karla. They are visiting for a year from Australia. The other two ladies were Anna and Helga who are on a trip here from Germany. A very eclectic mix!! I was riding Rosco, who was just a big horsey dopey version of Charger! He was great :) We also met our guide Cindy, who was awesome!
We set out around 9:30 am, crossing the Norquay Ski area to reach the paths that would take us out to our first night of camping. About 10 minutes into the ride we saw a grizzly bear crossing one of the fields – probably about 60 feet away from us! The horses all pricked their ears, but reacted very well so we sat for a minute and watched...
We rode for about 6 hours the first day, stopping for an excellent hamburger lunch! All of the supplies are carried on a mule (our mule was Red Hot!). While we were stopped for lunch we met some hikers who were on their 9th day of a camping/hiking trip – traveling from Lake Louise. We shared some hamburgers with them, and they were extremely grateful as they had been living on powdered noodles for most of their trip! Whenever we stopped we let the horses graze – it amazed me that they never went very far... but they are experts and they've definitely done this before!
When we reached Stoney Creek (our first camp) we enjoyed dinner with our cook Penny and some time around the fire. The temporary camps are set up all summer – they have electric wildlife fences around them, a bunch of sleeping tents, a cook tent and a wash stand. Very rustic, but with everything you need.
On day 2, we set out after breakfast, and continued our climb into the mountains. The sights were outstanding, and I found myself at times unable to believe the beauty of the surroundings. It made me wonder what the first adventurers and travelers must have felt when they explored the Canadian landscape and wilderness.
Along the way we ran into our packer with the mule train (each camp has a cook and a packer – the packers transport food, supplies and any luggage to and from town and between each camp).
We stopped again for lunch, and then continued on our way to Flint camp which is at the base of Flint Mountain. We enjoyed some dinner, roping and some time again around the fire. This camp also had a makeshift shower (which I enjoyed thoroughly). We all fell into bed fairly early – long days of riding and the fresh air in high altitudes was enough to tire us out!
Day 3 started out bright and early – this would be our longest and toughest day of riding. A lot of the terrain was very steep. Early on into the ride we stopped and hiked a little ways to a beautiful waterfall just off the path.
We then stopped for lunch at Rainbow Lake which was breathtaking. We hiked around the lake (which took about half an hour), and then had lunch and relaxed for a bit. Some of us enjoyed a nap by the water, and then we continued along our way again.
Soon after we left Rainbow Lake, we entered 40 Mile Pass. The view is spectacular – I felt like I was in a postcard.
Our 3rd night was very similar to the others – we arrived at Mystic Camp and enjoyed some supper and smores around the fire – falling into bed quite early. We were very lucky – the weather was amazing and the nights were not too cold. I was usually bundled up in hat, mitts, slippers and warm clothes to sleep - but overall quite comfortable. Our 4th day brought us back around to where we had started... we said our goodbyes and all continued home.
It was an amazing four days that I won't forget – what a way to see the Rockies! I also met some great friends, and have been invited to visit Australia or Germany whenever I would like! :)
