Jonas Pass, Poboktan Pass and Brazeau Lake

This was our big "training" trip for the West Coast Trail. The route we took was approximately 80 km, which is slightly longer than the WCT, and we covered it in 5 days. Its the longest hike I've done and was a lot tougher than we'd both thought it would be.

I'd say all the effort was worth it, the scenery was spectacular and for a "popular" hike we saw very few people on the trails. Other than two encounters with grouse we saw no wildlife and had no troubles on the trail. The weather co-operated and was sunny and warm the whole time. The only thing I would have done differently was carry less food - our packs were heavy!

Our first day we only took time for a few photos- we started the trail at 3:15 and had 14 km before camp. This is the upper Brazeau River valley. We camped at Four Point Campground which is located on the banks of the river.

On day 2 we wandered through Jonas Pass - a lovely alpine pass filled with flowers and surrounded by beautiful mountains and glaciers. Best part? Its fairly flat.

The downside to this beautiful valley is that the trail eventually leaves it and heads up 280 m to Jonas Shoulder. The climb was tiring at the end of a 19 km day, but we took time at the top to enjoy the views. We camped that night by a little creek with some amazing mosquitoes.

On day 3 we went up Pobaktan Pass, another gentle grassy slope. I loved my drinking tube and Jon loved taking pictures. We camped that night by Brazeau Lake, the nicest campsite on the trip.

Day 4 was a relaxing 18 km through another gentle river valley. We followed a branch of the Brazeau River upsteam back to the place we finished day 1. Excellent scenery and little elevation change, the best kind of days.

Day 5 we woke early and hiked back out Nigel's Pass to our car. We were very happy to reach our car before noon and enjoyed lunch on our tail gate.

The drive home was the craziest part of the trip. A driver passed us into on coming traffic up a blind hill, and had to drive on the opposite shoulder to avoid hitting anything. He then swerved across the two lanes of traffic, gained control and sped off. Later we passed a woman smoking a joint as she sped along the highway. We were very happy to be back in Calgary at our own home safe and sound!