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LAKE O'HARA |
Truly one of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies and perhaps one of the most magical places on Earth, Lake O'Hara is a destination not to be missed. First sighted in 1887, tales of the area's scenery have drawn visitors for more than a century. Access to this pristine area is restricted and reservation should be made long in advance. |
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There are some things in life that photographs cannot capture, the magic of Lake O'Hara is one of these. |
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Outing: August 17, 2004 |
Party: Greg Small, Family and Friends |
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We got off the bus at Le Relais, dropped our heavy packs at the Elizabeth Parker Hut for our stay and quickly headed down the trail passing Schaffer Lake seen here. |
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The High-Level (McArthur Cutoff) Route to Lake McArthur. |
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The absolutely amazing scene at Lake McArthur. |
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Looking down on Lake O'Hara from All Souls' Prospect Alpine Route. |
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Our home for a few splendid days, Elizabeth Parker Hut lies in the clearing below us. |
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From All Souls' Prospect, looking Southeast up the valley to Opabin Glacier. |
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Still from All Souls', looking West at Mary Lake, Lake O'Hara and toward Lake Oesa. |
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Our objective for the day, an attempt on Mount Schaffer. |
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Heading back down through the ledges after our unsuccessful attempt. |
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Our friends waiting for us down on the prospect. |
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Still working our way down the the ledges of Mount Schaffer. |
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Following the All Souls' Alpine Route West Toward Opabin Prospect. Mount Yukness and Opabin Glacier seen in the back. |
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Now curling around onto Opabin Prospect we look toward Mary Lake, Lake O'Hara the Wiwaxy Peaks below the hulking mass of Mount Huber. |
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Not certain... but I think this is one of the Moore Lakes. |
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Elizabeth Parker Hut. I was lucky enough to be invited into the smaller, quieter accommodations. |
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Elizabeth Parker Hut surrounded by amazing peaks, lakes and valleys. |
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Elizabeth Parker Hut. |
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The short walk from Le Relais to the hut allows for some uncommon luxuries. |
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Barb prepares an amazing meal in our backcountry setting. |
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Outing: August 18, 2004 |
Party: Greg Small, Family and Friends |
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Mount Schaffer and Lake O'Hara seen as we pass along the Lake Oeasa Trail. |
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More wonderful views across Lake O'Hara to Odaray Mountain. |
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Falls en route to Lake Oesa |
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Lefroy Lake. |
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Pristine Lake Oesa. |
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Reflection of Mount Yukness in a glassy Lake Oesa. |
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Ringrose Yukness Col. |
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The steep scree, rock-fall prone climb to Abbot Pass. |
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Looking back down to Lake Oesa. |
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Steep terrain en route to Abbot Pass. |
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Abbot Pass Hut below the South end of Mount Victoria. |
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The rest of our party cresting Abbot Pass. |
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All the comforts of home at 2922 m. |
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The view toward the more familiar peaks of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. |
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A plummeting view down to Lake Oesa. |
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Abbot Pass Hut. |
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On the opposite side of the hut, Mount Lefroy. |
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Looking down the Death Trap to the Plain of Six Glaciers. |
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Victoria Glacier. |
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Abbot Pass Hut. |
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After descending back to Lake Oesa we detoured across the Huber Ledges Alpine Route to Wiwaxy Gap. |
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Lake Victoria, Lefroy and Oesa seen from the Huber Ledges. |
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Greg and Katherine at Wiwaxy Gap. |
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The whole gang join for a photo on the last night. |
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A second one, in case you didn't like your smile in the first. |
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Outing: August 19, 2004 |
Party: Greg Small, Family and Friends |
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A Hoary Marmot greets us at the fork to the Odaray Highline Trail. Sadly quota for the trail has already been filled today. |
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We head up to lake McArthur and walk along the east shore toward Opabin Pass. |
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Above the east shore of Lake McArthur. |
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Mount Schaffer. |
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Taking a refreshing dip in Schaffer Lake before packing up and catching the bus out. |
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Copyright Mystic Mountain Adventures 2004, 2005 |
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