Top 5 Hikes

I really like to hike. While I've hiked for a long time, since maybe 2015 or so my love of hiking is strongly tied with reaching the summit of a mountain. I certainly like lakes and waterfalls, too, and I can enjoy a hike even if I don't reach the summit, but it sure helps. Call it pride if you want, you'll only find some form of summit here.

I'm starting to plan my summer a bit in case I need to book campsites (and they aren't already full). It's part of the inspiration for this, and should definitely be inspiration for you to reach out if you want to join me.

5. Pinto Mountain

Sometimes it's as much who you go with as what you see, and I had a really great crew for this one. The weather was awesome too, and the views were stunning with lots of familiar peaks, some new valleys, as well as one of the best views of mount Assiniboine that I've ever managed. Kimberly was a mild outdoors expert so on the way down we ate berries and learned about mushrooms. Not to technical or demanding, either, just a really nice workout.

4. Fairmont South Summit

The title for my first summit is a bit contested, but this is the first time I fell in love. I hiked with my family, but ended up pushing a bit past them to this area near the end, where I was able to see into the Columbia valley and the Kootenay valley simultaneously, and found a film canister being used as the log in book with signatures from the 80s. I wasn't prepared so I tore off my name from a letter I'd been carrying around in my backpack. This is a cut from the only picture/video I took all day.

3. Cinqefoil Mountain

If the picture doesn't say it all, I don't know what I can add. Aaron and I went with a Korean exchange student named Youngdong. After the first steep section, I wasn't sure if he would make it, but it steadied out a bit and he still says it's his best memory of Canada, which warms my heart a little. Still my favourite hike in Jasper, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

2. Seoraksan

Some of my Korean hikes were more memorable (that 3 day slog through Jirisan) or better stories (last November, for example). This hike was just eminently enjoyable and beautiful, though. I heartily recommend if you're ever in the country, as it's not hard to get to from Seoul. The rocky formations you pass through are breathtaking.

1. Mt. Kindersley

I don't have any good pictures. I don't even really have good stories. I had good company and clear skies, although Tessa grabbed a sweet picture, come to think of it. We built snowmen, saw for miles, got sweaty, went sledding. Hit me up, I'd go a bit later in the season, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.