After a freezing night, the morning was bright and sunny although still cold, especially in the shade. I soon warmed up as I walked and passed along the shore of 3 Isle lake. I hadn’t realized the extent of it yesterday.

After a pass, it was a gradual downhill past more alpine lakes. Just past Aster lake and the next campground, I passed a porcupine. It was in a defensive position with it’s back (and quills) to me so I never saw it’s face.

After continuing, there was a steeper descent traversing a scree slope with epic views, too bad I had to be careful and look at my feet so much.

I rejoined the regular GDT after fording Leroy Creek. This is where the trail became much quieter and also of much worse quality. It was a gentle uphill slog tthrough very overgrown trail up to the last bit before Palliser Pass, which was much steeper and less overgrown. I never want to see another willow or black currant plant! I met three other nobos doing section C on my way up, but passed them and since they’re camping behind me, probably won’t see them again. The last bit of the climb up the pass was steep, so I took advantage of the wild blueberries and stopped every once in a while to eat a few and catch my breath. They’re bigger than the wild ones we get in Quebec, but also full of flavor. After Palliser Pass, it was quite flat for a while with more lakes. I arrived at the Alberta/BC border and crossed back into Alberta (I had crossed into BC shortly after starting off this morning) and into Banff National Park.

This isn’t the popular part of Banff in any case, since I didn’t see a soul the rest of the day. I followed the trail through the Spray river valley with massive mountains towering up on either side. The trail was flooded in places and there are no bridges over the creeks so wet feet were the order of the afternoon. I saw quite a few frogs in the trail.

Views from the Spray river Valley:

I arrived at my campsite just before 6 pm and was relieved to find it less buggy than it was reported to be; although there are definitely some mozzies around, they’re manageable. It’s a backcountry Parks Canada site, with tent pads, bear lockers, a table and fire pit. I seem to have it all to myself tonight.

I was thinking today that this hike is almost over, just 5 more days of hiking left. I’m not sure that I feel ready for it to end. I tried to push those thoughts away, why anticipate the end and not just enjoy the moment?