I woke up earlyish and decided to get up since I have my longest day yet ahead of me. The trees were damp with dew and somehow when the sunshine starts to hit them, it just smells wonderful, a warm piney scent. The trail went through forest for most of the morning. It was quite flat, so easy walking and once I hit an intersection to a popular trailhead, there were more people around again.

I paused at a campsite and aired out my stuff and had a snack break, before continuing. From the map, I was looking forward to the next part, along Lake Marvel; the name made me think it would be just gorgeous. It was, but the trail was higher up than I’d realized and still in forest, at least to begin with. It finally emerged and there were views of mountains with glaciers, I think Mt Gloria and Aye Mountain.

The colour of the lake was a deep aqua, so beautiful, even on a cloudy day. The sun came out briefly as I began to climb Wonder pass and I could glimpse the aquamarine that’s typical of alpine lakes.

I loved Wonder pass, it wasn’t too steep and there were wildflowers and interesting rock formations.

After the pass, I crossed into BC and Mt Assiniboine provincial park. It was downhill to Assiniboine lodge. I had seen a comment in Farout (trail app) that they do afternoon tea for hikers from 4-5pm and it looked like I would get there around 4, which sounded interesting given that it was a bit chilly and a cup of tea would be welcome. However, I wasn’t too disappointed to arrive and find out that they don’t do it on Wednesdays. I ate some hobnobs enjoying the view of Mt Assiniboine.

After my cookie break, it was about 5 more kms to my campsite at Og lake. It was also easy flat trail through an alpine plateau.

I arrived at the campsite with some dark clouds building.

It started to rain as I finished setting up so I dove into my tent. It rained torrentially and stormed. Even with my fly set very low to the ground, I still got splash back on my mesh inner on the side most exposed to the wind. Part of the floor also got wet where water seeped between the groundsheet and the tent floor. I started to blog to distract myself from the anxiety I was feeling about my doggy tent. But after about 45 minutes, just like that it was over and the sun back. Let’s hope that will be the end of the rain for tonight.

I just about had time to make dinner and eat before more raindrops started. It seems to be just light rain, but then it did pour down again.

I met a couple at the eating area who are getting married tomorrow on Nub peak, with views of the lakes and Mt Assiniboine around them. I hope they get some nice weather.