Elfin Lakes Overnighter :)

Our snowshoeing trip up to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park was absolutely amazing! We decided to tackle an easier trek as this was an introduction to snowshoeing for my cousin Cassie. The conditions were perfect, both days were clear and calm. We enjoyed spectacular views of snow crusted trees reaching up towards bright blue skies. The sun was setting just as the cabin came into view, the snow was glowing warm sunset colours!
Although exhausted in the first kilometre, Cass did great on her first winter trek! She was totally excited when we finally reached the ‘cabin’ only to discover that this was a cabin where hikers could enjoy a warm lunch, we weren’t even halfway to the Elfin Lakes Cabin where we’d be spending the night. The cabin at Elfin Lakes, which has bunk beds to accommodate 34 people, was totally packed with over 40 people. It had to step outside several times to get some fresh air it was so stuffy and warm inside the cabin, and each time I was blown away by the starry night sky. You feel so much closer to the stars when you’re up in the mountains, but the freezing cold temperatures prevent you from enjoying these views for long!

Last day of Huaraz, Peru...

4 day Mount Pisco Climb :)

At 5760m (18 900 feet), Mount Pisco was definitely the most challenging summit of this trip! It took 4 days to reach the top. Day 1 we camped at 4750 metres. Day 2, we had to carry all of our gear to Moraine camp at 5000m. Day 3 we woke up at 1:30 in the morning, had breakfast, and started hiking in the moonlight at 2:30 a.m. The altitude didn´t bother me much at all, although when we got back to Base Camp, my lungs were extremely sore from drinking ice cold water and breathing in very cold air. It was incredible, standing at the top of the mountain, above the clouds, the wind blowing strong, gazing at a sea of snow capped mountain peaks...it was also freezing cold! and we only stayed at the summit for 15 minutes before heading back to the warmth of our tents and down sleeping bags!!!