Top of the Great Divide

AUGUST 25, 2006 - Jasper National Park

We just finished a long and amazing section of trail that had us climbing up narrow canyons, up glacial-swollen creeks and over high mountain passes and all with beautiful sunny weather... mostly.

We started the section from the Saskatchewan River Crossing by climbing up the incredible Owen Creek canyon; so deep and narrow at some points that you can straddle the canyon with one foot on either side as the water crashes many metres below in the darkness! The second day (DAY 43) we headed cross-country, up and over three high mountain passes including the highest point on the GDT at 2590 metres.. stunning views! We did some tricky route-finding as we realized (a little too late) that Paolo and Bev had the topographic map for the area so we relied heavily on Dustin's trail description from his guidebook which proved rock-solid (since we never really got lost)! ;)

DAY 32: Brad on Ball Pass

DAY 43: On the highest point of the GDT (aka Bargen's Pass)

DAY 43: Christy climbing high

DAY 43: Mountain reflections


On our way up the Cataract Creek valley towards Cataract Pass we came upon some old ochre pictographs that may be hundreds of years old.

DAY 44: Cataract Creek ochre pictographs

DAY 45: Making lunch below Cataract Pass


We crossed over into Jasper National Park at Cataract Pass and once again we were on good, established trail... no more bush-wacking! After 3 days of hiking without seeing anyone else, we gladly shared the campground and campfire that night at Four Points Creek with Paul & Laurie from Sault Ste. Marie, Paul (who made smores!) & Krista from Philadelphia, and Jun from Michigan. HI to all!

The next day the rain started early... and never stopped. We hiked 22 kilometres in only 5 hours, moving fast to stay warm in the cold, wet weather. On Jonas Pass we discovered that Christy's rainjacket was not waterproof, acting more like a sponge as it got wet and sucked her body heat away. She got so cold that she couldn't use her fingers to clip her pack! But thanks to the shelter of our tent, her warm sleeping bag, a dry change of clothes and some hot chocolate, she was feeling warm and cozy again... but a new jacket is in order soon!

DAY 46: Soggy Jonas Pass


Up next is the famous Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. Only 2 weeks and 250 kilometres left to the end of the trail at Mount Robson...