Stanley Glacier - June 28, 2022

July 06, 2022

We tried to start out early today because it was supposed to rain in the afternoon starting at about 3:00. Amazingly, we were on the trail by about 9:30 a.m.

Stats - 12.95 kilometres - Elevation gain - 630 metres

Trail - We've always seen many vehicles parked in the lot at the start of the trail and, during the summer, along the highway as well. The lot was just beginning to fill up as we were arriving. A van of about 12 hikers and two guides embarking just as we were doing the same. We passed them and then Nicola reminded me that I hadn't brought sunglasses so I walked back about a half kilometre to get them. We would pass them again where the guide had stopped to explain a fire had recently burned through the area. She asked her guests how long ago that might have been considering the size of the fir trees densely populating slope. One guy guessed about three years obviously having no idea of the impact of climate and altitude and growth. In point of fact, fire swept through Kootenay National Park in 2003.

The trail begins with gentle switchbacks and then follows Stanley Creek through past the forest and onto a rocky slopes of scree and rocks otherwise known as moraine. Then the hiker is confronted with a sign that states "End of Maintained Trail." From here, hikers have stomped out a trail that crosses scree, snow, rock, and moss and lichen on the tundra-like conditions at the top. Footing was precarious and a little nerve-wracking particularly crossing spring's remaining snow clinging the steep slopes of Stanley Mountain.

We stopped for a break by a waterfall that dropped about 50 metres to a small, shallow pool where our thirsty dogs slurped the icy fresh water. After, Pippa submerged herself for extra relief and Finian did his usual exploration along the edge like he does with any body of water we come across where he's not on a leash.

A full view of Stanley Glacier couldn't be gained until we reached the top. Another couple on the way down pointed suggested a rock perch on the other side of a bluff of scraggly, wind-worn trees on a bench at the bottom of what I believe was once the glacier but has long since melted away.

We both found the way down more precarious than the way up but once we met up with the maintained trail, our primary goal was to reach the bottom before the arrival of rain clouds we could see approaching from the West.

Overall, the trail was difficult at times, rewarded by fantastic view down two valleys.

Flora - Again, more precipitation than around us in Fairmont Hot Springs so the young fir trees replacing those that had burned grew in dense clusters on both sides of the path. We briefly passed forest untouched by the fire where the trees grew in a fraction of the density they had in their youth.

Fauna - Part way down, we were stopped by a bearded fellow with a cap that looked like blue version of the railway engineer caps of old. You know, poofy up top with a very small peak. Mimicking a camera with the thumb and forefinger on both hands, he indicated that his girlfriend was taking a picture of an animal. When they left, we spotted a marmot a couple of metres from the trail probably looking for handouts. He quickly scooted into the rocks when the dogs began barking and then whining wanting a chance at potential prey. (Considering the size of the marmot, my money wouldn't be on our dogs.)

The blue-capped dude pointed to one of the many squirrels scurrying through the rocks scavenging but probably also looking for handouts. The guy told us that it was a rare tufted squirrel but I didn't believe him for a second. I know a chipmunk when I see one and this was a squirrel.

People - Well, there was the dude mentioned above. There was also the older guy who pointed us to a good spot to stop for lunch. He and his partner were about our age and looked in terrific shape, he, stout with very muscular legs, she, slim and fit. We also passed an Italian couple, he encouraging us to continue to the top where we'd almost reached and she, silent. There was one other couple, a bit younger than us with a dog hell bent to complete the trail in record time (not that there is one.) She pounded forwarded while he puffed along behind.

Most of those whose vehicles were parked below did not go past the maintained trail and some not that far. Nevertheless, with every step up the path, the view of the valley improved.

After trail drink - With the rain beating down on the roof of the trailer and thunder literally causing it to shake, we enjoyed a Rye Old Fashioned - 2 ounces of Rye, one or two drops of Angostura bitters, 1 teaspoon of agave syrup.