Bike 'n' Hike

Bike, hike, eat, hike, eat, BEER, sleep, eat, hike, eat, BEER, sleep, eat, hike, bike.... That was the pace this past weekend, as we hoofed 'er into Shadow Lake Lodge for a lovely 3-day hiatus from the real world!

The lodge is a true back-country gem, located in an idyllic setting, requiring a minimum 14km, human-powered approach. Now, years ago, I made a stop at Shadow Lake with a good friend while we were hiking the stunning Bow Valley Highline route that traverses from the Arnica/Vista Lakes trailhead to Sunshine Village. So basically this meant that if I did not want to repeat a trail, we were left with a choice of three other access points - Hawk Creek, Twin Lakes, and Redearth Creek. The first two trailheads were both ruled out fairly quickly due to the fact that we did not have two vehicles, thus leaving Redearth Creek as our option.

In my research about this particular access, I learned that if we wanted to break up the monotony of the uninteresting out-and-back jaunt, we could ride bikes for the first 11km or so. And even though on the way in we did almost as much pushing as pedaling (LOL!), it was the best decision EVER! The mountain bikes shaved off at least an hour from our car to lodge time, and on the way out we literally cruised to the parking lot in about 90 minutes. Totally. Awesome.

At the trailhead.... It's hard to tell from this pic, but right off the bat there
is a steep uphill grind. Excellent way to get the blood flowing! Ha. NOT.

The halfway point is the bridge at Lost Horse Creek campground.

The second half of the trail was more pedaling than pushing - yay!

This is as far as you can go on two wheels.

We opted to tie the bikes to a tree..... if anyone can figure
out how the actual 'bike rack' works, let me know??

Fashion statement! LOL!

There is a pleasant 2.5 km walk after you lock up the bikes.

Woot! This means it's almost beer time!

The original CP cabin is on the left - built in 1928!

Ahhhhh, refreshments!

Room with a view!

Cute little birdie cabin.

Fun with filters! I tried out a new point'n'shoot
I bought recently.... not sure yet if I like it.

My Mom made me this toque! I needed it - fall is here!

Very Lord-of-the-Rings-like landscape.
(Photo credit to Chris for this sweet shot!)

The trip was a refreshing break, in a spectacular place, and I can't say enough good things about the hospitality of the staff and the lodge itself - it was all simply amazing! And pretty much right in my own back yard to boot - it's good to be me!


Cheers.