Back to Canada: Last Larch and a Slanted Bridge

 It's been a while since I posted: things have been in the way. Travel, house maintenance, and other projects. But now, let's pick up again with our July 18, 2022, hike at Lake O'Hara. To set the scene: spring had arrived late this year, so maintenance was behind on repairing the winter's damage.

Joan and I decided to tackle the Last Larch Prospect, which we last hiked in 2013. A message on the lodge chalkboard told us that a bridge on our route had yet to be fixed, but we were unfazed. To make the mileage less daunting, we hitched a ride on the morning lodge bus to the Linda Lake dropoff. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

The yellow circle marks the spot.

Another couple, Sarah and Ross, also took advantage of the dropoff; we would leapfrog each other for the next several miles. Early on, we saw trail damage (primarily downed trees) that still needed to be cleared. All the creeks and outlets, such as this one from Linda Lake, were full and onrushing.

Linda Lake from the north shore. A single photo can't cover the whole lake.

We tromped down the west side to the southwest corner.

That rock pile is a great lunch spot.

Marmots and pikas consider the rock pile prime habitat.

The trail to Cathedral Mountain leaves from here, winding gently through woods and open, grassy areas. At the right time of the season -- not now -- the meadows are an fantastic wildflower quilt.

Nearing Cathedral Lake.

The bridge across the outlet stream was there, but part of it was akimbo.

This bridge is a choke point for heading further up the valley.

The bridge is at the yellow circle.

Joan and I were perplexed, trying to evaluate our options. Then Susan and Ross appeared and demonstrated two ways to cross the bridge.

Joan and I opted for Susan's approach, bumping a few inches along with each flex of the arms. The bridge's angle feels much steeper than it looks!

We caught up to the pair at the trail split, the magenta circle in the prior map. They opted to climb to the Cathedral Prospect, a "regular" trail, while Joan and I headed up the Duchesnay Basin on an unmaintained track.

In 2013 the above pond was dry, but not this July. A duck took advantage.

The trail grew sketchier and sketchier. In 2013, the route up this draw had been clear.

Now the creek bed was filled with fallen trees. More than once we were forced to cast about for route hints. It was slow, tiring work, but Joan and I made it to the last pond before the final uphill push. Stacked rings of pollen had collected on the rocks as the pond dried.

We snacked and debated how much further to go. Dark clouds were piling up, and it was hours of hiking to get back to our cabin, so we decided to eat part of our lunch and turn around. Brief showers peppered the journey back to Linda Lake; they had us donning and doffing our rain gear. Without the need for route finding, our hike back to the slanty bridge went quickly. The angled portion seemed much longer the second time!

Joan and I stopped at Linda Lake's south-end rock pile to snack again, keep an eye out for critters, and enjoy the view.

I admired the color transitions as the water deepened.

We spotted four marmots -- mom, two kits, and pa taking a break further away. Here's one of 'em.

As we left Linda Lake, we encountered our first hikers since leaving Susan and Ross. Then, Joan and I descended an interminable series of downhill switchbacks on the Beeline trail to the Morning Glory Lakes. From there we could see meltwater falling off the mountains.

Next? Regaining the altitude on the other side, and a foot-numbing slog on the Lower Morning Glory trail. Once a fallen tree forced us to doff our backpacks and crawl underneath it to continue. The best parts were hearing varied thrushes several times, chatting with an O'Hara newbie, and the rain staying in suspension. When we reached the Elizabeth Parker Alpine Hut and its pond,

we rejoiced at being almost home. Just enough time remained to clean up before dinner! A tiring day, but instructive and brimming with surprises.