Misty Sunrise
It boiled down to Keith and I. We took the Jeep, headed out, and followed Delphine creek as far as we could. The washout/roadblock was before us and this was the furthest I had come before. We geared up and carefully made our way across the stream before us.
En Route to Thunderbird Mine
The first bit of our walk (2 kmish) was mostly flat. There were a few more obstacles in the form of creeks or dry creek beds but nothing substantial. We knew we had to walk 2 kmish and when we were getting close we kept our eyes peeled. We were very fortunate, as we made our way down the abandoned road we noticed a trail marker on the side. We didn't know if it was the right trail, but by our best guess it had to be. We made it to the trail marker and then headed into the bush.
Delphine Creek
Keith feat. Trailmarker
The trail was in remarkable condition, much better than Black Diamond from a few weeks ago, and we made good time. It was lovely forest, with lovely trees, and some bizarre mushrooms. Fresh from his fungi course I had to prod Keith along a bit as he stopped at every mushroom to crouch down and take a look, but I prodded, and we were on our way.
'tween Trees
Washout
Channel
Gnawed
Perfection
We were in the woods for a good long time and our view was greatly restricted. Every once in a while we could see out through the trees, and as we ascended we could see the tips of the mountains and their mighty glaciers coming into view.
A Window of Glaciers
Claim Post
Claim
Ice
We weren't really sure where we were going, but the trail was well marked, and though it looked like we took some shortcuts, they all led us in the right direction. We came to the remains of an old avalanche and carefully made our way across. We took that time to enjoy the view and to enjoy a few snacks. They view was incredible and it was a moment to truly enjoy.
Layers
Special
Moss
Fungi
Breech
Lichen
From the Top
Bam
Exalanche
Beatle Kill
Avalanche Trail
We continued up and up and up and across another few obstacles. Judging by the mountains across from us we seemed to be getting mighty close to the treeline. There were no larches on our side, but still, the treeline had to be fast approaching. Our estimates of the Mine put it somewhere around there, and our best bet was that we were only a few hundred metres away.
Death Moss
Keith feat. Stream
Down
Crystal
Sketchy Creek
Excellent! We were so excited. We crossed a rather sketchy creek, skirted some sketchy scree, and then found the trail once more. We were humming along when Keith got my attention and pointed down the long straight trail. There, before us, was a black bear running full speed into the distance.
Crap.
Bear on Path
I got a good look at him, albeit mostly his backside, but he looked to be in remarkable shape. His (or her I suppose) fur was black, and shiny, and healthy. He was not full grown, but looked to be threeish. Actually, he looked remarkably like the bear who thwarted our first attempt at Thunderbird Mine, and I fully believe that he/she was the same one!
Still, the bear ran down the trail that we were on... the trail that led to the mine... That meant, that if we headed towards the Mine, we would be headed towards the bear.
Well, there is always next year!
Ballshroom
The Forest
Cracked
Grouse
Hidden
We turned around, headed down, and headed home. We explored a few little roads with the Jeep as we made our way back. We definitely got something stuck underneath which resulted in a nasty noise coming from beneath our feet. I parked the Jeep over a ditch, poked about underneath, dislodged a sapling from a universal joint and took my seat once more.
Glory
Irritating Stick Stuck
Propped up for Repair
It was a good day. Don't get me wrong, I still desperately want to see Thunderbird Mine, but like I said, there is always next year...
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