On this episode of Team Avery Adventures, we booked a backcountry site at Alderson Lake. The hike is a through-hike that starts up at Cameron Lake and ends back in the Waterton townsite.
Like every hiking trip we always plan to bring Avery along, but sadly we had to leave her behind. The road access to Cameron lake is limited this summer due to construction. A limited number of shuttles are being made available to hikers. Unfortunately due to “public health and safety” dogs are not allowed on this contract shuttle. It was frustrating to learn this after we booked our site and made our plan.
With a little bit of luck on our side, Rod’s family happen to get some time down at the cabin and were willing to look after Avery for the night while Rod and I set out.
So on Saturday morning we were up early to catch the 730 am shuttle to Cameron Lake, to start our 12km portion. We found ourselves up in the trees, along a mountainside and peaked at the top of a ridge. With the world below it was a confidence booster to know that with the weight I was carrying, I was able to still make it up the steep slope.
Once you make it to the top it’s downhill from there into the valley and the beautiful lakes that sit below. We made our way down to Alderson lake campground to set up just in time before the skies decided to open up and give us a little show. There was thunder, lightning and large downpour of rain. Safe and snuggled in our sleeping bags we enjoyed an afternoon of reading and naps.
The rain was willing to let up for a short amount of time so that we could get out and make dinner. It was just enough before it started to come down again and we snuggled back into the warmth of our very waterproof tent.
Most hiking trips we tend to get up with the sun, but this morning we were able to have a little bit of a sleep in before packing up camp and heading down to join the family back at the cabin.
The normal weather in Waterton always tends to give a slight wind, and down at the bay it is very unlikely in the middle of the day to not find little waves crashing on the shore. Today was a little different. The wind was minor and the lake was glassy. Rod and I could not miss the opportunity to get out on lower Waterton for a paddle. We both took turns getting out on the water with Rod’s sister Liz and her boyfriend David. We also had a big milestone with Avery. While getting the boards in the water, we normally have to pull Avery into the water and pick her up to put her on the board. Today was different, we think she finally got it and potentially is starting to like it. Before I was completely ready, Avery was pulling to hop on the board, she walked into the water on her own and hoped right up, sat in the middle and was good to go. I was SO proud of my now SUP Pup. I believe that she is truly starting to enjoy herself, and likes the ability to be on the water, check out the surroundings and not get too wet.
We all paddled around for a while, before packing up and heading back to the cabin for a big meal before Rod, David and myself all headed home.
Waterton has become such a special place to us. We love and appreciate the time we are able to spend in this beautiful mountain landscape. I look forward to the adventures and stories that will be made later in the season when we get to spend our week in the cabin before student life begins again!
Until Next Time,
– Tracy + Rod