See that Cloud-Shrouded Peak Up There? Waaay Up There?

At the end of the first day, someone tells me that, for most of the time we were on the mountain, when I wasn’t taking a picture, all they could see was my hat.  My eyes were on my feet and the path I was taking across the ridge, negotiating rocky trails up, switchback trails down.  I was nervous and elated all at the same time.  

After a gourmet dinner (that was a surprise up here in these rugged mountains) I fall into a cozy bed with a down comforter to sleep better than I usually do...maybe better than I ever have.  I dream that I’m hiking.  

No-- wait---that was real.

The next morning, after a deluxe breakfast to nourish us through the activity ahead, we assemble our lunches and head for the helicopter.  Flying on the giant mosquito is no longer so shocking.  These mountains, though  are still astonishing--the rocky trail, the peaks in the distance,  the cloud cover teased to brightness by the sun.   

The progression of the planet through stages of life captures my imagination.  How does solid rock sprout plants?  In nutrient-poor and sandy soil, hardy growth has taken root, will spread seeds, and then make way for other species.  Life persists, one way or another.

flowers growing in rocks 

 We stop for lunch, using rocks for seats, eating sandwiches we made in the morning.  We are very careful to leave not even a crumb.  I flash back to our conversation last night and to the warnings about bears in Alaska’s Denali National Park.  Crumbs attract ground squirrels. Ground squirrels attract bears. Once bears find food in an area, they return.  If there are no ground squirrels and no crumbs.... hmmmm, would that human taste good?   Nope, we leave nothing behind.

After lunch we await the helicopter to go to Neck Roll trail.  I’ve always pictured helicopters landing in nice, flat, helicopter pads.  I may have less anxiety about being in a helicopter, but does this look like a flat landing spot to you?

                                                            land on a precipice

I'd like to remind you that I started this trip afraid of heights and small spaces.  Now I'm climbing onto a precipice to get into a helicopter.

Our next hike is on Neckroll Ridge.  I see  clouds hanging over the mountains in the distance, and down below, way down there... that’s our lodge?  According to the guide, that’s our lodge.

Lodge seen from Neckroll Ridge

On returning to the lodge, I photograph Neckroll Ridge from down here.  See that cloud-shrouded peak in the photo below?  

Neckroll Ridge from the Lodge

I was up there.  Me.  I was.  Yup....

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For more information on the heli-hiking now available through CMH, visit http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com