The Last of the Squamish Summer...

Elise just returned from a wonderful 12-day trip to visit here grandparents in the Kootenays. She had a event-filled time and was full of stories when we picked her up from the airport on Saturday.

While she was away, Pam and I took the opportunity to do some hikes that would have been tough with Elise. We had good weather and enjoyed the company of Phil Murray, a friend from the UK.

This is me in front of Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Park. Pam and I spent two nights at the campground and did some day trips in the surrounding peaks.

Elfin Lakes at first light.

Common harebell. We've seen some amazing wildflowers during our explorations this summer.

A mountain goat on Columnar Peak in Garibaldi Park. This is the first time I've seen a goat around Squamish. They are pretty common in the Rockies, but more elusive around here. It was a great surprise!

Approaching Opal Cone in Garibaldi Provincial Park with Atwell Peak in the background. The volcanic landscape in this area is stark.

Mamquam Lake.

Pam hiking up Mt. Price with Mt. Garibaldi in the background. We did this as a day trip from the parking lot with Phil, a walk of almost 30 km. We were all tired...

The wild blueberries are ripe!

Phil Murray traversing along the shoreline of the upper alpine lake after a late-day ascent of Tricouni Peak just north of Squamish.

Pam scrambling the south ridge of Tricouni. This was one of my favourite ascents this summer since it combined hiking past meadows and lakes with a rocky scramble to an impressive summit.

School starts in just one week. Enjoy the rest of the summer everyone!