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HART DISTRICT - PRINCE GEORGE - NEW CALEDONIA AREA

Two members of the 1st Kelly Road Pathfinders (Tif and Hannele) and two from the 1st Kelly Road Senior Branches (Rangers - Sarah and Kait) spent four fabulous days hiking the Berg Lake Trail at Mount Robson Provincial Park (near Jasper) and one day river-rafting on the Fraser River July 7-11, 2004.

The girls have talked about hiking the trail since camping and rafting here as first year Pathfinders in 2001. We were clear from the beginning - this was the girls trip, we were simply going with them for the ride. We knew we were in for quite the adventure when Sarah's sleeping bag fell off her pack before we even hit the trail head! As the rain started to fall, the trail took us on a gentle uphill to Kinney Lake with a few switch backs to prepare us for the trail ahead. The climb began on the other side of Kinney Lake when we started to think about those "extra items" we should not have added to our enormous packs as the switchbacks never seemed to end. The suspension bridge marked our arrival at Whitehorn Camp where we spent our first night. We woke the next morning to rain and the prospect of packing up wet tents and gear (more weight!). As we hit the trail we were confronted first thing with the "real climb" - straight up to Emperor Falls. It was the true test of the hike, but everyone made it in their own time. We stopped for a breathtaking lunch at Emperor Falls and continued our way up the trail to the spectacular Berg Lake. Of course it was raining again, but it could not stop us looking in awe at the glaciers touching the lake. We continued our journey around the lake where a warm cabin and friendly faces (including the marmot family) greeted our arrival. Twenty-one kilometers, and we were finally there! The rest of the day was spent meeting other hikers and playing cards with new friends.

There is something about hiking where people share that common bond and can instantly start a conversation - something the girls enjoyed very much. We woke the next morning to rain yet again, and brought all of the wet gear into the cabin to dry. We spent the afternoon lounging around Toboggan Falls, where two of the Pathfinders were enrolled as Rangers. We walked over to Adolphus Lake and "crossed into Alberta" for a few minutes and then headed back to the cabin to "meet new people". By this time the weather was starting to clear and Robson was starting to show himself. The girls were dying to go for a dip in the freezing cold lake with icebergs floating around, and this was their time to do it. Of course the leaders could not be outdone, and had to join them for an icy plunge (that lasted less than 5 seconds, in and out). We spent the evening drying out by the wood stove and watching the clouds clear from the mountain. We finally saw the top as the sun started to set and cast a pink glow over the mountain. Several new hikers had joined us for the evening, much to the girls' delight.

No one could believe there was six women hiking the trail with no men! They were stunned further to find out we were not doing any badges or program work (Guiding still needs some PR in this department). Was hiking 21 km not enough? It was time to hike down the next day, going all the way to the bottom.

We opted that night to rent a cabin rather than sleep in a wet tent again. Four girls in one queen size bed, with very little complaints (the hot shower and cafe dinner went a long way too - we needed to reward ourselves)!

We got up early the next day and headed over to the rafting company. We got geared up in our wetsuits and crash helmets and headed for the water. The safety talk had worried a few of the girls but once we navigated through the first few rapids, everyone was having a blast! We pulled the raft out to portage around Rearguard Falls, and then headed into the last set of rapids. We rafted through a calmer section where the guide let us jump out and float behind the boat - as cold as Berg Lake! We enjoyed a quick lunch in the rain and then headed back for home!

Now that we have been back for a few weeks, we can reflect on this incredible journey. The girls learned a lot about themselves - especially what they are capable of. The poor weather, blisters, aches and pains did not dampen their spirits. Through it all, we still saw smiles all weekend.We are very proud of these girls and look forward to our next adventure - canoeing the Bowron Lakes next year!

Jocelyn White and Jo-Anne Goodall, Hart District, New Caledonia Area, Prince George