# @squirrelmusttravel on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C0hINETxGDX
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/10250154-squirrelmusttravel-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/b4d7854b40.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-12-06T16:04:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Evan & Angela Miller / Adventure Travel (@squirrelmusttravel) — https://gondola.cc/squirrelmusttravel

## Caption

The story behind the photo 🫣—

Two years ago I saw a picture of this ridge, and set this spot as a hiking goal. I imagined us standing here 💭, and it was one of the main reasons we trained all summer 🥾. At 40+, I’ve learned that it’s essential to prepare! 😮‍💨

So 6 months earlier I planned and planned—booked flights, a rental car, packed backpacks, and secured an almost impossible camping permit 🎫.

When we arrived to Canada the Alberta fires were sadly raging strong 😔, and there was a good chance we’d have to cancel this hike. 

The air quality was eventually deemed OK, so we went  for it… 

On the day of our hike it was chilly and pleasant, but after hiking 9 miles and nearing the top—the rain, and fog, REALLY set in 😶‍🌫️.

Every hiker we passed recommended we turn back; visibility was ZERO. 

>>One mile from the top, Evan finally convinced me to turn around. I was wind burned and heartbroken. 

But since we’d secured camping permits, we could sleep 5 miles from this ridge 🏕️. And yourbcparks is amazing—providing backpackers with cozy storm shelters to dry off & cook 👏. 

The next morning I insisted we make another attempt—to Evan’s dismay 😂, especially because the fog was sitting strong (pic 2). 
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Would you attempt again?!
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We went for it — and after an extra 5 miles up 😮‍💨, we were greeted with this view ✨.
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I was elated and felt that rush of pure JOY. Do you know that feeling?? Evan eventually agreed it was all worth it—AFTER making coffee and taking it all in (pic 4– yes he carried his chair 😂). 
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We stayed at the top for an hour+, just marveling. 

The visibility definitely wasn’t perfect, but it was spectacular, and seeing this photo brings back all the feels. AND we had it nearly to ourselves, as the fog had turned back most. 

One of favorite summer memories 🫶.

❓Where have you been inspired to visit, after seeing a photo?

✔️Hike details: 18 miles, 5,300 ft elevation (29 km) 
Our reality 🫠: 30+ miles, 7,100 elevation. 
PERMIT REQUIRED Year Round 

Please remember to Leave No Trace when exploring ♥️. 

squirrelmusttravel 🙋🏻‍♀️

#hiketheworld #hikingadventure #letsexplore #explorebc #hikevibes

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 791
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- **Comments:** 114

## Tags

letsexplore, hikingadventure, hikevibes, explorebc, hiketheworld

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