100 Miles Through the Rockies from Jasper to Grande Cache - Freezing Rain and River Crossings
#jimbairdadventurer #backpacking #thruhiking
100 Miles Through the Rockies from Jasper to Grande Cache - Freezing Rain and River Crossings; A 13 hour day of pushing hard through Glacier and Desolation Pass, and also losing the trail and walking 2km out of our way before finding camp. Not long after hitting the trail, we found 'Summit Cabin' only about 300 meters from our camp, it was too dark the night before to find it. After checking out the canyon we found ourselves walking on a well work horse trail with ground squirrels darting and chirping around us in the alpine meadows. Buck was very interested in them, he'd never seen one before being a Northern Ontario dog.
Soon a nasty ice rain picked up, the trails turned muddy, and we started getting wet and cold. We found the newly refurbished 'Sprit House' of a trapper who'd died in an avalanche abut 80 years prior. The rains picked up again as we traveled gradually down in elevation, and we both agreed that it was likely snowing hard in the pass where we were the day before. Soon we saw a beautiful Cow Moose who was pretty curious and we got some good footage of her. At this point we were freezing cold and we made camp while the cow was still observing us. I was able to get a fire going thanks to the dry branches on the trunk of a Spruce tree. (Large Spruces always seem to leave a dry patch at their base). We crawled into bed and it hammered rain all night long.
The next morning was cold and snow was on the mountain peaks, but our spirits were high, moving on we began to notice the trails had been recently cut, and even a new horse bridge had been built over a creek. It was a dream compared to the heavy willows we trudged through after crossing the height-of-land into Wilmore Wilderness. After our first river crossing, (a relatively easy one despite the swollen river) we saw several horses set out to graze and a horse packing camp with people from the Rocky Mountain Wilderness Society, they were the ones clearing the trails. A couple people from the group shared some of their stories, and told us of nine generations their families had been living in the area and traveling these trails. They told us about the first people to cut the trails, and a little about how the old way of life was. Most were Metis, a unique culture in western Canada of people derived from a mix of various indigenous and western European backgrounds. Meeting the horse packers was one of the highlights of our trip. It just seemed to be so authentically 'The Alberta Rockies' and their sentiments for conservation resonated with Tori and I. Staying in a very rustic Alberta Forest Services Cabin that night made this all the more true.
But well before reaching the cabin we were faced with a sketchy river crossing, the most dangerous of our trip. If you slip and get washed down river in the swift current, you could easily loose your whole pack or worse. Tori was a little concerned when Buck had to swim across the swift current, but we were all okay.
Moving on, the Sulphur River proved to hold fish, mostly Bull Trout which are protected in Alberta so I threw them back. There are not a lot of good fishing holes directly adjacent to the trail, but I managed to catch five fish in all. Soon we turned east and left the Sulphur River behind us and started to cross Hayden Ridge. The feeling of fear that you will not be able to accomplish your goal going into a trip like this, and then giving it all you have to come out victorious is one of the purest human emotions. And even while writing this, seven months after the trip, I still feel deeply emotional and attached to our Rocky Mountains. There is a wild and free spirit that lingers there, and it will become a part of you if you enter it's domain.
0:00 Lost in Desolation Pass
3:27 Overview of the Day
6:26 Morning Day 5
12:49 Summit Cabin
16:57 Grave of Jacque Thappe
19:16 moose Sighting
19:57 morning Day 6
25:23 First River Crossing
27:06 Horsepackers
28:53 Crossing Sulphur River
32:56 Sulphur Cabin
34:59 Morning Day 7
41:03 Fishing for Cutthroat Trout
44:05 More Fishing
47:10 Top of Hayden Ridge
48:38 Camp Night 7
50:27 Morning Day 8
53:09 Crossing Cowlick Creek
54:08 Horsepackers
56:45 Making it to Grande Cache
58:00 Trip Wrap Up
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Thanks a lot for watching! Please like this video and subscribe to my channel for more! You can watch episode 1 of this adventure here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iqKT19uzds2Xodo.html
@alanbstard4
Жыл бұрын
brilliant scenery. I loved Canada when I was there and I crawled and walked through a lot of Ontario bush. God's country. Love Buck, great dog
@TripleG69
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful scenery and great attitudes. You and Torry gel so well. I felt for Buck having to cross the freezing water, he needed treats for not complaining and for completing those awful tasks. I hope his limping isn't anything serious - no back injury or hip injury or torn foot pads. Question: why could you not stay over one day at the cabin as to dry out your blisters, dry all gear and clothing and just rest up? Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next trip. Hugs to all 3 of you.
@johnconnell9836
Жыл бұрын
Where is North?
@tWoforgamenot1
Жыл бұрын
i Like ! :)
@tWoforgamenot1
Жыл бұрын
I enjoy seeing it again. Was Drinking The Last Time .. Hug KId's From These Old Boy ! :)
God,I love Buck. He was the absolute best dog I think I’ve ever seen
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot
Tori, Jim & Buck🐾 your so right, this is something you’ll remember forever. Tori you are an amazing beautiful woman and Jim bla bla bla your always amazing but Buck the super dog stole the show, great job Buck!
I can commiserate with you and those ridiculously heavy packs: when I thru-hiked the Applachian Trail(in the USA) in 1998, my starting pack weighed 70 pounds. I weighed over 330 pounds. When I finished, my pack weighed less than 30 pounds and I weighed 196 pounds. What views, what adversity you three overcame, what memories you formed..an epic adventure as always. I love this channel.
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot and that is one long trek, the entire Appalachian Trail! Congrats.
@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC
Жыл бұрын
Since 98 technology has advanced. Now base packs with all this high tech gear is 22 pounds I feel you though. I did the IAT in Wisconsin base weight 32 pounds my back was done for
@Ray-Willey
Жыл бұрын
Did you start in maine or end there?
What a great adventure ,thanks Jim for letting us come along!I have to say,Tori is a hell of a strong woman,you have a great partner Jim.Also enjoyed the commentary from both of you. And the superstar back packing,Buck,not one complaint from him,a great dog and team member.thank you,all🇨🇦
Jim, Tori, Buck wow you finished the trail, Awesome! Have to appreciate Tori doing this hike, I don't think most women would want to do this. Meanwhile Jims needs antibiotics for his blisters, Tori needs muscle repair on her hip and Buck is still thinking "I didn't sign up for this" 🙂thx for taking us along
“ crunchy ass tarantula “ oh shit tori had me rolling 😂😂
The dynamic duo!
That river was something. Man! Buck! What a good dog. Buck is tired. What troopers you all are. Yikes on the blisters. Wow to the packs.
indeed ! Cool Kid
That ol Buck was a hell-of-a Dog!
Tori is the BOMB!! Respect!
I’m so glad that y’all made it and so glad to see Buck. Thanks so much Jim and Tori for sharing. Blessings! 👏👏👏👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯😎😎😎❤️❤️❤️🙌🙌🙌
I love Tori, she is such a beast.... You all did that ... #couplegoals
Epic trip both (and dear Buck)!
Tori is an absolute star !!! some of the looks she gives you Jim, are priceless. She sure puts up with some tough days, well done to all 3 of you.
WOW! I just had to see it again!! Y’all ROCKED IT!! Perseverance and Inner Strength, and LOVE FOR CONNECTING WITH NATURE!! 💃🏻🙏🏽🕊💃🏻💪🏽🎣🚶🏽♂️🥾
I couldn't walk with those blisters Jim ! Oh, my goodness !!!!!
Your girl is a true trooper, good job
@JimBairdAdventurer
8 ай бұрын
Absolutely, thanks a lot
Tori almost enviously looking at the packhorses like: “This looks way better! next time, I wanna be on one of those”. XD
Good Lord Jim, those heels!
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Ya, they were very painful. I think it’s because I’m a 12.5 and it’s very hard to find 1/2 sizes in boots so I have to wear a 13.
Buck is the hero of this trip. Never complained despite all the things you MADE him do! 🙃
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
I think he is too. You MADE is an interesting choice of words. I can’t imagine a dog who would not want to come along on this trip? Makes me think you’re potentially one of those dog Karen-types.
@spikeyflo
Жыл бұрын
@@JimBairdAdventurer Jim, I'm not a Dog-Karen but I can understand why you thought I might be. I'm sure Buck enjoyed every minute of it. My wife and I live in Sydney, Australia and are keen walkers and here dogs are just not permitted in our National Parks. I wish it were possible. Mike Floyd
Dziękujemy.
I appreciate that you take the time to film from every camp, helping us feel like we are part of the journey, along for the ride. Thank you for a great trip! Happy trails to you both. Be safe!
@jeroenbrink4710
Жыл бұрын
It literally his job to do that 😜
@MichaelW969
Жыл бұрын
@@jeroenbrink4710 Not necessarily. Many with similar content do not. That's what makes his channel so great.
I have truly enjoyed watching you guys! Jim, we know you are a badass, but Torre, you rocked the hell outta that hike! So proud of both of you! Loved every aspect of this adventure!
rugged terrain for sure but isn't it beautiful, love the landscape and mountains gorgeous, awesome cabins , nice to see the curious moose as well, probably wondering what you folks were doing out there and happy to have the company . nice that you were able to have lunch with the horse packers, along the trail, and stay at that cabin for the night , That was one epic adventure congratulations Jim, Tori and Buck for , well Done people .
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much and it really was a amazing and epic adventure!
Wonderful. 🙌🙌🙌
17:25, love that smile Tori, making wishes come true, lol. Another excellent video from the Baird vault, it was nice seeing Buck, out in all that beautiful nature,. Brought back so many memories for me, from 1971. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for taking us along on the journey. You guys are awesome!😁❤
What a journey, well done and thank you so much for all your effort in making this wonderful film. I watched it over Christmas, so much better than all the other rubbish on TV.
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome
Another GREAT Baird adventure !!! I watched both episodes. You guys are real troopers, i think i would have made it the first 100 yards and wanted to turn back. Even buck looked kinda teetered out by the time you finished. As fas as the blisters, i can’t figure out why somebody doesn’t make a hiking boot that has a soft, porous, thick, foam lining in the heel ?!?!? It would save a lot of pain and misery. As always thanks TO BOTH OF YOU.
Ohh...how great to see Buck again. I named my Buck after yours and yeahh mine can be so proud of this name. Mine comes from the woods/streets of Mazedonia...got him nealy 3 years ago from the Samojed emergency Organisation...he is nealy deaf but a hell of a dog. Him and Meyla my other samojede is a dream team. Thanks for all your Videos... feels like heaven to watch.
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Aww, that’s adorable! I had two Samoyeds when I was born and and grew up with them.
WOW Thx for the awesome video you guys are special together, what a amazing trip
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome!
Loved the music, the scenes and the progression past the challenges. The final comment was awesome!
First off Congratulations! What an accomplishment. Could actually feel your exhaustion at times. The impressive part was there was no whining or complaining. Got chill bumps listening to Torrie summarize the trip at the end of the video. Way to go guys!
@lauracasey830
Жыл бұрын
Yes! The video affected me the same. The summary, also, gave me chills💓
I need to look at this again i remember but was drinking that night ;) hug you two . Cool I sure look again ! Look ;) Fun !
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! 👍
Looks incredibly beautiful, the pup didn’t seem overly motivated at the start of the morning!
So good to see Buck again. Love u Buck❤
If I ever meet you guys, I feel like I would hug you! I’m a special education administrator, having worked with emotionally disturbed kids, mostly boys, for over 33 years! I’ve taken countless trips with students, whale watching, hiking, fishing, camping, you name it! Now I’m just stuck in an office! But you’ve inspired me to get back out there! I’m going to join a senior adventure club! I’ve still got it in me!! Where will I go next?! ❤ Mimi
As brutal as that looked I would have given anything to tag along with you guys! Great video! Great partnership between you both and Buck! 👍🏼🥾
Wow !! You guys are the awesome !!! Love all the videos , thank you
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome!!
Watching for the second time it's a great video and a great accomplishment and journey creating great memories. We all felt your pain but also knew you would never give up on achieving your goal .thank you Jim and Tori for letting us share in your journeys.much gratitude love and light ❣️ Namaste 💕
35:25 Ouch Dude! Awesome Video with you And your Lovely Wife Jim. And Dog! :)
omg those blisters made me cringe, I can't imagine how sore they were, not to mention your backs and shoulders. Fantastic trip, and that scenery.....stunning, mesmerizing......just so gorgeous
Bravo !!Salutes to Both of You & Buck !! :)))
Great great video
@JimBairdAdventurer
8 ай бұрын
Thanks very much! It was an epic trip!
nice . i'd stay there :)
Your two videos of this trip was epic, and to see Buck again with you on the trail, pulling his weight with his pack, brought tears to my eyes. God it's amazing how we love our dogs, isn't it? Seeing him again on one of your adventures makes me acutely aware of what a short time I have left with my 13 yr.-old Border Collie who I love like a child. Gotta go take him on a walk now! Your new dog North is doing pretty good too, I might add, as I watched him with you and your buddy Kyle on North's first canoe trip earlier today. Props to you and Torri for such an amazing backpacking trip!
WOW - What a great adventure -- You make a great team.-- Congratulations. Well Done !!
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Big thanks! This was very team building indeed. We got married not king afterwards.
Such an amazing and challenging adventure. It was a little bittersweet with seeing Buck there, but a nice reminder of what a great dog he was.
Watching this video reminds me why I’m a ultralightweight backpacker
I know this was a few years ago but you guys are rockstars. All the challenges you faced both mentally & physically. Says so much about your characters, drive & determination. What beautiful countryside. RIP Buck. He sure was a good boy I am sure he is greatly missed. ♥️
Nice ending.
What a wonderful and satisfying trip! So glad you decided to release this! It was a pleasure to see Buck again. He is sorely missed. Thanks so much for sharing with us all! #keepitburning JB!
Its to bad you have time limits as you could of just stayed in the cabin until you all get well rested up and wounds heal 100%,you end up putting these burdens on yourselves by rushing,takes all the fun and enjoyment out of your getaway, I would love to do it but I would not want to with a time limit, your experience would be so much better with far less suffering dear friend! Jesus bless you!
Absolutely amazing and beautiful. Buck is so adorable with his pack on. I enjoy all your video's immensely.
It is so amazing watching Buck crush it with quiet grace on this trip ❤
❤❤❤❤very good video, greetings from Surabaya, Indonesia, I hope the channel will be more successful... Enjoy blogging😊😊😊
@JimBairdAdventurer
10 ай бұрын
Thanks 😊
That was amazing. You two have such strong wills. Thanks for bringing us along!
In our hearts forever
Great partners! I remember in the military we had a long road March back from the field. My feet/ blisters were so bad. It was incredibly painful, deep and just gross. Needless to say I made it. Toughest thing I ever did. I feel for ya.
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Ya, blisters can be just brutal. I had one like this on each foot.
That chocolate and blonde “cute” horse looked like a Rocky Mountain Saddle Horse. It may not be , though because they are not usually used to pack. They are gaited and exceptionally smooth to ride.
You three (3) have been fabulous. Buck an example. Period. Amazing! Thank you! Be allways safe...
Another great video, thanks for making these. I watched the first part of this hike, and then had to wait for the second part. When I fired up my computer and saw that Tori had finished the second part, a smile came to my face and my evening schedule was revamped. I especially liked "after I'm dead"....oh. quite funny. Thanks again for taking us along
Mii-gwetch, thank you again for taking us along on your adventure. Love how real you both are. Congrats on your 100 mile trek!
The horse packers got it right. One day travel camp fellowship relaxing enjoying. Your back packing to more like boot camp. A lot of effort miss the objective glad when it’s over. 😊
Good old Buck. Tori and you kicked ass. Thanks for sharing this oldie but goodie. Blessings to all.
hello brothers as i seen you bro and wife put up some stuff great i didnt think either of you would stay still for long hee hee yaaaaaaaaaa
That was heavy! You guys are tough as nails, so gnarly to push that many kms on those blisters.
Great video of an epic trip. Thanks for sharing.
👍😎🇨🇦🌊🐾Awesome!!!!!! BRAVO !!! 🏅🏅And good ol Buckaroo💘
Wow what memories great footage
U guys r awesome!
Love the video!! These are some of your best work going. Fun times👍 We love Buck the most tho🥰🥰
Thank you both for the 2 awesome videos
👣 keep on truckin!
I had to laugh at Buck not moving on the morning of Day 6 as the both of you started on your hike. It was almost like he was saying "I'm just going to take a rest day, I'll catch up with you later." 😊😊
Yeaaaaaaah. nice!!
I cannot put into words how much I appreciate your content! And the glimpses of Buck... oh my😍🙂😭! Not enough thanks in the world for what you put together for us to consume! I live vicariously through your videos!..... Thank you!
Such an awesome video! What a great trip! You two are a great team!
That was a great accomplishment for you two. You did good and North did good too. although he looked pretty tired out. I bet you're glad you finally finished the hike. It looked to be quite the hike to do with all the hills and water and muddy trails. I can see that it might take a week to hike a 100 miles. Great video. Can't wait for your future videos.
Love your videos. You guys are amazing. And not broken!
What a gorgeous part of our beautiful country. Ah Buck, what a champion he was. Great trip, great video!
My first pair of "hiking boots" were actually soft leather winter boots with semi flexible souls, with 1/2" deep traction and laces up to the top of the boot ankle part. They lasted for about 20 years, never caused me blisters, and were of sufficient ankle support for uneven ground hiking for tens of kilometers per hiking trip. They likely received hundreds of treatments with boot polish liquid during these many years.
Cori, evidently you are a strong woman! Jim is an Ox 💪🏽 Both of you together are a Fierce to recon with!! I LOVED IT! Anna from South Texas 💃🏻🙏🏽🕊💪🏽
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much!
Howdy welcome to thy rockies they are tuff
That was a beautiful hike. Congratulations. That was a great accomplishment. Thanks guys
Incredible effort you guys, amazing scenery, haha poor old Buck flaked out whenever you stop. Thankyou So Much for this one, I really needed it today. Much love and best wishes to you guys xo.
YOU MADE THIS VIDEO Tori! THANK YOU, YOU GO, GIRL!! HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN IN ANOTHER VIDEO!! DO BE SAFE OUT THERE BOTH OF U, OH WHAT A GREAT LOOKING DOG
Great adventure. I can relate to all the ups and downs and pain and triumphs. It took me back to when I hiked the AT in Maine.
To bad when you got to the First Nations village unless your transportation was there you still had the long hill to go up. Your trip was a real accomplishment. Well done.
Beautiful video! Awesome cabins! Great adventure!
well done guys. Great videos of an awesome trip.
Wow you all 3 are tough as can be and more!! Buck never complained once....😅
Congratulations guys great hike. Buck lays down every time you stopped and I’m sure he was thinking wtf did you guys take me on lol 😆
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
Man, he loved it. An eight hour walk every day!
I have utmost respect for you two. You both are tougher than nails! So enjoy your treks across the wilderness.
This is part of a Navajo prayer... In beauty, I walk With beauty before me, I walk With beauty behind me, I walk With beauty above me, I walk With beauty around me, I walk It has become beauty again Watching you both on this adventure I think you walked in beauty. Wishing you Blessings from New Mexico.
@JimBairdAdventurer
Жыл бұрын
A’he’hee
Yeaaaaaaaaah!
@JimBairdAdventurer
9 ай бұрын
👍👍
Great job. Not many could do.
Tory's talk on the morning of day 6 about how it will be worth it reminds me of this (actually a lot of your videos remind me of this): "The best part of adventure travel, it seems to me, is thinking about it. A journey to a remote place is exciting to look forward to, certainly rewarding to look back upon, but not always pleasurable to live minute by minute. Reality has a tendency to be so uncomfortably real." - Neil Peart, The Masked Rider