Today I went for an intense hike again. I knew from the climate model forecasts that the sun would be absent and that I might get some drizzle on my way up. I was totally okay with that, and I went up prepared.
I had a goal in mind: taking photos of the view from high up. The mountains are so beautiful from up there, as if you are looking at something unreal. I really like this view, and I especially enjoy it when I am the only one up there ;)
Today it was cold, unlike the previous seven days when the sun was glowing and there wasn't a rainy cloud in the sky. People usually get discouraged from hiking when the weather is not perfect. That includes getting some rain or wind, or anything that can make hiking a bit more difficult.
I don't mind it. In fact, I get all excited to be the only one in the vast mountains :)
But hiking alone is also more favourable for a bear attack, hehe. Usually, it is recommended to hike in groups in case of a bear attack. I was aware of the risk, so I took my bear spray and made noises on my way up to avoid surprising any bears and to protect myself if that happened.
It was easy in the beginning, but as I got higher, the wind got stronger and the cold got more intense. I persisted. I wished I had a pair of gloves with me, especially since I was carrying my tripod which was so cold that carrying it with my bare hands was making me freeze to my bones.
I persisted, and I made it to the top.
It was really, really windy up there, and some of the stones that mark the trail had fallen or moved or something, because I couldn't see them anymore along the trail. So the trail was not clear there anymore.
The wind was blowing my long hair into my eyes and my mouth and whipping it against my face. It was getting hard to see, and the cold was penetrating my bones. (And yes, it is windy. The air feels much colder when the natural warm layer of air around your skin is blown away by the wind.)
I decided it was time to get back. I was happy, though, that I had made it to the top :) I decided to keep the photo-taking project for when I was going down the mountain, as it was less windy and warmer.
On my way downhill, I found a nice spot and was ready to take photos. It was still cold and windy, but less intense.
I set up my camera on the tripod and took the first shot. Then my camera screen went black! Yeah, the battery got totally drained in the cold. I took out the spare battery and put it in the camera.That one was also drained! Which meant no photo-taking project for today! Oh, man… really?!
But again my efforts were not in vain. I am happy I made it to the top :) Next time, I will put on gloves and a bit warmer clothes, and oh, a toque for sure.
I made a YouTube video about that hike in the mountains today:
26 September, 2026
Big White, British Columbia
