Lower Fish Lake - this was taken near the backcountry campground we stayed at on ou overnight backpacking trip. Mosquitos are plentiful, vicious and behave as a collective entity there. Even as I ran from our tent to the eating area a swarm would find me within minutes. John was convinced that Fish Lakes is where all mosquites are spawned and sent out into the world to prey upon those who would dare to let any patch of skin see the light of day. However, Fish Lakes will always hold a special place in my heart because it was there that I ate ravioli out of a can for dinner for the very first time in my life.  

This is on the way down North Molar Pass. Believe me, it was much steeper than it looks. We hiked between and beyond those mountains that you see in the background. 

Yes, there was snow. No, it wasn't that cold. 

John and the trekking poles. 

The trekking poles I bought prior to leaving for the trip proved to be much more than a source of amusement (see both photos above) but they may have saved my life (or my ankle from being twisted). After we scrambled up a particularly steep mountain pass that left me breathless and close to miserable, we naturally had to descend on the opposite and equally steep side. Small rocks a steady foothold do not make - halfway down I began to slide out of control and nearly pitched forward until I jammed both my poles into the ground and caught myself just in time. My triceps and obliques felt strained for the next half hour but I'll take that over a twisted ankle (or death) anyday. 

This is a more accurate depiction of my physical state during the hike. Right after we finished packing for the trip, the guys helped me put my pack on and I confidentally and excitedly did up all the buckles and tightened the various straps. Then to my dismay (and quite evidentally, theirs as well) I nearly fell over backwards as soon as they let go of the pack. For the next few minutes, I tottered on my feet, cursing gravity and the need to eat food, as the pack was stuffed full of it. Fortunately, I was able to adjust to the weight and we set off - a few hours later however, the guys removed the tent out of my pack and transferred it to Alex.  

John took this as we were taking one of many breaks during our backpacking trip. We were sitting in one of the beautiful alpine meadows I have ever seen (well who am I kidding...the only alpine meadow I've ever seen). Purple, pink, red and yellow flowers colored the grassy plain that went on for miles around (I should know since we hiked through it) and snowcapped mountains surrounded the area. It was like being on the set of "Sound of Music". 

One of many shores around Vancouver. This was taken half an hour after we lost our map.