July 15th we visited Lake Sunburst and Cerulean. Amazing glacier fed lakes. We have been told that fishing is excellent, but we never saw any fish near the shores.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

What's wrong with this picture. Brought back memories of raising the flag at the Camelback Inn. The local BC ranger raised the BC flag, before the Canadian flag. The little bears spotted this mistake right away.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

The bears feeling the fridges waters of Lake Magog.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Another nice sighting was this Bald Eagle near the shores of Lake Magog. Some of the locals didn't even know that this bird was flying around the area.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Mt. Assiniboine, resembling Switzerland's Matterhorn is Canada's seventh highest peak at 11,867 ft. Typically in the clouds, but a lucky day for all of us to see this amazing glaciated mountain. Sepp and Barb's daughter climbed this difficult mountain at age 12, making her the youngest person to climb the peak. It is quite dangerous to summit this mountain, because the immense amount of snow.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Barb kept the kids busy by having them compete in a game of "Jenga" She did dare Bear #3 to take a dip in Lake Magog before dinner. She also talked about the allusive Assiniboine hot springs, which we never found.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Afternoon tea at the lodge was a welcomed perk for everyone. We enjoyed the scrumptious treats of various cakes.. The kids enjoyed ginger snaps and lemon aid, while we sipped our black tea and ate pumpkin chocolate chip, spice cake, and a tropical fruit pound cake. Barb and Sepp Renner the hosts of the lodge were quite friendly and even shared guest stories. A quiet place to relax after a enduring day of hiking.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Assiniboine Lodge was nearby, but no relative was willing to sponsor our stay ($1,440 / night), so we opted for the budgeted Naiset cabins.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

4 hours, 1,200 ft elevation gain, and 8.5 miles later, everyone arrived safely to our cozy cabin for the next three night. (July 14th)
Copyright KOZMO 2005

The view from the pass was amazing. We could vividly see Mount Assinibione in the distance.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Momma and bear #4 show some enthusiasm after ascending Assinibione Pass.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

We were surprised to discover this moose antler, while traveling through a marshy meadow.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

July 14th, we headed toward the other side of this mountain range (another 8 mile backpacking day)
Copyright KOZMO 2005

We visited the local Warden's cabin, about .25 mile away from the shelter. The Warden, who we can't recall her name was very informative. The bears asked if she packed any pistols. She said no, but she does carry a long arm. She has a posh cabin, with an outdoor sauna and shower. Pictured is her two horses, which trade off carrying her equipment..
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Bear #3 chopping wood for the evening fire.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

The Bryant Creek Shelter was our home, for the first night. The entire hike is 16.5 miles, which the shelter is about midway through the hiking, making it a perfect resting point. Very primitive building. No cooking facilities or light -- Not that we didn't need lights, because sunlight is visible until 10:45 p.m.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

Bear #3 pausing a moment on a bridge across the raging Bryant Creek.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

We did site some interesting wildlife along the trail. We saw about 10 deer the entire trip.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

July 13th, our first day, we trekked about 8.5 miles in about 3.5 hours. Beautiful day for a family hike.
Copyright KOZMO 2005

The KOZ Family arrives at Kananaskis Country in the heart of the
Canadian Rockies. Our 4th leg of our amazing vacation. 5 nights in Assiniboine.
Copyright KOZMO 2005