Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park: Shauffer Ridge 5.6 September 23rd, 2022

Ok, this is a tough place to get into. There are a few campsites, but most of the valley is occupied by a lodge. It is costly and does not belong in the park. It is one of those historical leftovers whose license and tender must be pulled. That is what my dad said. I am not sure myself. I am only 13 and don't care much for politics.

Lake O'Hare from Shauffer Ridge.

We have been here maybe five times before. Every two or three years, give or take. It is a hidden gem of a location. It was also the backdoor to climbing Mount Victoria when Abbott's hut was running. In case you haven't heard, as of 2022, the climber's hut is being dismantled because the glacial moraine it was built on has melted away.

What was remarkable about this trip was that it required technical expertise. The climbing sections were so steep that we placed protection and built anchors. Mom and Dad know how to short-rope clients for money, and they have way more invested in me, so I felt safe. Just like the real thing, wait, it is the real thing.

My takeaway from this trip would be rope management. Knowing when to change up the rope lengths takes a bit of thinking. That requires experience in mountain travel, but hey! I'm 13. I have six years to learn the rest before getting kicked out of the nest. Anyhow, I thought I would share this trip and the photos. I love being a Banff kid. I hope you get to visit my home sometime.

This is the Warden Cabin that we were staying in.