September 29 & 30, 2012:

For our first camp of the year we backpacked into Cheakamus Lake just south of Whistler, B.C.

The lake lies in the valley south of the Spearhead Range (including Whistler Mountain) and north of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Park Rangers told us that there is now a resident pack of wolves up in the alpine region of Singing Pass and the Spearhead Range.  One day we’ll have to head up there and maybe get to see them for ourselves.

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Loaded up and heading up the trail to Cheakamus Lake.

Taking a short break at the trail junction with the backdoor route up into Garibaldi Park (our next destination in three weeks).

Scouter Alan takes a break to enjoy the view while the Scouts set up their tents and kitchens. The Spearhead Range, Singing Pass and Whistler Mountain are to his left and Garibaldi Park is to his right.

With their tents and kitchens setup, the Scouts get a little free time by the lake before dinner.

The Scouts prepare dinner.

Dinner by the lake as the sun starts to go down over Garibaldi Park.

As the light starts to fade, the Scouts tidy up after dinner and get their headlamps out so we can go for a visit down the trail to a neighbouring group of Scouts that were also camping by the lake this weekend. The 3rd West Vancouver Scout Troop had come up Friday night and even brought a canoe with them on the 4 km. hike in!

After mug up and an excellent visit with the 3rd West Van Scouts it’s time for bed beside the lake under the full moon.

Waking up to low hanging clouds in the mountains and a fresh cup of coffee before the Scouts get up. Blissful.

We’re all packed up and ready to head home. In two weeks we’ll be heading up the Stawamus Chief for our annual Investiture Ceremony for our new Scouts. In three weeks we’ll be heading up into Garibaldi Park to bag Black Tusk and maybe take a little stroll on Helm Glacier.