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South Surrey, BC
Canada
628 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 04:55 AM
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I know there is already a trip report for Joffre Lakes area for July 14th, but still wanted to post my experience as it was quite a bit different.
Unfortunately, my group (Jason, Xiaomeng, Vicky, Shawn and I) and I did not miss the zoo that was the number of people going up to the third lake. My estimate would easily be in the hundreds of hikers heading up there, many of them to camp (and party as we saw lots of beer). There were long lines of hikers on the trail at times and a lot of leap frogging going on (note to self nice sunny weekend hike to Joffre in the future = no go unless I start super early like ubishops did). The jaunt up to second lake over the boulders was a challenge especially because of the sun blasting down on us (darn it was hot!). On the way to the third lake I nearly tripped over and fell twice because a little white jack russell cut me off (the dog was way ahead of it's owners). I was frustrated and let the owner (who was with her 3 kids and husband) know that I almost tripped over her dog. My hope was that she would leash or control the dog. She did not. I let it go. At third lake we had lunch and watched a few people jump into the lake. There were loads and loads of tents.
Then on my way back down from the third lake on a steep section I nearly tripped over the same jack russell that I had tripped over on my way up. I bit my tongue. Then on a very steep section I looked back and saw the dog about to cut off one of my group, which scared me and I just lost it. I yelled at the top of my lungs "Leash or control your dog at ALL TIMES" twice very loudly. Turns out one of our group had nicely just told the owners to leash the dog at the exact same time. They leashed the dog right away. Not sure if it was the polite ask or me yelling at them that prompted them to act. I'd guess a spoonful of honey can catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar; however, at that point I was so pissed off.. I feel bad that I raised my voice and lost it on them - but their disregard of other people was so dangerous, especially as I'd tried being nice earlier. Note: we saw lots of other dogs on this trail who were very well controlled.
anyway, the hike was beautiful. The photos shows the terrain, trail, views and the gazillion of people.
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Edited by - idealistic74 on 07/15/2012 09:50 AM
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 07:50 AM
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Too bad about the crowds but I guess that's the way it is now. Hey, you all have smiles on your faces in the pictures  |
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196 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 09:39 AM
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| great report, thanks for sharing |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1607 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 10:05 AM
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Great report.
Although I generally hike to get away from people, I am always happy to hear about lots of people hiking.
In the long run, if more people take up hiking it will result in more funding, more gear selection, more opportunities for jobs in that sector, etc. It also means those people will be healthier which benefits all of us since we have public health care.
Does anyone know if these trails are getting more popular or not? Is there a people counter on the Joffre Lakes Trail? What trends does it show?
There are some interesting numbers for the US here:
http://www.outdoorindustry.org/participation-studies.php?action=detail&research_id=156
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the mountain parks, Alberta
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 10:10 AM
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I wonder how much internet trip reports have to do with the popularity of the area? Would be interesting to know.
Love it there, although last I was there was over 10 years ago and had the place to ourselves. |
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 | LeeL
Advanced Member
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 Extreme ski tourin, mountain bikin addict who hikes at least once a year
2507 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 5:06 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by skibum101
I wonder how much internet trip reports have to do with the popularity of the area? Would be interesting to know.
Love it there, although last I was there was over 10 years ago and had the place to ourselves.
That place has been busy for a long long time. Deservedly so - some of the best bang for the buck views around. If you can go there mid-week |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6792 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 6:04 PM
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| lucky you did not stay the night, that place got soaked this morning |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
559 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 6:21 PM
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| Nice, looks like you had a great time there. I love the place - I like the "vibration" I feel there. |
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Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13476 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 11:19 PM
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Lyda and Shawn
Very nice for you to get out and enjoy the trail despite the crowds. Your TR a nice trip through memory lane, as this was the first hike when I joined CT and it was under your leadership.
This is such a beautiful area, and great reward for relatively moderate effort. Must be getting better known.
K |
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Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
169 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2012 : 8:02 PM
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| Nice report and great pictures! It is an awesome trail for views! |
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Joffre Lakes July 14
