Saturday, July 13, 2013 (Congdon Creek Campground, Kluane Lake, Yukon)

We were having a lazy morning when there was a knock on the door...it was John saying that there is a great photo-op of the mountains down at the lake.  He was right...



We even have a great view out our side window...

After breakfast, we decided to hike one of the many trails in Kluane National Park.  Our first stop was at the Tachal Dhal (Sheep Mountain) Visitor Centre.  Situated in the Slim's River Valley, it is the information centre for local hiking trails. 

It's a bit windy out here in the open valley...


The inside of the centre...
There are also great Dall Sheep viewing opportunities.  Some were spotted this morning but unfortunately, we didn't see any...


After talking to the rangers at the centre, we chose Sheep Creek Trail.  There is a 2.6 km narrow dirt road to the trailhead.  We decided that we didn't want to take our truck in, so we parked at the start of the road and started our hike from there.  It was a good decision...the road was in pretty bad shape.


Lovely view on our way...

We made it to the small parking area and gate. This is the trail description..."The Sheep Creek Trail begins at the first right about 5 minutes from the gate. From this point on, it is a steady uphill climb. The first viewpoint is about 2 km up the trail. This is a good destination and turn-around point for hikers who don't wish to go further. Once again the trail continues upward along this old mining road with several more good viewpoints."




This isn't something you like to see before a hike...

Now the "real" hike begins!

 A huge burl in a tree...

Up...and up, we go...this is a very steep trail...



The first viewpoint is about 2 km up the trail...we almost turned around at this point but another couple we met on their way down said if you go a little further it opens up into a better view...
 
So we continued on the trail..to where it branches...this is at the 3.8 km point and far enough for us! "The left fork leads down to Sheep Creek, while the right fork continues on. It is possible to see the toe of the Kaskawulsh Glacier as you gain elevation beyond this point."

Spectacular views!








Steve took a panorama picture using my camera...(click on picture)

It was a lot faster going back down the trail...ahhh....we made it!  Flat ground again!  By the time we got back to the truck we had gone exactly 6 miles (10 kms) in just over 3 hours...and it was a very hot day...


Before heading out of the park, we stopped at this old cabin.  Steve got out to take pictures...

The lake was as flat as a mirror...stunning...


On the way back home, we drove through Cottonwood RV Park...a very nice private campground, but it only had 15 amp electric...wouldn't do us much good.  Besides, we really like where we are.


A float plane landed while we were there...

We had an absolutely beautiful evening...but it is very hazy due to the forest fires burning in the Yukon...


Steve even decided to try fly-fishing...

We have decided to stay another day and just have an "R&R" day tomorrow.

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