Friday, August 9, 2013

Siyeh Pass - Glacier National Park

There it was, the hike I had been dreading. Yet it was the hike that I had been training for since January, even though at that time I did not know its name.




I have to admit that the idea of 10.3 miles scared me even more than the 2135 feet of elevation gain.

I chose not to take my dslr on this trip and carried my iPhone as my only camera.  I made a very wise decision.  We moved along at a pace that would not have allowed me to stop and take pictures the way that I would have enjoyed. With my iPhone I was still able to take pictures and keep moving.





The final push to the top was a series of switchbacks that I seriously thought would never end. I am so thankful for my trekking poles, and a supportive husband that kept saying "Just take your time".

Thanks Mallory Huizenga for documenting this for me.
The top was worth it. Completed with a stone added to the Cairn pile.




This photo gives a better idea of how high up we were.


The snow patch to the left of the "X" is where the cairn pile was and where we stopped for lunch. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich never tasted so good.

This is one of my favorite moments at the top. Dad and daughter :)


The way down was so pretty with lots of greenery and little streams crossing the switchback paths.



The possibility of a bear encounter is very real here, so we were happy to be hiking as a big group.


This was part of the group and obviously I was not the official photographer. 

Sunrift Gorge at the end of the hike.
After six and a half hours of hiking I was so ready to be done, but I had accomplished a great goal. The hard part is now I have to set a new one. I guess we will see what next year brings :)

P.S. If you are interested you can watch this 4 minute video of the hike. This guy has hiked all 734 miles of trails in Glacier National Park.  Crazy!

Joining Kim Klassen for Friday Finds since I found the confidence to do this hike :)











27 comments:

overthefencephotos said...

Well done! Setting and reaching a goal is a great accomplishment. Such a great role model for your kids.

lafcustomdesigns said...

Quite impressive, my friend! You are so lucky to have a friend and partner who so kindly supports you. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Denise Fabian said...

Bravo, Sarah! Your hard work paid off. Next year...Everest? Wonderful phone photos...thanks for the ride!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

That was fantastic!! you must be so proud of yourself!

Cathy H. said...

Good for you!! I am so impressed that you made this hike. I can imagine your joy at reaching such your goal! Beautiful scenery!

Beverly said...

Oh wow! Congratulations on this huge accomplishment! The scenery is outstanding - thank you for sharing the beauty and meeting your very big goal! Well done Sarah.

Carmel said...

Your photos are brilliant...the hike looks amazing...well done.

Lynn said...

What super photos Sarah, and CONGRATULATIONS++ are in order, super impressed. It will be fun to hear what you'll choose for next years challenge!

heyjudephotography said...

Well congratulations on reaching that goal! What an accomplishment, and what great memories (and stories) you will have.

heyjudephotography said...

Well congratulations on reaching that goal! What an accomplishment, and what great memories (and stories) you will have.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful hike! I would have LOVED this!!!
I'm so glad I could join you this way. Sigh.

xoxo

Ahayes1225 said...

Looks like a wonderful hike. Strange to see short and snow. It must feel great to reach your goal!

Sylvia said...

Oh my, how exciting, well done, Sarah !
Beautiful photos of an amazing scenery !
Nice weekend,
Sylvia

Simon said...

Congrats. I'm glad you were able to capture some views with your iphone. Much lighter than toting a DSLR up those last switchbacks. I did a mountain climb in NH Whites a couple years back and thought I was going to DIE. I'm in better shape now, but I imagine the crest still would be difficult-and I was no where near snow.
I'm sure all your time at the gym made a big difference.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Well done my friend so pleased for you ..... Fantastic achievement ....

Roxi H said...

I'm so proud of you. I recently heard of an app that can record about how many steps you take in a day. It's called Moves. That would have been interesting to have had. I may get it and start walking the mall.
Is Mt McKinley next?

The Artful Diva said...

Good for you!!! My husband and I did that exact hike a number of years ago. It was worth the effort.

Karen Lakis said...

Way to go! This looks like a super hike, and what a great view from the top! Next year's goal... Nah, you deserve to savor this one for a while!

EarlK said...

Wow! What an adventure. Wonderful.

Carol said...

Well done! I enjoyed "tagging along". Although I've never enjoyed hiking, I do love to read about other hikers' adventures. I've a neighbor that LOVES to hike. She's now hiking the Application Trail. She started in March (Georgia)and is now in Maine, with about 350 miles to go. She posts every chance she gets. My legs want to fall off just thinking about it.

Mary said...

Well done Sarah, Well done !!!!

Prairie Jill said...

Congratulations! What an achievement!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the gorgeous photos and inspiring story.

Deanna said...

Oh wow, what a trek....and congratulations on your accomplishment, that was no small feat!!

Suburban Girl said...

This is very admirable! My husband is an avid hiker and I have the hardest time keeping up. I take my camera as an excuse to rest, I pretend I need to take a photo! :)

Lynne said...

Quite the goal and YOU DID IT! Good for you . . .

Naomi said...

WOO HOO!!! So proud of you! What was the temperature like up there? We were there last month and it was so lovely.