Cirque of the Towers

20-21.8. Our first long hike takes us through the Cirque of the Towers. A heavenly place, with picturesque lakes, forests surrounded by majestic granite cliffs. When we arrive after 18km, our first task is to find a spot for our tent. There are clear rules in the wilderness: a campsite must not be closer than 60m to a lake or 30m from a river. To protect the waters. Then you should also make sure not to cook and eat in the same place where you sleep. Because of the lovely bears. For that, you must have a bear canister with you, a large screw-top container that bears cannot open. Or you can hang everything that smells in a bag up high.

Afterwards, we stroll around the lake and come across 4 elks, two males and 2 females. They quickly get used to our presence and lie down or eat. We walk with them for a long time until the animals go away due to other hikers with a dog. After brushing my teeth, I stand under one of the (many) fir trees. A squirrel shoots up the branches. After some squabbling, it starts throwing pine cones at me!? A real hail comes down on me with a lot of nasty chirping and scolding. It seems I chose the wrong tree to stand under...

The next day, we take a detour without backpacks and then start the return trip. On the way, we can observe a bear eating berries on the slope. That's exciting!

Back at Carlito, we drop off our luggage and go to the Trail Lodge. There, we treat ourselves to a burger with coleslaw. Wow, what a meal!? The food is very tasty but so filling that we don't eat anything for 18 hours afterwards!