Is hiking a sport?

It rained all night. Thanks to the available power, we had the heater on tonight. Well-rested (went to bed around 9 p.m. yesterday) we want to go hiking today. The weather is also good.

Helmcken Falls is first on the program. A 2.5 hour hike will take us to the most impressive waterfall, the 7th here in Wells Gray Provincial Park. So put on hiking shoes and rain jacket, mosquito net over your head, gloves on (not because of the cold, but because of the mosquitoes), and grab hiking poles and off we go. At the beginning of the trail, we give some wandering traveler the information that the trail is 4 km one way and 4 km back and start trudging. After 50 m we reach the Falls. No trail, just a viewing platform.

Facts: The Helmcken Falls were discovered in 1913 during land surveys and are Canada's fourth highest waterfall at 141 meters.

After that, we think about how we can better prepare for the trails - a bit difficult without a net (although the Koodo/Tellus Network should work in the Rockies as well). After taking some photos of the amazing waterfall, we continue, both a bit annoyed. The Dawson Falls are not far away.

Facts: Dawson Falls are the small Niagara Falls with a height of 18 meters and a width of 90 meters.

After a 1 km walk, we reach the Falls and they are really impressive.

After the kilometer walk back, the water is just running down my body, but no mosquito has caught me.

Next stop, Moul Falls, we haven't hiked much yet. There is supposed to be a 5.8 kilometer long trail here that ends at the 35 meter high Moul Falls. This time we're starting without a net and gloves, at least I am. At the entrance of the trail, the first warning sign.

A group of four in front of us is already studying the instructions on the anti-bear spray. Let's go - I had read that you should always talk or make noise. Schahaatz started playing an audiobook by and with Kurt Krömer where he talks about his depression. If that doesn't scare away the bears, then I don't know. Since Schahaatz always runs ahead, I start mumbling stupid stuff loudly. And the path is steadily downhill - we have to climb it all back up.

After about 2 km, there's a sign.

They must mean as the crow flies, because it feels like we've been walking for at least another half an hour until we reach the viewing platform.

A beautiful waterfall, but since we're already here, we'll also hike to the foot of the waterfall. The path is already a challenge.

At over 50 and with too many kilos, every step is carefully considered (at least for me). That's why I didn't go all the way down when the first wooden step cracked when I stepped on it.

However, Schahaatz courageously went towards the shower. From my position, it was already impressive and wet.

As I already mentioned earlier, what goes down, must come up again. And now it's paying off after 2 years - no exercise and the kilos on your back with drinks and various small stuff (and the few on your body). Boy, am I exhausted when we finally reach the camper. What do we learn from this: Don't bring so many things for hiking 😉.

Now just the campground, shower, grab a sandwich, and off to bed. It's raining again tonight.