The campground sits in a bowl surrounded by peaks 8500 to 9500 ft with glaciers adorning the high-altitude flanks of many of them.  We didn’t climb a peak today but we did hike Glacier Crest, the ridge formed between the Vaux and the Illecillewaet glaciers.  Total, 3 1/2 miles each way with 2700 feet elevation change.

We wake to overcast skies and by the time we finish breakfast it is raining.  Rats.  We wait it out and as the temperature comes up just a few degrees the rain stops.  We are off.  Things start pretty easy as we head back along the river and cross the milky glacier silt laden stream.  A few steps beyond the bridge our trail branches off and climb begins in earnest.  First it is long steep switchbacks one after another.  Just when we think that is tough it devolves into an even steeper rocky sheep trail that seems to go on forever.  Humidity is high in the dense pine forest and the climb is exhausting.  We make a few stops to rest and to check out the wildflowers and the mountain views.  There are spots of blue sky and brilliant sunlight on the mountain snow caps.  Our journey ends in the boulder field near the top of the ridge where we find a perfect spot to relax and take in the view.  A pica pokes its head out from among the boulders for just a moment.  They are even cuter than marmots.   Today is a good day! 

Gotta go back down.  The steep grade pounds the knees and loose, uneven rock, and a bit of mud from the earlier rain, threaten to twist ankles.  We are home relaxing with the sun on our faces and the Illecillewaet River dancing at our feet.  Today is indeed good.