The maps of trails had been created for Hazelton, a small but valuable resource available to people ready to challenge themselves. However, having explored the trails myself, I was looking for a new goal to conquer.
The Blue Lakes, as beautiful as they were, depicted only a medium physical challenge. I wanted something bigger, something to test my might and determination. The only thing that could really top the long, but ample-grade trail to them was to go higher and steeper; that criteria would be filled by the large, gargantuan mountain called Roche de Boule.
There was always something majestic about the mountain that oversaw our little community. Everywhere you went, you could see Hagwilget Peak, acting as a geographical marker. Everytime I drove by it on highway 16, I would stare at it; it's vegetation, it's rocks, it's bouldering demeanor. Something deep inside me was driving me to climb it.
Unlike climbing the Gros Mourne Mountain, weather was a critical factor in this all-day excursion. There were steep talus slopes that would be very dangerous and difficult to climb under wet conditions. Finding the available time to do it was an obstacle as well; finding a day that could work around my friends and my work schedule.
Fortunately, the day we chose was just amazing; dry, sunny and just a beautiful time to climb. I won't go into detail about the climb, but rather let the pictures speak for themselves.
For a long time, I wondered why I had never seen photos of the Hazeltons from atop the peak. I uploaded them onto my public Facebook account and was pleased to see so many comments and "likes." It wasn't so much to gloat and say "Hey, look, I climbed a mountain," but to show my family and friends, "Hey, look at how quaint Hazelton is, hidden away in a beautiful landscape. We really do have something to be proud of here!" I hope people will see the photos and be inspired to climb their own mountains someday...
The Blue Lakes, as beautiful as they were, depicted only a medium physical challenge. I wanted something bigger, something to test my might and determination. The only thing that could really top the long, but ample-grade trail to them was to go higher and steeper; that criteria would be filled by the large, gargantuan mountain called Roche de Boule.
There was always something majestic about the mountain that oversaw our little community. Everywhere you went, you could see Hagwilget Peak, acting as a geographical marker. Everytime I drove by it on highway 16, I would stare at it; it's vegetation, it's rocks, it's bouldering demeanor. Something deep inside me was driving me to climb it.
Unlike climbing the Gros Mourne Mountain, weather was a critical factor in this all-day excursion. There were steep talus slopes that would be very dangerous and difficult to climb under wet conditions. Finding the available time to do it was an obstacle as well; finding a day that could work around my friends and my work schedule.
Fortunately, the day we chose was just amazing; dry, sunny and just a beautiful time to climb. I won't go into detail about the climb, but rather let the pictures speak for themselves.
For a long time, I wondered why I had never seen photos of the Hazeltons from atop the peak. I uploaded them onto my public Facebook account and was pleased to see so many comments and "likes." It wasn't so much to gloat and say "Hey, look, I climbed a mountain," but to show my family and friends, "Hey, look at how quaint Hazelton is, hidden away in a beautiful landscape. We really do have something to be proud of here!" I hope people will see the photos and be inspired to climb their own mountains someday...
Growing out of nothing: a symbol?
Difficult terrain
Quite a challenge
Almost there...
Well worth the hike
The Hazeltons
Old Hazelton
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