Marvelous Mamquam Lake

On Sept. 12th we embarked upon yet another beautiful alpine adventure. We were joined by our friend Beth, for this 3-day endeavour. The first day we drove up to Diamond Head trailhead in Squamish, BC, and proceeded to hike 11-km to the Elfin Lakes campground. It was clear blue skies and the views were epic.

 Here's Beth and in the background is Elfin Lakes and a volcano called Opal Cone (the tree-covered, flat-topped mountain in the middle there).

 Frank spinning staff at the Elfin Lakes campground.

 On the second day we shed our heavy camping gear and headed off for our day-hike to Mamquam Lake.

Sorbus aka Mountain Ash.

A riverbed with Mt. Garibaldi looming up in the background.

Columnar Peak (left) and a rock formation known as the Gargoyles (right).

After about 5km we began crossing this barren volcanic landscape, and came across a small turquoise alpine lake.

Mt. Garibaldi from a different angle, revealing this massive glacier.

A bed of moss growing in the middle of the barren landscape, near a small alpine stream.

After about 9km we caught our first glimpse of Mamquam Lake.

After 11 tough kilometres we made it to Mamquam Lake. It was very scenic and refreshing to swim in. Now all we had to do was make it back another 11km, to Elfin lakes, by dark.

Mamquam Glacier.

 Curious Whiskey Jacks.

They're quite friendly.

We made it back to our tents at Elfin Lakes just as the sun was sinking below the horizon.

On the third day we hiked back down to the car, with sore feet and tired muscles. We hiked a total of 44km in 3-days, we were very satisfied and felt it was a mission well accomplished.

Cruising through Crater Lake

After escaping from the hot and dusty wonderland of Burning Man we decided to stop off at Crater Lake, Oregon to take in the natural beauty.

Phantom Ship Island.

An alpine ecosystem growing where thousands of years ago there was just a vast expanse of volcanic ash.

Whitebark Pines.

On the road again, heading north through a pumice desert.

Bizarre Burning Man

After an 18-hour car journey, which involved scenic views, sleep deprivation and getting lost twice, we arrived on the playa. Before entering Burning Man we waited for about 5 hours in this seemingly endless entrance line. Our arduous journey made us feel like we earned the wonders that were in store for us.

One of the hundreds of 'mutant vehicles' or 'art cars'. This one looks to be an angler fish.

Chelsea stares down this life-size dinosaur.

Frank and Kai checking out a rat themed art car.

'The Man'. The effigy which will be burned at the end of the event.

Playin' on the playa.

A 'fish tank', haha.

'The temple'.

When you touched the metal parts of this art piece, each would make a different sound.

The bat mobile!

The ravetastic rainbow rabbit.

Towards the end of the event more and more art installations were burnt, in keeping with the theme of 'Burning Man'.

These huge mushrooms were made of metal and so could spew flames for hours.

Saturday night, the burning of the Man!

There was so much amazing artwork.

These was made entirely out of glass.

These pieces are a great example of how modern technology is changing the art world. These are made by a 3D printer, which deposits sandstone into the shape dictated by the computer code.

This was made using a laser cutter, into which the desired shape is programmed.

Sunday night, the final night of the burn, when they burn 'the temple' and everyone bids farewell to this crazy desert wonderland.

After waiting 8 hours in the immense exodus line, we left burning man and were sent on our way home with a spectacular sunset over the long road ahead.