Day 1:

I took Callum, recently turned 13, on his first proper backpacking trip. The weather forecast for the Rockwall was mixed but warm enough to proceed. Erin & Clara dropped us off at the Numa Creek trailhead Tuesday around 11 am and we made very short time in warm, humid conditions to the campground. We were the first people there, set up our tent, and had some lunch. Shortly thereafter, and just after some other groups arrived, the skies opened up with hail and a downpour. Fortunately it was only an hour or so, and we went on to have a nice relaxing evening by the stream. 

Numa Creek

Day 2:  

The discussion with some of the other hikers was we should all be on the trail quite early in order to be up and over the pass to Floe Lake around noon and before more thunderstorms erupted. It had rained all night, but there was no precipitation as we packed up in the 06:00 hour. Even after a hot breakfast, we were on the trail hiking by 08:00. It was warm enough, but very wet through the undergrowth on the forest bottom, and the humidity made the air heavy and sticky. This day was a 800m elevation gain to Numa Pass. It turned out to be the nicest weather of the trip, and once over the pass we took the time to empty our packs and dry out all our gear while having lunch. It was not long before we had the tent set up at Floe Lake and we explored the shoreline a bit. Callum skipped rocks while I walked down to the outpost cabin. Our friends from Numa Creek arrived just in time as the skies opened up at 2:30. We were essentially locked in our tent until morning, with the exception of a brief exit for dinner which was eaten huddled under a few large trees. 

Floe Lake

Day 3:

The morning started drizzly, and eventually started clearing as the wind picked up. This was a beautiful moment, as gusts swirled the low clouds around the impressive backdrop of Floe Lake. We enjoyed this moment and didn't start down the trail until 10:00. Even so, we bested a 15'/km pace and met Erin and Clara near the trailhead around 12:45. The hiking was easy through the open burn and we enjoyed both the visibility of the trail and the numerous ripe berries along the way. Despite the challenges, Callum thought the trip was amazing and I was so happy to share this experience with him.

Floe Lake