HIKING HUT TO HUT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

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1 HIKING HUT TO HUT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 5-12, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Being surrounded by the beauty of mountains, lakes, and wildflowers Hiking in the BC mountains at the height of wildflower season Paddling canoes for a day on a pristine wild lake Not seeing anyone else for 5 days and sleeping in cozy rustic huts in the middle of nowhere Gazing at incredibly bright stars untouched by city light pollution Swimming in crystal clear mountain lakes and drinking water that doesn't need to be filtered Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Aug 5-12, 2018 Location: Wells Gray Park, British Columbia, Canada Cost: $ Activities: Hiking Arrive: 2:00 pm at the Kamloops airport on August 5 Depart: The last day of the trip is August 12. If you are driving from Clearwater, you can leave anytime that morning. If flying from Kamloops Airport we will have you to the airport by 11am. TRIP OVERVIEW Rarely is it possible to combine hiking a wilderness that is so remote we are unlikely to see other people for the entire time, yet enjoy a warm and comfortable hut at the end of the day. But on this trip, you can have it all! If you want days full of hiking in beautiful wild Canadian mountains, experiencing all the joy of true wilderness and solitude, and love the idea of a warm place with a soft mattress to sleep at night, please join us as we spend six days roaming this remote area of lush meadows full of wildflowers, beautiful peaks, pristine lakes, and streams that are so clean you can drink directly from them. Maximum group size: 10. RATING This trip is rated as a 4 because it combines hiking in mountain terrain with a pack that will weigh pounds (you will need to carry your clothes for the trip but no camping gear) for possibly up to 8 hours on 2 days. It requires being in very good physical condition. While no paddling experience is required, previous hiking experience is strongly recommended. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced guides, including a local guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide Three nights motel lodging and four nights in huts All meals from dinner Sunday through Sunday breakfast Round trip transportation from Kamloops, BC to Clearwater Round trip transportation from Clearwater to the trailhead Excluded: Transportation to/from Kamloops, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and travel insurance.

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 AUGUST 5, SUNDAY Our trip begins at the Kamloops airport at 2 p.m. on Sunday or at 5 p.m. at our lodging in Clearwater, British Columbia. After introducing ourselves and starting (or continuing) to get to know each other, we'll go out for a welcome dinner. DAY 2 AUGUST 6, MONDAY Today we'll go for a paddle on Clearwater Lake, one of the most pristine bodies of water in the world. We'll visit Dawson Waterfall on our way to the Lake, one of the many waterfalls that the park is known for. At the lake we'll start with some instructions in paddling and then set off for a paddle. We'll stop for lunch and if you're so inclined, you can dip your drinking water directly from the lake. Wildlife is abundant and we may see deer and moose as we paddle. This is a huge lake and our paddle will give you a taste of what wilderness paddling is all about. On the way back to our lodging, we'll visit Helmcken Falls, the largest and probably the most photographed waterfall in the park. That night after dinner we'll review the plans for the trip and make a final clothing check, tossing everything that might be nice to have but that you will be happy you left behind after the first two hours of hiking.

4 DAY 3 AUGUST 7, TUESDAY After breakfast we'll have some time to check out the small visitor center across the street before loading up the van for the hour or so drive to the trailhead. Along the way we'll learn about the ecology of the area. Stepping off the road and onto the track, we leave civilization behind as we hike through mature forests and lush meadows while gaining 1700 feet elevation. Our hike is fairly continuous, at times steep, uphill hiking. But we take our time, stopping to gaze at the view, pick blueberries and huckleberries, or relax in the sun. Our destination today is Trophy Mountain Chalet at 7000 ft, and it will take 2.5 to 3.5 hours to get there. After settling-in to the hut we may have time for another shorter (and optional) hike to see more of the area. About 7pm we'll enjoy the first of many delicious and hearty dinners, such as curry chicken, rice, steamed broccoli and salad. That night we can go outside and see a sky more filled with stars than many of us have ever seen. The stillness of the night is broken only by occasional night sounds and the peacefulness of the mountain night gradually soaks in. DAY 4 AUGUST 8, WEDNESDAY Today is a layover day, meaning no packing up and carrying only what we need for the day in our packs. After a hearty breakfast we will set out on a longer day hike, possibly climbing two or three peaks, walking along open ridges, and, for the brave and the foolish, maybe even taking a refreshing dip in the numerous alpine lakes. We return to our hut for another relaxing evening of laughing, talking, eating, and hot drinks and popcorn. DAY 5 AUGUST 9, THURSDAY Leaving the hut after breakfast, we hike about 7 miles through alpine meadows, dropping down to the Valley of the Lakes for a lunch break and perhaps another a refreshing dip in a crystal clear lake, before crossing Eagle Pass at 6700 ft. The 6 to 8-hour hike includes crossing a field of boulders and some steep up and downhill trail. While 7 miles doesn't sound far, the terrain is guaranteed to make it seem further. But our destination, Discovery Cabin, makes all the effort worth it. Set in a remote and wild valley surrounded by mountains, there is even a greater feeling of being in the middle of nowhere.

5 DAY 6 AUGUST 10, FRIDAY We are delighted to have our second layover day; a leisurely breakfast being much appreciated after the length of yesterday's hike. Our option today is hiking into remote lakes and to the top of Table Mountain. Or you might choose just to stay at the cabin and relax, it is such a beautiful setting and a lovely place to hang out. And after all, this is your vacation! More exercise, more rest- whichever you need more, you can choose it. DAY 7 AUGUST 11, SATURDAY Our final hiking day includes travel off-trail down a ridge of Table Mountain, with spectacular views of Moul Lake and the Phillip Lakes. We descend into the forest and follow a steep downhill trail for our final 3- hour hike back to the van. The entire hike will take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours and although largely downhill, will leave everyone feeling accomplished. In late afternoon we return to our lodging in Clearwater and revel in the feeling of hot showers. With clean bodies and clothes, we rejoin the group for our farewell dinner. DAY 8 AUGUST 12, SUNDAY It's hard to leave this quiet place and return to the land of cell phones and noise, but at least we are relaxed, refreshed, and, hopefully, recharged. If you drove on your own you are welcome to leave anytime this morning. If you flew into Kamloops, we'll have you back to the airport by 11 a.m.

6 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE The closest airport to Clearwater is Kamloops (YAK). o AGC will organize a group transfer from the Kamloops airport on the first day of the trip (8/7) to Clearwater once airline schedules and travel plans are known. You can fly into Vancouver, Seattle, Edmonton or Calgary, rent a car and drive to Clearwater. Driving distances are below: o Vancouver via the Coquihalia Highway (#5) is approximately 5.5 hours. o From Seattle, Edmonton or Calgary it's approximately 8 hours. Bus: Greyhound Bus Lines provides service to Clearwater, with two departures daily from Vancouver. o The trip is about 7 hours, and costs about $190 round-trip. o For schedule information, contact Greyhound at or check the web site If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS We'll spend the first two nights and the last night in a basic and clean motel. In between we'll spend four nights in two different rustic huts. The huts are comfortable, well heated, fully equipped, and we will have each hut all to ourselves. Both are two stories with the lower story for cooking and eating, and the second story for sleeping. The first hut has individual sleeping compartments; the second hut has mattresses in a loft. There is no running water or indoor plumbing; there are composting toilets and a room for washing yourself off. Please note: Food options at the huts are limited (since all the food is packed in) and women with specific dietary preferences or issues may need to supplement their food. WEATHER August is usually the sunniest month with clear blue skies and temperatures are generally between 71F- 77F during the day. It gets cooler at night with temps in the mid 50's. Elevation can also affect the temperature slightly. Winds are light in the summer but there may be a chance for a thunderstorm. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

7 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair mid-weight/mid-height hiking boots. 3 pair hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1 pair comfortable, lightweight, synthetic long pants for hiking/bug protection 2 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 pair comfortable lightweight tank top or t-shirt and shorts/pants to wear around the hut at night (can be your long underwear) 1 pair of shorts or ¾ pants to wear on canoeing day and in huts (which can be quite warm) 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking/sun/bug protection - button up front is the best 1 pair midweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent 1 medium-weight fleece/down jacket or pullover 1 wide-brimmed or baseball style cap for protection from sun/rain 1 rain jacket and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex 1 warm/lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 pair lightweight wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves Underwear and nightwear (long underwear can double as your nightwear) 1 set casual clothing for time in Clearwater EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 day pack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) 1 pack cover to waterproof your backpack 1 sleep sack (silk/cotton), sleeping bag liner or sheet (optional pillowcase) The capacity to carry 1 liters of water, either 1water bottle or a hydration system Trekking poles (Required) Passport and photocopy of your passport Sunglasses (100% UV blocking) with retention strap Earplugs (for a good night s sleep) Headlamp and extra batteries 2 bandannas 1 small pack towel 1 head net TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Insect repellent (high concentration of DEET is the only repellent found to be effective) Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide OPTIONAL short gaiters your favorite snacks compact binoculars camera water shoes for swimming/canoeing day swimsuit for canoeing day and lakes during trek plastic container for lunch sandwich/salad journal/pen AT THE HUT: There are also crocs/sandals in huts for individual use. The huts are well stocked with games, books and things to do, so bringing your own games/reading material isn't essential.

8 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort for this trip/trek. The trekking part of your trip covers 5 days and on several of those days, you will be carrying all of your clothing/equipment for the five days in your backpack. For this reason, you want to pay close attention to the packing list. Add items at your discretion but remember you will be much happier the lighter weight you are able to be. You can plan on leaving any extra clothing/luggage at the original trip hotel to await your return from the trek. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between liters ( cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. Active wear should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Lightweight long-sleeved button down shirt and long pants are good protection from mosquitoes and flies. Note: Cotton fabrics are not suitable for active wear, but are ok for use in the huts. Shorts/lightweight pants and tank top/short sleeved shirt are all suitable for hut wear. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. During the hut-tohut hiking trip we are in a pristine wilderness area and obtain water directly from designated springs. We also carry a water purification filter for those who feel more comfortable drinking filtered water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions:

9 International Travel Requirements: Please note that a valid passport is needed to travel to Ireland. There are no visas or other requirements for Canada. For information on how to obtain a passport or renew your current passport please visit: ask your travel agent, or call the Passport Office at Allow at least 6 weeks Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Sleeping covers and optional pillowcases: Bring a sleep sack, sleeping bag liner, or sheet. Each bunk comes with a pillow and blankets or comforter. The pillows provided in the huts do have pillow cases but these are not laundered after each use. If this could be a problem for you, consider also bringing a pillowcase or using one of your t-shirts as a pillow covering. Head net: Depending on the year, mosquitoes and/or black flies may be prolific. Reducing skin exposure with lightcolored long sleeves, long pants, and a hat and/or head net is the best protection from bites. As for insect repellant, most women have found only high concentration of DEET insect repellant to be effective. Optional list: Shorts or ¾ pants are optional, although many women prefer to wear them in the huts, which tend to be warm, and on the canoeing day. Swimsuits and water shoes are also optional for the canoeing day and in lakes during the hut trip.