Athabasca Pass trail 8 days! Day 8 Moab Lake. 2023.

[@hikerrea2319]

Epic trip! Congratulations on accomplishing this historic trail and thanks for sharing your journey! Scott Glacier is amazing! I hope your back gets better and that you have many more years of backpacking in your future. I am 57 and still backpacking with a group of ladies all in our 50's. Going lighter as we age helps for sure, we take our time more now and I think I actually enjoy the trips more compared to when I was in my 20's, more deeply appreciating every moment in the backcountry. I really enjoy your videos and always look forward to watching them. Here's to more adventures!

[@marcofthetrail]

Thank you so much! Yes for sure! More adventures to come!

[@davebloggs]

Great video series nicely done. 47 hahaha you are a youngster, I just turned 60 and have no intention of stopping, you have many many years to go yet and dont forgot we dont stop hiking because we get old., we get old because we stop hiking. . my day pack gear is around 30 lbs every time i head out and my winter pack with trail tools runs around 40 to 45 lbs. I have added a new pair of large loppers this year so im not going to weigh it any more as I think the number will have more of an effect than the ability to still carry it. people often ask me why i carry so much gear and do the things i do and the answer is simple. because I still can. one day i wont be able to and will wish I had. so keep the hiking going keep the videos coming. and I have to say I think its grteat that you visit the places most dont and video it for the next generation of avid hikers, happy trails.

[@marcofthetrail]

Well thank you very much! I have cut my weight down a bunch and all that will be out right away too. Before my remaining day hiking videos come out at a slower pace. Your pack weight is admirable at 60.

[@davebloggs]

@@marcofthetrail Im ex military so have always carried weight it used to be much more when i was wayyy younger. I do try and limit things but i would rather have it with me and not need it than need it and not have it with me. I have to say though after 15 to 20 kms on a trip i often wish it was lighter, but weight is just a number its what you are able to carry that matters, and touch wood im still doing ok. I have no idea why parks is so against keeping these old trails alive it drives me nuts when its all about profit and nothing else. all it takes though is a change at the top with more forward thinking and things may change.

[@marcofthetrail]

@@davebloggs Here's hoping...

[@tysonschamehorn5931]

Awesome trip Marc! Glad the weather cooperated for you to see the glacier. I’m gonna have to do it again just for that. Looked amazing! I was waiting for you to do this one. Just the history and isolation of that trail is something in itself. Like always, thanks for sharing Marc!

[@marcofthetrail]

You're very welcome! I'm glad I did it. It was certainly a point of stress for years.

[@danbosman390]

Wow. Another amazing set of posts. Sharing the sights of the trail along with its history (which you have clearly studied at length) ... All I can say is Thank You! I have an open window this September and would really like to take a run at this hike, if the creek cooperates. A Question and A Comment: Question: Did you have any challenges with any section in regards to basic route finding? If yes, would you be able to post a waypoint or two to help the directionally challenged to navigate this route? Comment: You are a beast. A tank. A Beast-Tank. You will be hiking and backpacking until you are way older than me (and I'm the guy who's 15 years your senior ...). Thank you again for all that you do for your subscribers. D

[@marcofthetrail]

Of course I'll help you Dan. Fortunately these videos basically show any difficult section. After crossing Simon creek it goes into hills for a while then descends to the river and enters what I call the "wet" section to the patrol cabin. Then just past the patrol cabin is a little flooded area, but then you arrive at Middle Forks CG things are good. From Kane Meadows CG to the pass has some tricky sections but just keep your head up and you'll find it.

[@seanfrank4158]

Have you considered adding a Go-Pro to your camera repertoire with a chest mount or head strap in order to keep your hands free for creek crossings or more difficult terrain? Or would the added weight not be worth the hassle?

[@marcofthetrail]

I’ve considered it. For the expense and aggravation I don’t much care for the slight add in video value. Especially because I receive zero dollars for this. It’s purely a hobby I just do with my phone.

[@Bigsauce403]

You should just pay the 600 bucks and get an MRI of your spine so you know whats actually going on. If you're doing 8 day backpacks id say your back isn't that bad yet. If you start to feel it in your feet or have any nerve related issues you know you're in trouble.

[@marcofthetrail]

Good tip for sure. I didn't know you could just pay and go get one. I'll have to look into it.

[@Bigsauce403]

@@marcofthetrail If you're in Calgary they're like 600-700 bucks . Mayfair, EFW and Beam all do them. They used to be cheaper, but so many people use them now because of the ridiculous wait times . Just need a req from a doctor.