Lillian Lake | Spray Valley Provincial Park

[@BackpackingWithJason]

That’s some really beautiful scenery. Especially with the snow and mountains. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially in that kind of weather. I bet that moonlight hike was beautiful

[@BACKPACKERish]

It really was pretty! I don’t regret it for a second!

[@ervinslens]

My friend you nailed it with this video! Absolutely stunning!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thank You! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I had some pretty stellar scenery to work with.

[@tylernblaney]

You made the right call Nathan. As said earlier, it happens to all of us at some point. Good for you for trusting your instinct. 🙌🏼

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks Tyler, I was really looking forward to breakfast on the lake...I'll be back up there and better prepared next time. We missed our "after thanksgiving beer" plans! We'll have to connect soon.

[@markrico1917]

You're a walking demonstration of how to drop your ego and make the right call even if it's frustrating. Good on ya!

[@BACKPACKERish]

HA! I'm gonna chose to take that as a compliment. Thanks Mark!

[@Antonio.V.G]

Don't feel bad, it happens to all of us. The wilderness is all about learning and growing with experiences along the way.

[@BACKPACKERish]

100% Antonio! I feel like I learn more when I make these mistakes, and then just get more motivated to get out again!

[@CollinLG]

Thanks for the video. I like that you’re from Calgary area. I have been to Lillian Lake in the summer. Might have to head out there for a winter camp too!! Sucks about the return to the car.

[@BACKPACKERish]

This was the first time I had been there. Very cool spot and I’ll be back for sure! I’m sure we’ll cross paths out there soon enough. lol!

[@CollinLG]

Yea that would be neat to cross paths!!

[@bobellamy7120]

Beauty views.. what no fire.. 😮

[@BACKPACKERish]

I know...I decided not to because I didn't want to shovel it all out and trudge through without my snowshoes to get wood. They also restrict you from cutting down trees in the park and there was zero standing deadwood in the area.

[@kimchioutdoors6243]

good call, better safe than sorry. we all made mistakes and learned from it especially in the winter lol.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I've never regretted making a cautionary decision. I'm glad it's early in this winter and I have lots more chances to beat it!

[@Yesitsyummy]

you'll get em next time!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks, it’s a loooong winter so I’ll have lots of chances I hope!

[@kvpc11]

If you have the ability to make a fire, make a fire. Good call on deciding to call it, some people just tough it out for no other reason than their ego.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I know right?! Fire is never not a great idea.

[@kvpc11]

@@BACKPACKERish Agreed! It also makes for such a great winter experience instead of having to crawl into bed at 5pm just stay alive ha

[@NordenzurZukunft]

Were you not able to boil water? I can only imagine how that water bottle would sap all of the heat from your bag. I've yet to take my gear out this winter (in Alaska) but I'm pretty nervous myself! Everything you take for granted in summer doesn't work quite the same in winter. Thanks for the video! Edit: no need for snowshoes at all? I have a pair that I planned to bring unless I knew for sure the trails were well packed.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Winter is a different game for sure! I boiled water for dinner before my water completely froze, but I didn't bring a large enough pot or enough fuel to melt snow without a fire. New Rule: always have a fire.... I left my snowshoes in the car on this one because the trail was in such good shape. I should have brought them with me though, because the campground and beyond were snowed in much deeper. If I had brought them up I probably would have found wood and been fine with a fire for the night...yet another lesson learned. lol

[@lindakaubehodgson]

What month is this? Did you reserve to stay the night? I stayed in July for 2 nights.

[@BACKPACKERish]

This was in November last year…probably a little late for what I had planned lol! It must have been beautiful in July!!!!