Hiked into Pinto Lake one (of many times) with a plan to raft out the Cline to the lake.
Was in the water 12 hours, but the raft tore up just before the steep walled canyon (good thing ?). Had hypothermia, spent hours drying out gear. Hike out to the trail head near D.T. Resort.
At the trail head, several outfitters asked how I got past the Grizz, that had been feeding on one of their dead horses ! They had been trying to get into Pinto Lake for a few days & the Grizz wouldn't let them by !
I had a "meeting" with this Grizz a couple times before. Judged to be one of the biggest in the area/Rockies.
First time while camping at Pinto Lake. Bugger woke me in my tent at night. (long bloody night !)
Next time was hiking into the lake via Banff Park in Sun Set Pass (I think I have the names right ?) as a day hike. He came across the willows/buck brush, stoped at a log & gave it a swat...looked for bugs for a bit , then moved on. I waited for a bit, then went to the log. I couldn't move it by hand !
That was in the mid 80s, so he is likely long gone. But if you ever get the chance to hike in via Banff Park, end up at the D.T. resort, it will be a trip you'll never forget !
Of all the hikes I've done, it is one that will for all my life stick in my mind....
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