Home»All Photographs»2018 Hikes»The Onion 08-20-18

The Onion is one of the most scenically rewarding scrambles I have ever done! The approach boasts near-constant views, the scenery is ever-changing, you hike over a chockstone lodged in a river canyon, past an alpine hut, and on into breathtaking views of the Wapta Icefield as a climax. A light rainshower the night before also did a great job of clearing out the smoke in the air.
On the approach to Bow Hut, I noticed a younger couple descending with an older guy who's appearance seemed as if he had a lot of experience out here. I paused and asked if he was a guide. He said "Yes, I work for Yamnuska Mountain Adventures". I then asked "Are you Barry Blanchard?", and he said "I am". Wow! I introduced Myself and David, and explained to David that Barry is an icon of Canadian Mountaineering, and perhaps the most accomplished guide in Alberta. The young Boston couple certainly drew lucky straw by getting Barry. Besides summiting Everest, Denali and other such famous peaks, it's the sheer number of successful summit bids (many of them being first ascents) over several decades that spearates Barry from the average guide. We chatted for a little while, and then I got my picture taken with him...think he knew I was stoked to run into him on the trail?
Farther up, David and I forded a glacial meltwater stream and ascended past Bow Hut. The scrambling above the hut was terrific and the weather was on our side - clear views in all directions.
This summit (195th) put me in the homestretch for my approaching benchmark of 200 summits (over the past 12 years) in the Canadian Rockies!
What a great day this was - glad you were there to share it with me, David!