One of the reasons we have been hiking each day and greater elevation is to be ready for this hike and experience. The weather forecast was for sun and clouds in Field and it just happens that the meeting place and hike begins in Field. Meeting time is 09:30 and you complete a form that waives many legal rights. There are ten of us in the hike as two Chinese tourists were no shows at the meeting place of the Trading Post in Field beside the Trans Canada Highway.
There is a guide (Leda) originally from Russia and a geo-physicist by education formerly working in the oil industry. Our group consists of ten people; a couple from Mexico, an older couple from mid-west USA, an older lady from Alaska, two younger guys from Australia employed at the Columbia Ice Fields and an English guy wearing white Nike running shoes. We weren't sure where we started, but Leda walked us through Field and then to the start of the trail behind Field. I think we were at the trail head around 10:00? A good group of interested people in these ancient fossils and diverse hiking abilities.
What the heck is a trilobite? "Trilobites form one of the earliest-known groups of arthropods. The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all trilobite orders except the Proetids died out. Trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. The trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, roaming the oceans for over 270 million years.[6]"
To get the opportunity to see trilobite fossils in nature is quite a thrill for me. Whatever hiking effort is involved is secondary. This really proved to be a fantastic experience for both Lana and myself. Sorry, but there are many pictures with this blog. I can't help myself!
Lana took this pic from the Trading Post parking lot in Field. Incredible blue coloured clouds!
Another pic of the blue clouds hanging over Field this morning as we begin our hike.
This is our expert guide Leda at the trail head. The entire area is closed and you need a special permit to take the trail due to the trilobite beds located far up Mount Stephen. We walked over the train tracks and up behind Field to get to the trail head. Very close to where we are staying in the Mount Stephen Guesthouse. We had our RAV parked in the Trading Post parking area.
Lana walking early in the hike through the forest. Many of the trees are on an angle due to the fact that the soil is gradually slipping off the mountain. Great trail in many parts. Slippery where the tree roots cover the trail. NO snow on this trail at any time. Lana brought her newly purchased micro cleats, but they were not needed.
These are Grizzly Bear claw marks on the tree! This tree is right on our trail.
Great map on the trail of the restricted area of this part of the Burgess Shale trilobite beds. You must be on a guided tour. The red zone on the map is our hiking destination on Mount Stephen. Notice the hiking pole? Everyone on the hike has a hiking pole or was given a pole by our guide except me (Randy). I don't want a hiking pole.
These small and beautiful purple flowers are on many of the trails we hike in this part of the Rockies. They can grow in any kind of soil or rocky conditions.
On of our pictures from the actual trail. As you can see there is snow on the higher elevations. Plus, the day itself had some sunny and blue skies, but mostly overcast/cloudy. Temperatures were decent though.
Another great picture of a Rockies peak in the distance!
Not sure if this does the justice of the sun streaming between the trees and the morning condensation?
Similar picture showing the sun streaming through the trees.
There is a ray of sunshine directly on the chosen one!
No ray of sunshine on Randy!
Pic of the mountains that surround Field from the trail high above the small town. It is quite a hike from Field to the trilobite fields on Mount Stephen. Check out how far above the valley we are!
This is a trilobite fossil that Leda showed us from a special collection.
Another trilobite from another special collection provided from Burgess Shale Foundation.
A page from one of Leda's journals that provided an education for all of us in these fossils dating back over 500 million years!
This was one of our stopping points for more education from Leda and a chance for a close-up look at fossils before we actually reach the fossil beds. Plus, a good opportunity for another rest. Lots of rest stops on the ascent.
Mount Burgess in the distance.
Mount Field in the distance.
Snow covered Rockies in the distance.
Field, BC below us once we are at the Mount Stephen Trilobite beds! Check out just how far we are above where we started!
The first of many pictures of trilobites that we actually located in the trilobite fields. In this case the trilobite field is slate on the side of Mount Stephen. You can pick it up and take pictures. You are NOT allowed to take any fossils home...Perhaps, a couple of small trilobite fossils might have slipped into my pocket?
This is Leda getting the red box ready to hand out fossils after explaining what they are.
Check out the angle of the mountain slope of slippery slate rock!
Slippery when walking or standing. They are constantly giving way under your feet. You are standing on many millions of years of history!
Hey, you are outside of the designated area!
Panoramic picture of the Trilobite field by Lana.
Previous visitors have placed trilobite fossils on larger slate.
Notes from our hike/Trilobite adventure today:
- Our official rest period to get something to eat, bathroom in the trees, drink fluids was around 12 Noon
- We arrived at the Trilobite beds about 13:55 so that was close to four hours after our start
- Our Red box demo occurred around 14:40 at the trilobite field
- Left at 14:53 from the Trilobite field
- Our first group arrived shortly before 17:00 back at The Trading Post in Field
- Given there were two young Aussies, a younger Englishman and myself we were always in the lead group and called ourselves 'Group 1'
- Lana was on her own ascending in 'Group 2' as she was behind our lead group, but in front of the other hikers
- On the way down the mountain the leader finally relented and indicated that the lead group (now inclusive of Lana) could finish on our own and then disband
- Lana became an honorary member of group 1 on the descent and did very well to try and keep us with us speedsters
- The other members of group one were Tim and Ben from Australia and Chris from London, England
- once we reached the village of Field, Lana walked to our guesthouse and I went to the Trading Post with the guys to get our vehicle and purchase an A&W Root Beer pop for Lana. This was her treat/reward for finishing the challenging hike today.
Lana stats: 16,740 steps 11.62 kms
Randy's stats: 15,600 steps 9.8 kms (I walked longer)
For certain, neither of our iPhone apps are calibrated, but I can say that Lana's stats are very generous!
Another great soak in the bathtub on arrival at our apartment. Lana grilled our strip loin steaks, steamed some carrots, took out our leftover garden salad and broiled our garlic toast for our dinner reward. Problem was the grilling of the steak created so much smoke (Lana likes a nice char and crusty exterior on her steak which means a hot hot hot pan and lots of smoke!) we activated the ceiling fire alarm! Yikes - lots of noise. Opened up the windows and got the alarm to finally stop. We had a delicious dinner and some decent Syrah wine to pair with the steaks/dinner.
Lana did very well with the hiking, but is now saying "rigor mortis" has set in on her legs. Quite an elevation gain and then a long steep hike back which means our quadriceps will be suffering tomorrow! Quite a day and certain that we will both be tired.
