trip reports – The Average Adventurer

Northover Ridge: Exposure, Lakes, and Wildflowers

May 20, 2020Bre Mirynech

Northover Ridge is a 36 km loop located in the Kananaskis Region in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park along the Continental Divide. With roughly 1500m of elevation gain, it takes you through amazing terrain, several beautiful lakes, high up on a stunning ridge traverse, and starting/ending your trip at the wonderful Upper Kananaskis Lake. I am grateful to be able to say that I’ve done quite a few backpacking trips here at home in Canadian Rockies, but this was one that had remained on my list for the past few years. I had heard about its beauty, its intensity, and its spicy ridge traverse. It intrigued me and caught my interest because of these things but for some reason, either campground bookings or timing with days off with friends, it just never happened.

Five Hikes on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, You Don’t Want to Miss

March 27, 2019March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Somehow my travels landed me here in Australia for the past couple of months. I say somehow because if I’m being honest, in my life plan this was definitely a surprise. I never thought I’d travel to Australia as it was never particularly high on my bucket list. However, having an Australian partner and traveling together since October landed me here: The Sunshine Coast.

I’d like to note that I have nothing against Australia, in fact I’ve completely fallen in love with it. When I previously thought of my top places to travel there were just always other places that came to mind and intrigued me more. I am pleased to report that Australia has surpassed all of my expectations and I truly enjoyed it way more than I anticipated. I have ended up falling in love with this hot and beautiful country and I am feeling sad to be leaving in a weeks time. Read more →

JaPOW! The Land of Beautiful People, Gyoza, and Deep Snow

February 23, 2019March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

If you’re looking for a place where you can shred waist deep snow, eat incredible food, soak in a relaxing onsen, and end the day surrounded by the friendliest people around, then put Japan to the top of your travel wish list ASAP.

Japan hadn’t always been on my travel list, but thanks to pro snowboarders and adventure sport films bringing Japan and its high snowfalls into the spotlight, it quickly jumped to the top of my list. After seeing snowboarders carve through that fluffy, deep snow, and having many friends attest to how incredible it was, I had to experience the magic for myself. Soon enough, I was headed to Japan!

Winning the Lottery- The Wave

December 20, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Visiting the wave is like winning the lottery. But seriously, you have to win the lottery to have a chance to visit this jaw dropping, peaceful, other worldly place. Is it hard to get a spot? Yes. Is it completely worth every effort in an attempt to get a spot? A million times yes.

What is The Wave?

For those of you who are perhaps hearing about The Wave for the first time while reading this, The Wave is a very unique, sandstone rock formation located in Arizona, just over the border from Utah. It is located in an area called North Coyote Buttes, in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness. It requires a three mile hike in to access it, with no official trail. The round trip hike is six miles (ten km), plus whatever hiking you do once you are at The Wave! Read more →

The Matterhorn of the Rockies

August 8, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Standing at 3616m tall (11, 864 ft), Mount Assiniboine is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Its nickname, the Matterhorn of the Rockies, comes from its massive pyramid and horn like shape.

The first time you see this peak, a common reaction is something along the lines of “Wow”, and than of course curiosity sinks in and you wonder what that mountain is. I remember this moment clearly. Over six years ago, I decided to move to Fairmont Hot Springs in BC for the summer to work. In order to get there from Calgary, you have to drive through Banff. I stopped in Banff for a few days on my way to visit someone I knew. She took me to Sunshine Village so I could spend a beautiful spring day snowboarding. As we got off the chairlift and started down the run, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of Assiniboine. I had my “wow” moment, asked for a photo, and continued on. Read more →

The West Coast Trail

June 26, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Nearly 3 years ago to the day, I did my first ever backpacking trip. It was the start of a beautiful love affair with the simplicity of carrying everything on your back and exploring new places. It is now something I crave. I get itchy feet to pack everything I need and take off. The simplicity of having maybe two choices of clothes, no cell service, no mirror, no electronics. It is refreshing and grounds you to what really matters in life.

My first backpacking trip was The West Coast Trail. It is located on Vancouver Island in Pacific Rim National Park. It is a 75 km long trail through forests, beaches, and over bridges, cable cars, and up many ladders. Originally, it was established as a life-saving trail for surviving victims of the many shipwrecks that occurred in the area. Now, it is used for avid backpackers to hike and witness the beauty that the coast has to offer. It is known for its terrible weather, and jaw-dropping beauty. Read more →