HeatherWe probably wouldn’t have appreciated the chair so much if the weather had been picture perfect leading to that moment. What made the red chair in Auyuittuq National Park so memorable was all the work leading up to the moment of finding it.
The trip to Baffin Island had been many years in the planning. Ayakshak Pass in Auyuittuq National Park is a bucket list type of hike. The pass separates two valleys with enormous mountains looming over your every step. We spent 12 days traversing the pass and the red chair experience is one of our most memorable.
We were so happy to be on this hike!
The day before we got to the red chair in Auyuittuq
Despite the overcast day, we noted that we were coming to the end of the Owl valley. We knew that tomorrow would be the day to make the final crossing of the Owl River and say goodbye to this valley. Glacier cabin is tucked at the end of the valley and was a logical destination for the day. We were both excited to get out of the rain and wind and figured we would camp nearby and use the shelter to cook.
Imagine our disappointment when we discovered that there was a raging creek flowing underneath the cabin! The outhouse was located across a different raging creek that looked too swift, and cold to cross. Matt went to scout a place to put the tent but was met with boggy, mosquito-infested swamps. Our choice was simple; sleep in the cabin with the threat that it might be swept away from the river, or go back about two kilometres to the last acceptable campsite we had seen.
We were told that there were mountains in those clouds - but this was our view for the first few days
In silence, we hiked back to a flat spot overlooking the river. It didn’t take us long to set up the tent and make sure it was securely attached to the tundra. I finished setting up the gear inside the tent while Matt started a pot of water for tea. We found a spot to hide from the wind and let the tea warm our fingers and bodies. We didn’t need to speak of our disappointment in the weather, the lack of visibility and having to hike backwards. It hung in the air like the mosquitoes that were trying to land in the wind.
This small indent in the hill created enough of a wind break for us to enjoy our tea.
And then the mosquitoes started to bite. The wind had died.
I stood up to stretch and zip up my jacket so the bugs couldn’t bite and in doing so I turned to look the other way.
“Matt!” I said, “Turn around!”
The clouds had lifted and there was Mt. Asgard looming over the moraine we were going to climb tomorrow. I have a memory of a heavenly choir descending from the sky, but that was likely just in my head.
That’s when we noticed it. Something red on top of the Moraine. We figured it must be the emergency stash of gear the park leaves near dangerous river crossings.
Our campsite on the tundra
The mosquitoes chased us into our tent after dinner - but our mood had noticeably changed. Hot food, a great view and being out of the wind does wonders for the soul!
Red Chair Day
We were delighted to awake to high clouds and some sun. The river level was noticeably lower and Mt. Asgard was easy to see. After a hearty breakfast, we headed down to the creek and chose our route through the glacier cold water. For this crossing, I opted for the underwear, gaiters and no socks in my hiking boots option - it was a look to behold! The crossing was one of the easiest we had and before long we were standing on the other side of the river getting dressed and drying off.
We started to climb the moraine and used the red thing to help us in our route finding. It didn’t take us long to gain elevation and as we got closer to the red we noted that it was not an emergency stash, but a Parks Canada 150 Adirondack chair!
Looking back down the Owl River Valley
Parks Canada placed these all over Canadian parks as a part of Canada’s 150 birthday celebration. I am sure that most of the other chairs required fewer logistics to place than this one! Regardless of how they got it there, we were sure happy to find it.
The red of the chair against the contrast of the grey was perfect. It was a splash of colour to brighten our day. The view sitting in the chair was also awesome - staring at Mt Asgard and soaking in the heat of the sun.
Matt enjoying the break
Heather's turn!
Other Parks Canada chairs we have seen have been nothing more than a passing splash of colour in beautiful locations. But the Auyuittuq Red Chair was more than that.
It was a reminder that the best things in life are worth working for.
Want to know more about the Parks Canada Chairs? Head over to their website, or check out #sharethechair on twitter.
We would love to hear about your Parks Canada Red Chair experiences. Share them in the comments below!
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