Pine Marten in the Privy? Backcountry at Ripple Ridge

Ripple Ridge Hut in Kootenay Pass at 6,400 ft. Bottomless Powder

As I headed out to the loo our first backcountry night, Susan said, "Watch out for the Pine Marten." Pine Marten?" I asked. "Yes," he said. A while ago at Mt. Waddington in the Coastal Mountains, a backcountry skier left his buddies in their cabin to visit the loo. Not long after, his friends heard ungodly screams coming from the privy. They ran out as their friend was hobbling towards the cabin, his pants down and a Pine Marten gripped tightly to his backside." Dear Lord, I thought.

The guy's buddies somehow released the marten, performed first aid and called for rescue. The fellow was air lifted out by Medevac. I bet he carried his own chamber pot after that episode.

                  Pine Marten

   The loo at Ripple Ridge Hut

       Bob with our pots, pans and mattresses 

        Ripple Ridge Hut

Max decorated my morning porridge with goji berries, raisens and apple slices (ears). 

Can you see the animal's face?

       Winter Wonderland

   Kai, Susan, Alan and Max

  Scouting around on snowshoes

  More than two metres deep

          At Whitewater Ski Resort January 14

         Bob, Susan and me at Whitewater

We're back in Nelson now but could have stayed gladly in the backcountry a few more days. It was so beautiful and such a precious experience. Susan booked the cabin online last July. It's fully booked from November to April. Melted snow is the water source and because there is no river nearby overnighters visit only in the winter.

                       See you again soon!