Backpacking to Devon Lakes via the Quartzite Gap (Part 1 of 2) - Banff's random area

My 3rd annual contest hike was simply amazing and a total success. I can now reveal where we hiked. I took the group over the Quartzite Gap on day 1, and we camped at a random location in the Siffleur Valley. The second day was a short hike, followed by an afternoon enjoying the views and the sun at lower Devon Lake. On day 3 we hiked over Pipestone pass and camped at Moose lake. The weather turned ugly on day 4, and some members were feeling sick, so we hiked out the final 16 km back to our vehicles via Fish lake and the north Molar Pass. It was snowing as we crested the pass, so those in the group who had never seen the pass in all its glory will have to go back. As expected, Chef Evan and James' meals were simply amazing. Chef Evan (co-host of the contest) has put together an amazing menu of dinners. 1) Tent peg char; wild rice and mushroom salad, Sumac Vodka beurre blanc. (fire preferred but not necessary) 2) 60oz Beef tomahawk; savory bread pudding, patty pan squash, Béarnaise sauce. (fire needed) 3) Mediterranean pasta; sundried tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives, cucumber, red onion, Feta oregano. 4) Halibut; truffle mashed potatoes, bruschetta (no fire needed) We're also joined by our good buddy James Whalley (aka Whalley Walks), whom you've seen in all my videos this summer. James also wanted to show off his cooking skills, so we've tasked him with breakfasts. 1) Bacon & avocado eggs Benedict on bannock. 2) Maple-orange pork belly with fluffy hash browns. 3) Potato bacon pancakes, topped with a fried egg. We usually only take short breaks during the day, so everyone was on their own for lunches. As expect, Geoff (aka Wandering Panda), served up some special cocktails for the occasion. Everyone contributed in their own way to make this a very special hike. A special thanks to Geoff for sharing his video footage of the hike. I combined it with mine, and I think the final result is very special. Here's a link to my CalTopo map & itinerary of this hike: https://caltopo.com/m/T759Q 0:00 Intro 1:30 Presenting the green jacket to Carlin 4:14 Start of the climb to quartz gap 5:37 The Gap 9:08 Camp 1 in the Siffleur Valley 15:20 Morning of day 2 20:42 Hiking in the Siffleur Valley 25:46 Devon Lakes 28:06 Camp 2 at lower Devon Lake #Backpacking #Banff #DevonLake