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The achingly beautiful wilderness in northern B.C. remains one of Canada's best-kept secrets

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Crossing the Chischa River in Muskwa-Kechika. Even in late June, vast pans of snow remain on the shady banks.Bruce Kirkby

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Curious caribou approach from behind to investigate the horses.Bruce Kirkby

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Wayne Sawchuk, left, tosses a cinch to his partner before heading back on the trail. Loading 20 horses took six hours on the first day, but less than two hours by the trip’s end.Bruce Kirkby

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Wayne Sawchuck sorting out tangled saddle and panniers, just minutes after finding the lost pack horse, Buddy.Bruce Kirkby

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Hobbled horses are free to graze in evening light, amid a ghost forest of burnt spruce in the Muskwa-Kechika, B.C.Bruce Kirkby

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The pack string drops toward the Chischa River in one of the only original ecosystems in all of North America.Bruce Kirkby

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The heart of the Muskwa Kechika - a big land!Bruce Kirkby

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