On Sunday, Robin, Lily, Robbie and I decided to go hiking. We originally planned on Forget-Me-Not ridge, but after reading about crossing a river and possibly getting wet, we opted for the Barrier Lake Lookout (also known as Prairie View Lookout). We all gathered into one car and headed west.
Once we started hiking, we realized how warm it was for a hike! We were prepared for cold, windy weather but instead it was sunny and quite warm. The incline for the hike wasn’t too steep and we made a gradual ascent for almost two hours before reaching the first lookout. The view was gorgeous! For (fairly) little effort, what an amazing place to be. We sat and ate lunch before making our way back down. We decided to head back down from the first lookout instead of proceeding to the fire lookout. I guess we just wanted to keep it super leisurely. The good thing about this hike is that it seems very doable in the winter, so I anticipate a return trip… at which point, yes, we will make it to the summit!
This hike brought back some memories for me. It was in 2009 or 2010 when I joined my first Meetup group, and I ended up doing this same hike. It was the first meetup I had attended. The difference back then is that I knew no one and hiked in a group of 30 people, which including some interesting characters. Even though I’m surrounded by great people, it reminded me that I miss meeting new people, as I find myself not doing that very often anymore. Maybe it’s time to resume the Meetup outings once again…
Stats:
Start: 12:15 pm
End: 3:30 pm
Distance: ~ 10 km return
Elevation: ~ 470 metres
So on Sunday, a few of us headed out to Bragg Creek to hike Nihahi. As we drove, we noticed that there is so much snow in the mountains! A huge part of me is bummed that summer hiking is over; however, I’m super pumped for getting out just as much this winter. Traditionally, I’ve been low-key during the winter, but this year, I’m hoping for lots of winter walks, snowshoeing, nordic skiing and snowboarding. The 8 months with fly by in no time!
After months of being closed, part of the Highwood finally opened up! The flood had really damaged the area, and a quick google search online will show the destruction that occurred. I thought that the Highwood would be closed for the rest of the season, but nope! So when Jess asked if I wanted to go hiking on Sunday (which, of course, I did), I knew the Highwood would be an awesome area to go. With the larches turning colour, it was going to be beautiful. After considering a few choices (Pocaterra Ridge, Wasootch Peak), I suggested hiking to Grizzly Col at the Pocaterra Cirque.
As expected, Pocaterra Cirque was so pretty, especially with all of the golden larches covered by snow. I really love this area, and as long as I’m in Calgary, I will make it a point to hike in the Highwood at least once each fall. After taking photos and stopping to eat lunch, we pressed onward. Mount Tyrwhitt and the rock arch loomed in front. We would not be ascending this mountain, but heading to the pass overlooking the continental divide. Grizzly Col (which I believe is the mountain to the left of the pass) looked quite snow-covered, so the plan was to assess that climb once we arrived at the pass. But as we ascended, the wind became fierce and at times was so strong that it stopped us in our tracks. Thank goodness I was prepared with my winter gear- ‘crampons’, gaiters, my alpine jacket, a hat and gloves. We weren’t all as prepared, and the wind was a bit concerning. In addition, the clouds were dark. Fearing a storm and potential white-out conditions, we opted to head back shortly before reaching the pass. Safety first!… (which is a motto I repeated throughout the weekend after the cougar incident). Like I mentioned, there will always be next time.
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 