Mount Lipsett, The Highwood, Kananaskis - September 22, 2025

Ben was home on a week off from work, the weather conditions were almost perfect, so we decided to head out past Longview to one of our all-time favourite hikes - Mount Lipsett.  Despite having done it several times before in different combinations of people, we were still surprised at how nice a hike it is, and how much beautiful scenery it offers.

We left the house at 7:30, and were on the trail at 9:00.  The sky was clear with a few cloudy patches in the distance, the sun was shining, and the breeze was just right.  The car indicated 2 degrees Celsius as we hit the trail, and would show 18 degrees on our way back home.

Three Happy Hikers - Elk Peak And Storelk Mountain Ridges In Background

Ben Grabbing Some Photos Of Mist Mountain

As we approached the final ascent we noticed a group of six scramblers on the col between Mount Lipsett and Mist Mountain.  I knew some of the maps show a "trail" but I had never seen anybody attempting it.  It took us about five seconds to reach a consensus that none of us would ever be on that trail in this lifetime... 😱

Once we got to the Lipsett summit we hunkered down for a well-earned snack and water break.  We kept our eye on the group of six scramblers who continued to make their way from the col towards Mist summit at a steady pace. While beautiful and sunny on our summit it was pretty cool, so after about twenty minutes it was time to get going again.

Snack Time Summit Shot

Starting Our Descent

Beautiful Lipsett/Mist Valley:

The way down was quite a bit quicker, stopping only once for a bathroom break.  After lots of great discussion we were back at the car on our way back to Longview for the customary pop and chips stop at the Esso gas station.  We added one more stop at the Longview Jerky Shop and then headed home for a nice soak in the hot tub!

As mentioned above, we really enjoyed the hike and couldn't stop discussing how great a choice it was.  It was a real treat for Amanda and I to have some time with Ben, and as always he made it a special day with his insight, humour, and love of the outdoors.  We all had a great day, and had a great sleep that night!

Mount Hoffman, Sheep, Kananaskis - September 19, 2025

The original plan for today was to do Mount Lipsett, but we would make a last minute pivot to do Mount Hoffman as some work issues came up for one of us, and we needed to be back in service sooner rather than later.  This was neither a disappointment or a problem as it is one of our very favourite hikes due to the very high payout to effort ratio.  I had done this hike earlier in the year with Sol (see here), but was looking forward to summiting again without any snow on the trail this time!

Quatre Putains On The Trail!!

On The Ascent

It turned out we picked a perfect day/time to do this hike for several reasons: the weather was just perfect - sunny but cool, the trees were in the middle of their transformation to fall colours, and for a strange reason there was nobody there on the way up or down.  Usually we would expect to see several groups on this trail.  It is popular for good reason.  But today we saw only one family as we approached the parking lot on the way back and they were not planning on going up.  Fine by us - we selfishly enjoyed having it all to ourselves.

Final Approach

Sunny Summit Selfie

Goofing Around Panorama

Summit Couple #1

Summit Couple #2

After a most enjoyable hike we stopped in at the Turner Valley distillery for a yummy post-hike lunch, and then headed our separate ways, back to reality.  I really enjoyed the hike and the company, and am already looking forward to our next rendez-vous!

Mount Cornwall, Elbow, Kananaskis - August 9, 2025

I am writing this blog entry a month and a half later and I think I am still exhausted!!

In her Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 2 book, Gillean Daffern when comparing Cornwall to Glasgow, Outlaw, and Banded Peak says: "Cornwall has other attributes.  Its gloriously long summit ridge of brilliant orange scree is lined both sides with stupendous cliffs of palest grey.  And it's famous for it's snow patch that lies just below the summit and is visible from Calgary.  Rarely missing, this snow actually disappeared during the hot summer of 1994 (and 2025!), but two days of rain (snow at higher altitudes) and it was back by some quirk of topography."

This hike was one I will never forget, both because of the amazing sights and views, and also because of how much of a grind it was for me to get to the top.  As always, Sam was the ultimate hiking partner - no pressure to summit, no time constraint, and tonnes of good conversation!

Early Morning Moon Shot - Cornwall Summit Under Right Edge Of Cloud In Middle

Sam and Ben did Mount Cornwall last year in cloudy/misty conditions.  Sam suggested doing it again this year with me as they enjoyed it so much, and he thought I would love it too.  We got an early start on a beautiful morning with lots of anticipation on what the day would bring.  After a quick stop for the above photo we got to the parking lot, unloaded our bikes and were on the way.  The Mount Cornwall hike is very long.  It can be broken down into three phases - trailhead approach, mountain approach, summit ascent.  The trailhead approach is about 3.5 km from the parking lot to the actual trailhead.  This is done along Big Elbow Trail, which is more like a gravel road than anything.  We decided to bike this section as it would reduce a 27 km day of hiking down to about 20 km.  We would truly appreciate the extra effort and planning associated with the bikes on the return leg!  The mountain approach is 6.5 km of mainly dry riverbed hiking - very tough on the feet on the return leg.  The final summit ascent after biking and hiking for 10 km and ~700 m ascent is another 750 m of ascent over only 2.5 km.  I'm not usually concerned about reporting distances and elevations, but think that it is justified this time in order to try and communicate how close I was to total exhaustion. 😫

Having said all of this, the hike was truly unforgettable.  The mountain approach section was so beautiful and interesting.  If you ever do this hike and have the ability to bring a biologist and geologist, I would highly recommend it.  The mushrooms, and vegetation were so interesting and unique.  The rock formations, waterfalls, and boulder placement were even more so.  The approach was truly enjoyable and worth doing on its own without attempting the summit.

At the end of the approach section (an ideal spot for an overnight camp) we left the last waterfall behind and started the short (but very long) grind up the scree slopes to the summit.  I needed many breaks on this section to catch my breath enough to keep going.  Thank goodness Sam was there to make everything seem alright, and encourage me to keep taking short breaks.  After what seemed like a never-ending climb where my lungs were one breath away from exploding, we gained the summit ridge for the final push.  It was an amazing feeling getting to the summit cairn and we enjoyed the 360-degree views while fuelling up with some sandwich buns, fruit, and a cookie.

End Of Mountain Approach - Cornwall Summit At Back Center

JM On The Scree Slopes

Old Man On Summit Ridge:

Summit Shot - Approach Valley On Right

After a very nice break in pretty ideal conditions we packed up and headed back down.  Although the last few kilometres were tough, the conversation kept me going.  As always the subjects ranged from serious to silly.  In addition, the many waterfalls were a welcome distraction and perfect source for a splash in the face and/or cold re-hydration.

Waterfall Video #1:

Waterfall Video #2:

Waterfall Video #3:

I would be lying if I said we didn't wonder when the hike would ever end during the last few kilometres.  But despite my complaining, this hike is one I will not forget.  It challenged my physical and mental stamina, but rewarded my spirit with an all-time experience.  Thank you Sammy for this amazing day and forever memory!

Cache Lake, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario - July 25-30, 2025

The past two summers our very good friend from highschool has come to join us in Bragg Creek with some or all of his family.  We have had some wonderful visits with them, exploring our part of the country (see here, and here).  Before they left last year the Phillips family extended a very generous offer for us to come visit them in Ontario and spend some time at their family cottage on Cache Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park.  This would be a coming home of sorts for me as I had spent a week at Mike's cottage thirty-some years ago in grade 10 or 11.  My memory of that visit and the location, was one of a very special place, somewhat rustic accomodations, but extremely untouched and peaceful.

As life does, we were thrown a couple of curveballs at the last minute which would cause Amanda to head home a couple of days before me, and Mike's wife Krista and youngest son Oli to stay home in Ottawa due to a last minute surgery.  Despite missing some of the group we ended up having a truly fantastic time and are so thankful to the Phillips clan for allowing us to be a part of their slice of paradise for a few days! 😊

Day 1 - We started the day heading over to Mike and Krista's for a last-minute gear check and final pack-up.  Mike's "little" brother Steve and his wife and toddler popped in for a visit before we hit the road.  I hadn't seen Steve since he was maybe 10-years old so this was a very nice surprise.  We caught up on thirty-plus years of life in a very short amount of time, and it was really nice.  After a quick group photo we hit the road at about 13:00.

Pre-Trip Sendoff At Phillips Manor (Mandy And I Are The Two Short Ones 😂)

Amanda and I really enjoyed the three-hour drive west from Ottawa along Highway 60, going through some of the picturesque rural towns from our past - Arnprior, Renfrew, Eganville, Golden Lake, Killaloe (birthplace of the Beaver Tail!!!), and Barry's Bay.  We stopped in Wilno, Canada's first Polish settlement, for a delicious late lunch at the Wilno Tavern Restaurant.  Mandy had the pierogies, and I went all in with the Hearty Platter - one pierogie, one cabbage roll, and one polish sausage on a bed of grilled sauerkraut.  Yummy!!!!

We got to Cache Lake an hour or so later and started the process of getting our gear to the Phillips cottage.  The property is on an Island so a boat is required.  Evan made the first run on his own, dropped a load off, and came back for the rest of the gear and us three seniors.  One of the unique and best things about Algonquin park is the desire to preserve as much of the original feel of the area and so there are no boat motors larger than 5-10 HP allowed - therefore no waterskiing, wake boarding, or jet-skiing.  Mike's family has invested in a small whisper-quiet electric motor for their aluminum boat.  There is a huge canoe culture in the area and you are more likely to see people canoeing than anything else.  This makes for a very quiet and peaceful experience which you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.  We truly appreciated this philosophy, and enjoyed every minute of it.

First Night Cache Lake Boat Tour

Mike And Evan - Our Two Fantastic Guides/Hosts

Looking For A Good Fishing Hole - Mandy Caught A Nice Bass!

Cache Lake Dusk

Day 2 - The weather all week was typical hot and humid Ontario weather.  We probably jumped in the lake more than ten times a day to cool down which felt so amazing!!  Day 2 started with a delicious egg, bacon, and fruit breakfast, followed by some dock time.  I tried stand-up paddle boarding for my first time and had a blast.  After lunch we headed out by boat across the North-East corner of the lake to the Track and Tower Trail for a hike.  From the internet: This 7.7 km loop follows an old railway bed, passes waterfalls, and climbs to a breathtaking panoramic view over Cache Lake. This one’s for the serious hikers—Track and Tower Trail packs in history, waterfalls, and one of the best lookouts in the park.  We had a great time hiking up to the lookout, continuing our thirty-plus years of catching up the whole way.  Before we knew it we were at the top taking in the spectacular views!!

En-Route To The Track And Tower Trail

Bridge Over The Madawaska River

Beautiful Madawaska River Falls

View Of Cache Lake From The Lookout

Mike Preparing To Hand Out Our Essential Wine Gum Nourishment

We played a fun game of who can make a wine gum last the longest on the way down and were back at the boat in no time.  Back at the cottage we resumed our jump in the lake, talk on the dock routine, along with all of the required re-hydration and nourishment of course!  After another delicious meal we headed out for our first paddle of the trip around Big Island.  Lucky for us Evan and Mike are accomplished canoeists who could compensate for Amanda and I thrashing away with our paddles at the front of the canoes!  As with everything else here it was such a peaceful and enjoyable experience which we truly appreciated.

Mandy And Her Topless Guide 😁

Two Old Buddies Out For A Paddle

Evening Dock Picture

Day 3 - Sadly, today would be the day Amanda would head home.  We decided to have an easy morning enjoying the cottage and the lake as she would be heading out around noon.  Once we were back from dropping her off we got one of the canoes ready to head over to a neighbouring lake (Hillard Lake) for an afternoon of fishing.  Evan and I paddled over, Evan carried the canoe over the portage (thank you, Evan!!), and Mike was our trawling "motor" and my instructor for the fishing.

Getting Ready On Banks Of Hillard Lake

Two Fishermen

Trawling Motor 😂

Mike and Evan must have done a great job instructing, because I was able to reel in a beautiful "Splake" - part speckled trout, part lake trout.  What an amazing moment that I won't forget!

Catch Of The Day (We Released Him After A Couple Quick Photos)

This could have been the end of a perfect day, but Mike had another unforgettable experience planned for the evening - dinner at Bartlett Lodge.  Imagine a 5-star meal beside one of the most rustic and untouched lakes in Ontario, and you will be thinking about Bartlett Lodge.  After getting home from the fishing expedition we had a quick swim, and got cleaned up for dinner.  Mike and Evan really rolled out the red carpet, shuttling us over to the lodge by canoe in time for our reservation.  Dinner is a four-course gourmet meal including charcuterie platter, appetizer, main, and dessert.  I cannot over-exaggerate how yummy everything was, and how enjoyable the whole experience was.  Once we were done dinner, Mike and Evan toured me around the lodge, and then put me back in the canoe for another peaceful paddle back to the cottage.

What a day!!!!

Day 4 - Day 4 was going to be our canoe trip day.  After much debate, none of which I understood, Mike and Evan came up with a plan which was sure to end up in another wonderful day full of unforgettable experiences.  It would involve a number of portages, a backcountry trail hiking section, relaxing snack break by the beautiful Provoking Falls, another hiking section, a fun paddle along Head Creek back to Head Lake, and a final long final portage back to Cache Lake, passing the place where Sue and Peter Phillips (Mike's parents) met all those years ago!  As with yesterday, Evan did the bulk of the work, carrying the canoe on all of our portages today.  Thanks so much, Evan!!  If it wasn't for you Mike and I would probably still be out there!!!

Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos, only this short video clip.  I think it is a testament to how much I enjoyed the day.  Not only was it beautiful and slightly adventurous, but the conversations were so interesting and engaging that the day just got away from us!

Day 5 - After a nice relaxing evening, including an unexpected visit from Mike's cousin and some other friends from the nearby canoe camp where mike spent a number of summers as a paddle guide, today was sadly pack up and head back home.

Even so, Mike had some plans to make it just as fun as the other days.  After cleaning and buttoning up the cabins we headed back to the boat landing on the mainland to start our trek back to civilization.  I again enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery and the reminiscing about the good old days when we were kids and teenagers.  We stopped in at Odi's Kingburger Drive-In for burgers and chip-wagon-style fries.  Yummy!!  If you ever get the chance it is highly recommended!!  Next stop was back at Mike and Krista's place for a very quick unpack, shower, and visit with Krista.  With about an hour and a half left before I had to be at the airport for my return flight, Mike did not want to waste any time so we headed to Stella Luna Gelato Cafe (also highly recommended) with Evan, Oli, and Grace.  Yay!!!  After a super-delicious gelato we still had about fifteen minutes to spare, so Mike offered to stop in so I could have a quick ten minute visit with Sue and Peter.  What a great treat, and a fun way to top off the trip.  I had not seen Mike's parents in a few decades and they were exactly as I remembered them.  As mentioned in previous posts, Peter has had a huge influence on my life as he provided me and Mike with my first experience in the mountains, camping in the back country.  I will never forget that first trip to Jasper and Mount Robson, and being in the mountains for the first time.  After that it was off to the airport and back to reality for me. 😭

This was such a fun and special trip for me.  The only thing that could have made it better was if Krista, Oli, and Grace could have been with us too.  Mike and Evan - thank you so much for sharing your bit of paradise with us, and making it so unforgettable.  It was the perfect mix of fun, history, relaxation, and activity.  We couldn't have asked for kinder or more generous hosts.  Thank you!!!!!

Some Algonquin Provincial Park Facts:

• Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in Canada, established in 1893
• There are over 2,400 lakes, and 1,200 km of streams and rivers inside the park boundaries
• Algonquin Park was established in 1893, and is the oldest provincial park in Canada (132 years old!)
• The park was named a National Historic Site in 1992
• It is the only provincial park in Ontario to allow industrial logging within its borders
• The park is divided into different zones;
• Nature Reserve and Historic (5.7% of land area), Wilderness (12%), Development (4.3%) and Recreation-Utilization (78%)

Strawberry Hills, West Hwy. 40, Kananaskis - July 16, 2025

WE'RE BACK!!!!

After two years of soul-crushing and energy-sucking work, Mandy has recently retired (for now) and as a result we are able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors together again! 😊 We've done some hikes together the last couple years, including a few during our trip to France last fall (see here, here, and here), but this felt different.  This hike felt like the old days of getting out on week days to some of our favourite spots.

Yesterday we did a little tune-up walk at West Bragg - Parking Lot, Ranger Summit, Snowy Owl, Strange Brew, Elbow, Sundog Loop, Ranger Summit, back to Parking Lot.  We didn't take any pictures, but we debated taking one of the parking lot, as it was the emptiest we have ever seen it.  Only three cars on the South side, and maybe six on the North side.  What????  😳

Last night we discussed a plan to try Strawberry Hills, a hike in one of our favourite parts of Kananaskis - the Longview access.  We decided to play it by ear today.  When I woke up I headed right for the basement as I have been for the last twelve days to watch the live feed of the Tour de France.  What a stage today!!  What a stage every day!!!!  The stage finished around 9:30, and by then I pretty much thought the hike was a no-go.  Amanda was more determined than me and we were on the road 45 minutes later.  Let's go!!

We really enjoyed the drive there, down Highway 541, past Eden Valley, and into Kananaskis,  reminiscing about all the hikes we've done in that area over the years.  I don't think there is one that we haven't enjoyed.  We were on the trail by about 11:15, and the temperature was ~17 C.  We were the only ones parked on the side of the road at the trail head and were pretty confident this was a very lightly used trial that we would see no other hikers on.

Two Old Farts - Together Again! 😊

The trail stays low for a few kilometers before heading up into the hills.  This is rare for hikes around here, as most of the trail heads are at the base of the mountains and you immediately head up without any warm-up.  We enjoyed some good views along a few small lakes early on.

Junction Hill Reflection

We also got some great views before our turn-around point for the day.

Mount ArmLaren (Right), Mount Armstrong (Middle), Happy Hikers (Foreground)

The return leg went quick as always.  I enjoyed checking out all of the wildflowers and berry bushes on the walk out.  We commented that it wouldn't be that surprising to see some bears with all the yummy food around (including us 😱)!!

Blue Penstemon

Buttercup

Sheperdia (Buffaloberry) Bush

Not Sure

Indian Paintbrush

Wild Mushroom - Not Sure What Kind

Not Sure - Dr. Seuss Flowers??

Cow Parsnip

One creek crossing later we were pretty much back at the car.  I am so happy that Amanda pushed for the hike, and even happier that we got to spend the time outside, together again!! 💑

Classic Mandy Shenanigans!! 😂

Pigeon Mountain, Bow Valley, Kananaskis - July13, 2025

After not having our schedules line up since the end of May, Sam and I were able to plan an early Sunday morning hike for today.  Sam suggested Pigeon Mountain as neither of us had hiked it before.  The trailhead is accessed via the Hamlet of Dead Man's Flats, just a few minutes this side of Canmore.  After doing a bit of research we decided to make it a bike-and-hike as the first four and a half kilometers is along the Skogan Pass trail which is essentially a cutline with a well defined double-track.

We reached the trailhead at about 7:00 a.m.  The trailhead temperature was ~14 C, and the skies were mostly sunny with intermittent cloud.  Although the intent of biking the approach was to make the hiking a little easier, it is safe to say we were both gassed by the time we locked the bikes up and started hiking.  Looking back at the maps we later realized we did ~400 m of the 1,000 m total elevation on bikes.  Fortunately we would have our payback on the return leg!!

Skogan Pass Approach

Micro-Break (For My Sake)

Slightly Gassed Hikers Before Our First Steps... 😝

After locking the bikes and catching our breaths we started the ascent up to the summit.  It only took about five minutes to get above the tree line, which confirmed the elevation gained by bike.  From there on the hike was fun and spectacular.  The trail is essentially all in meadows until the last 200 m or so.  The views in every direction were some of the best - East and West up the Bow Valley, North towards Gap Peak, Exshaw and Lac Des Arcs, and South towards Mount Colembola, Mount Allan, Wind Mountain, and the three Lougheed Peaks.  We were first to the summit and enjoyed some snacks and the views on our own for around 20 minutes.

Sam With Mount Collembola And Mount Allan In The Background

View Towards Gap Peak On Summit Approach

Final Approach

Summit Selfie

As we began our descent we started to run into groups of hikers and runners on their way up.  The first couple made it to the summit just as we were leaving.  They passed us shortly after that on the way down and we started to wonder if they would beat us back to the trailhead or if we would pass them one final time on our bike descent.  The descent was just as picturesque and we would have enjoyed it as much if it weren't for a few swarms of Kamikaze flies who thought it would be fun to torment two tired hiker/bikers. 😡.

Sammy On The Descent

JM On The Descent

We did not waste any time getting on the bikes once we were back at them, and from there I was hanging on for dear life trying to keep up to Sammy.  With about 500 m left to go we passed the first trail runner couple and were able to claim First-Up/First-Down honours for the day. 😂. I am only partly joking about this - we don't care about being first or last or how long it takes, but we do truly appreciate having the trail and the summits to ourselves.  Being up first allows us to soak in those special moments on our own, and it is something we treasure so much.

What a hike!!  I highly recommend this one for the views, but i also recommend doing it as a bike-and-hike if at all possible.  As mentioned above the approach is a little tedious, and the return is so much more fun with the bikes.  Kudos to Sammy for picking another banger, and for letting me keep up!! I can't wait to see what our next outing will be!

FUN FACT #1 - The 2002 G8 summit was held in Kananaskis.  It was reported by a local outdoors person that the meadows of Pigeon Mountain were designated as a military security zone, and were patrolled  by armoured vehicles equipped with surface-to-air missiles. 😱

FUN FACT #2 - Between 1962 and 1974 the Pigeon Mountain Ski Area was created on the NW slopes of the mountain.  It proved quite popular until some lean snow years led to its demise.  Today what was the very nice ski lodge, is now the base for a slew of time-share cabins built up and down the ski hill.