May 15, 2020 - Rainy Summit via Powderface Ridge Trail, Elbow, Kananaskis

May 15 is a big day for those of us who love hiking in Kananaskis, as it is the day that several winter gates open for the first time since last December.  We were both excited to get out early and enjoy one of the newly accessible trails.  We left the house at 7:00, and rounded the corner before the Elbow Falls winter gate.  Initially my heart sank as I saw that the gate was not opened yet.  As we got closer we realized the highway guy was right there about to unlock and open it.  As we passed him we rolled down the window and thanked him for making our day.  Between there and the Powderface Ridge trailhead we must have stopped or slowed down for at least a half dozen groups of deer.  The look on their faces seemed to indicate that they were not as excited as we were that the gates were now open!

First Ones To The Trailhead!

We were not sure what condition the trails would be in with the recent weather, but we were prepared for mud, ice, and snow - or so we thought...  The lower half of the trail was perfect - dry with no snow or ice.  As we climbed to higher elevations we started to run into snowy patches that grew bigger and deeper as we progressed.  It was difficult to stay on the trail as there was no visible sign of it once we got into the deeper snow.  This made for very slow going and for a huge energy output.  The toughest part was the crusty snow with slushy wet snow beneath, so that if you broke through on a given step you could be as much as waste deep.  The other unsettling bit was when we were off the trail bushwhacking between trees, the snow had drifted into very high piles.  We were walking on snow right beside trees, but 5-10 feet above the bottom of the tree well.  Thinking about it now it is surprising that we didn't break a leg in the crusty snow (especially on the way back down), or break our neck by slipping into one of those tree wells.

Uphill Slogging

Despite all of this, after much slogging, and a little bit of cursing, we made it to the col below Rainy Summit.  At this point the snow was very shallow and patchy, and we were able to easily make it up the last bit to the summit, where we had a little rest and a snack.  The views over to Forgetmenot Ridge and further to Mount Glasgow, Cornwall, Outlaw, Banded Peak, and the others was spectacular in the morning light.

Panoramic Summit Shot -  Forgetmenot On Very Left

Rested And Re-Energized For The Trip Back Down

We ran into a couple of guys with snow shoes on our way down.  We complimented them on truly being prepared for the hike, and apologized if they were following our somewhat random route to the top.  Between our hard work, and them being well equipped for the hike, the rest of the people to follow us up yesterday would have had a much easier time.  It was our good deed for the day. 😃

Bird Watch - We saw a ruffed grouse fly up from the trail onto a tree right above it.  It is one of the first times I've seen a grouse more than 2 feet off the ground!!

May 13, 2020 - Prairie View Trail/Barrier Lake Lookout/Jewel Pass, Kananaskis Valley, Kananaskis

Today we met up with an old friend from Fort McMurray days and her hiking partner for what turned out to be a great hike.  We decided to go to the fire lookout at Barrier Lake, but ended up making it a loop via Jewel Pass instead of the usual out-and-back that most people including us have done.
We met at the Barrier Lake parking area just after 9:00 and headed out right away.  The weather was gorgeous today - sunny, cool (4-14 C) and only a light breeze at times.  The trail was in decent shape early, but I would have been a little reluctant to do it later in the day once the mud and ice started to melt.  MicroSpikes were an essential at the higher elevations, although we were able to comfortably start and finish without them.

View Across Barrier Lake To  Mount Baldy

First Viewpoint (MicroSpikes not on yet)

We stopped for a snack at the lookout and were fortunate enough to have a chat with the lookout himself.  He was a very friendly gentleman from Toronto who has only been on duty for a couple weeks now, and will be there until this fall.  He kindly answered all of our questions and shared a lot of interesting information.
As mentioned above, instead of doing the traditional out-and-back we descended via Jewel Pass and the back side of Barrier Lake.  I truly enjoyed it for several reasons.  The trail was a very pleasant and beautiful forest trail.  I always find comfort when surrounded by the trees, and love the sweet smells that catch your attention from time to time.  The streams and bridges also added to a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.  In addition, Amanda and I always seem to prefer the loops to the out-and-backs.

Trail Fork For Descent Via Jewel Pass

Bridge Crossing Selfie

Final Stretch - Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy In Background (MicroSpikes Off )

It was a beautiful day all around.  We enjoyed the hike, we enjoyed the trail, we enjoyed the weather, and most importantly we enjoyed the company.  Thank you Maryse and Carl for asking to tag along!!  It was so nice to catch up with Maryse, and we really enjoyed meeting and getting to know Carl.  Look forward to our next mini adventure together!!

Bird Watch - I heard lots today, but was enjoying the conversations so much that I couldn't be bothered to pay them any attention. 😊

Photo Credits - Somehow my phone died between the car and the point when I went to take my first picture.  Thank you Maryse and Carl for sharing all of yours!

May 2, 2020 - Quarantine Update

It's been over a month since I have updated the blog.  During that time we have been keeping our distance from the rest of the world, but have managed to stay busy and entertained.  The boys have done a great job accepting the current situation, and have done their part in keeping isolated.  Thankfully that has not stopped them from having fun.
One day they convinced me it would be fun if I towed them up the driveway on their skis.  While maybe not the wisest parenting decision, it ended up being a great afternoon, and something they'll likely remember for a long time.

The boys also spent a lot of time in the yard and on the side of Highway 66 building jumps and skiing.  I am so happy that they have been able to be outside and stay active while quarantining.

As the snow started to melt we started doing more projects around the house.  Amanda comes up with the good ideas, I do the cutting and nailing/gluing, and she does the painting/staining and finishing.  With the exception of one very close call with the table saw which saw me lose half a finger nail and a chunk of flesh, we ended up with some pretty good results.

Ty painted and hung this mountain bluebird house

Despite all of the above, I was really starting to miss getting out onto the trails.  Fortunately the government relaxed some of the restrictions and the provincial parks were opened on May 1.


May 1 - Corri Robb Trail to Vents Ridge, Elbow, Kananaskis

We drove to the Elbow Falls gate (which should open on May 15) and walked down to the Powderface Creek trailhead.  THe first section of the trail was mostly snow covered and icy.  Our cleats came in very handy.

Icy Trail Down Low

At about 1.3 km we turned off the trail to the right and started heading up to the ridge.

Micro-Break Selfie

Powderface Creek Valley

 Below Vents Ridge Summit

At this point the trails were dry and snow-free.  After a bit of a climb we got to the top and stopped for a quick snack.

Summit Shot

After our break we decided to descend via the east ridge.  It was mostly pathless (or we couldn't find the path) until we were about halfway down.  The path brought us back out to the road.  Despite not seeing anybody on the trail there were at least 35 cars parked at the gate by the time we got back.  I suspect these people were either cycling beyond the gate, or hiking up Prairie Mountain, which is probably one of Calgary's favourite hikes.
It felt amazing to be back out on the trails.  I am so happy that the park restrictions have been lifted.  I know that it helped my personal mental health, and the mental health of all of the other people accessing nature in Kananaskis.


May 2 - Sulphur Springs Trail and Riverview Trail, Elbow, Kananaskis

We were so excited about the park being open again that we decided to go out again the next day.  We chose Sulphur Springs Trail, which is a good spring tune-up walk.  We parked at Paddy's Flats access, crossed the road and started on the trail heading east.  Despite there not being so many views Sulphur springs is a pleasant rolling walk through the woods.  Again our cleats came in very handy.  The trail was intermittently snowy, icy, wet, and dry.

Moose Mountain Access Road Selfie

After descending parallel to the Moose Mountain access road, we crossed Highway 66 and picked up Riverview Trail.  There were many beautiful views from the riverbank as we finished the last few kilometres.

River View 1 

River View 2

River View Selfie

It goes without saying that we are so happy that access to Kananaskis has been restored.  I feel like it is so important for everybody to be able to be in nature, for the sake of health and well-being.  I hope everybody who might be reading this are all doing well and being safe, and are able to access the outdoors wherever you are at.

Thanks for reading!!