November 28, 2021 - Ben's Hill (Via Loamzilla And Pistolero), Elbow, Kananaskis

If the names don't indicate that this is a mountain biking trail I don't what would... 😂

With a two-hour window available this hike seemed like a good option.  I have been meaning to try it out for a while now, and today was the right day to give it a go.  The upside: ten-minute drive from home, well-defined looping trail, good quick workout, sits beside Prairie Mountain so is pretty much neglected by everybody.  The downside: only a couple of peak-a-boo views.

Interesting Rock Band At The 2/3 Mark

The trail can be accessed in a few places, but is probably easiest at the Prairie Mountain trailhead with all of the other cars.  My original plan was to head up Loamzilla and back the same way.  Fortunately I ran into a few friendly mountain bikers at a fork in the trail.  They let me know that either way went to the top.  The fork on the right is Loamzilla, and the one on the left is Pistolero.  They recommended Pistolero, but I decided to go up Loamzilla as per my original plan, but descend via Pistolero.  The trails were a mixture of bare, icy, and snowy.  I have no idea how the bikers made it down in one piece (especially the one with no studded tires), as there were quite a few steep sections covered in glare ice.  They seemed to be having fun, though, and there were no broken bones at that point so good for them!

Peak-A-Boo View

I enjoyed this hike, and feel that it is a good one to have in your pocket when you just need a quick outdoor adventure.  As mentioned before there are limited views, but the trail is quite nice.  The summit is basically a clearing underneath Prairie Mountain summit with a decent view towards Mustang Hills and Swany's Ridge.

Trail Marker At Summit Approach

Summit Clearing With Prairie Mountain Summit In Background

Felt Like I had To Take A Selfie Due To Lack Of Scenery Shots (Apologies To The Reader!)

November 12, 2021 - Powderface Ridge (Loop), Elbow, Kananaskis

We left the house this morning at -4 C, and got to the trailhead twenty minutes later at +7.5 C.  It was overcast with intermittent spitting rain and snow, and it didn't take us long to notice that it was quite windy.  In the trees we could mostly just hear it, but in the clearings and meadows we were getting a preview of what was to come on top of the ridge.  We have done several versions of this hike over the years but this would be the first time doing it north-to-south together.  We hiked to the north end of the ridge before jumping on top, and then walked back south before descending down to the main trail, and to the trailhead.  To say it was windy on top would be an understatement!!

The trail had a fair amount of ice and compacted snow the further along we went, and having our micro-spikes made things safe and easy.  The shoulder season is always prime time for micro-spike use.  We got back down in good time, and headed back home to soak our limbs in the hot tub.  Although the weather wasn't ideal, and despite the fact we had been to Powderface Ridge several times already, being outside still provided the reset we have grown to rely on.  After a busy few weeks this hike was just what the doctor ordered! 😁

Mid-Ascent

Just Below The North End Of The Ridge

Selfie On The Windy Ridge

Sunniest Photo All Hike!

October 17, 2021 - Jumpingpound Summit Trail, Kananaskis

We got a call earlier this week from our very good friends in Fort Mac that they were going to be in town for a little getaway, and they wanted to go on a hike together.  It would be a great treat for us to see them, and even better that we could all spend some time outside together.

The forecast earlier in the week did not look great but we were blessed with a gorgeous, sunny, 17 C fall day.  We got to the trailhead around 1:00 and headed up.  I have no idea what the pace was like or if it strenuous or not, as we all had a great time catching up the whole way.

On Our Way Up

Half Way Up - First View

The summit was very windy, so after a few quick pictures we headed back down a bit lower for a sheltered snack break.

Summit Shot

Ham And Cheese

PB&L - Lingonberry Jam From Ikea, Yum!!!

The walk down went as quickly as the walk up with some good laughs and reminiscing.  After a quick hot tub to soak our old bones and a little re-hydration we went to the Saloon in Bragg Creek for dinner.  It was an amazing afternoon with two amazing friends, and we are looking forward to our next visit together!

October 14, 2021 - Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park

A hiking friend of mine had suggested we do the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park a couple of months ago after our Floe Lake hike.  Because our schedules were out of sync we weren't able to make our attempt until yesterday.  We decided to give it a try, very aware of the fact that the snow conditions may not allow us to complete the 21 km loop.  It was worth a shot...

We got to the winter gate (which had only closed two day prior 😡) at about 8:30 and started the 10 km ride up to the trail head at Whiskey Jack Hostel.  If the scenery along the road was any indication we were in for an epic day.  The road was a little icy and snowy, and mostly uphill so it took us the better part of an hour.  After locking our bikes in the trees we headed up the mountain along an initially clear trail.  Shortly after gaining a little elevation the trail was covered in a couple of inches of snow.  By the time we passed the tree line and the turnoff to the Highline Trail the snow depth was about six inches, and once we got a little further it varied between a half foot and knee depth.  After taking my turn breaking trail, I realized this might be a very long day.

Looking Across Yoho Valley To Takakkaw Falls

Looking South Along Mount Ogden Towards Cathedral Mountain

Lots Of Snow Looking Up Towards Emerald Glacier

Looking East Towards Mount Niles And The Wapituk Ice Field

Around 2.5 hours into the hike we decided to take a quick break for lunch and to do a re-assessment.  After some discussion we determined we had done about 5 km in over two hours, and it was likely that our pace wouldn't improve until we got back into the trees in another 10 km or so.  Some rough calculations told us that we would probably be biking back to the car in the dark.  The other factor we considered is that there was some questionable weather around us and we weren't too sure if we would get socked in or not.  With the amount of snow we were already dealing with this made staying on the trail even more uncertain.  After a good discussion, we both agreed it would be safer to head back down the way we came, and save this adventure for better conditions.  As I have said on here before these trails and mountains aren't going anywhere, and living to try it another day is always the wisest decision.

Descent Shot

The descent was uneventful, and with a little extra time to spare we decided to bike over to Takakkaw Falls for a snack and a little rest before the bike out.  It was unbelievable to have the falls to ourselves, as it is a very popular summer destination, and is usually overrun with people.  We enjoyed some banana bread and tea, grabbed a few photos and hit the road again.

Takakkaw Falls (381 m Drop Hard To Capture In A Photo)

The bike back to the car was very quick, with a surprising amount of downhill 😁.  We loaded the bikes up and I got home just in time for dinner.  I am looking forward to a second attempt next year in better conditions, and am relieved we made a good mid-hike decision this time.

September 23 - October 13, 2021 - Jojo Comes For A Visit

Family Shot (Missing: Ty 😞)

My dad has been here visiting for the last three weeks.  During that time we got out for a few hikes, and I wanted to catch them here.  It was great to show him some of the places we love so much, and it was inspiring to see him tackle them all in spite of his 75 years!!

Forget-Me-Not Pond

Ptarmigan Cirque - Spotted A Larch Or Two!

Ptarmigan Cirque

Upper Kananaskis Lake

Fullerton Loop

Fullerton Loop Viewpoint

Boundary Ridge - West Bragg Trails

Alder Trail, Bragg Creek And Elbow River, Bragg Creek Provincial Park

Moose Mountain Summit Selfie

Moose Mountain Descent

Ranger Summit (Moose Mountain Summit Over My Shoulder)

Elbow River - Thanksgiving Walk

Ben And Sam - Elbow River Fun

High Noon Hills - Sunrise Hike

Jojo's Classic Pose

Final Selfie Of The Trip

During his stay he saw some interesting things, and checked off a few bucket list items: bear, dear, elk, coyote, yellow larches, milky way, northern lights, hoodoos, badlands, Moose Mountain summit (see previous post), and a sunrise hike on his last day here.  We did allow him a few indoor activities to get some rest in between hikes: French wine and cheese tasting, Oktoberfest at the BavTav, breakfast at The Chuckwagon Cafe, Royal Tyrell Museum, Sam's hockey games, 2,3,4-man crib, Cranium, a couple games of Chinese checkers, and the world's largest dinosaur...

Can you Spot Jojo??

It was a great visit, but of course went way too fast.  Now it's time to plan outings and activities for the next time Jojo comes West to Bragg Creek!

October 5, 2021 - Moose Mountain, Elbow, Kananaskis

About eight years ago, in our earlier days of hiking, I took my dad to Moose Mountain late one fall (~2012-2013) when my mom and him were out visiting us.  The hike went well up to the plateau, but things changed when we started the final push up to the lookout.  The trail was covered with ice, and we were without poles or micro-spikes.  When I looked over at my 67-year old dad at the time, and saw us both holding on with hands and feet not to slide down the steep mountain-side, I asked myself, "What the heck are we doing??"  We abandoned our attempt, got back to safer ground, and lived to see another day.

Eight years later, my dad now 75, trying to put a terrible year behind us, and him wanting to complete what we once started, he, Amanda, and I headed out for a second attempt.  This would be Amanda's third time up Moose this summer alone so she was able to let us know what was coming up and what to expect.  The plan was to take it slow with lots of breaks, but no need.  Jojo found a new gear and we made relatively short work of it getting to the picnic table at the end of the trail in good time.  The last push up to the lookout was clear of snow and ice this time, which made our attempt much more manageable.  I don't think my dad had ever been on a trail like the last little bit, but he dug deep and pushed himself to the top.  I was very happy for him to make it, and for Amanda and I to be there when he did.  He has set a high bar for us.  To be doing what he did today, in another 25 years, is a goal we are keeping our sights on.

Made It To The Plateau

First View Of Final Destination

All Smiles Approaching The Home Stretch

Starting Up The Final Summit

Summit Shot

It Took Us Eight Years, But We Did It!

We took a short rest at the picnic table, ate our PB&Js, and a few other snacks, before starting the long walk back to the car.  The views were spectacular, as they always are, with clear skies and no haze or smoke.  Amanda and I noted how each time we get to a high viewpoint we put one more piece of the Kananaskis puzzle together.  This time we noticed the approach to Bryant Lake, which we did for the first time earlier this season, along with the all the other familiar peaks and ridges.

Summit Rest!  And Snacks!!

Canyon Creek Approach To Bryant Lake

The descent back to the parking lot went well, with lots of looks back to the fire lookout along the way.  Once home, we all jumped into the hot tub for a well-earned soak.  After Jojo took us out for dinner we came home to continue our world series of poker (JM and Sam vs. Jojo and Mandy), which is now tied at three matches to three.  After that there were no arguments that it was bed time for everybody!

Mandy And Jojo Beginning Our Descent

Back To Safer Ground!

A Well-Earned Soak

September 16, 2021 - Grizzly Peak, Kananaskis Valley, Kananaskis

We completed another Kananaskis first for us today - Grizzly Peak.  Amanda has wanted to do this one all summer, and I think we picked the perfect day to attempt it.  At 9:30 at the trail head it was ~4 C, sunny with partially cloudy skies.  Over the course of the hike we probably ranged from 0 C at the top to 15 C back near the bottom.

Our good hiking buddy Professor Lexie, and her son Mikey were with us today, which made for a fun and enjoyable hike.  I think it is safe to say for all of us that this was the hardest 6 km we have ever walked - three kilometers straight up (885 m elevation), followed by three kilometers straight down.  It took us 4.5 hours to cover 6 km, with a quick stop at the summit and a short lunch break on the way back down, which is a good indicator of how tough this hike was.

Beautiful Leaves

It Didn't Take Long To Start Gaining Elevation After Leaving The Road

Lexie and Mikey - Looking South Down The Kananaskis Valley

The highlight of the walk (aside from the incredible scenery) was watching a grizzly mama no more than 100 m below, lead her cubs away from us down into the valley.  This is only our second encounter with a grizzly while hiking, but it was very special as we were able to relax and watch the three of them walking through the meadow without any fear or concern.  It was also pretty cool to be able to say that we saw some grizzlies on our way up to Grizzly Peak!!

Mama Grizzly With Her Two Cubs

Two More Mama Grizzlies!!

There were a number of good vantage points on the hike also that allowed us to get good views of Mount Pakenham, Mount Even-Thomas, Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, Mount Hood, and the near-vertical layers of the south end of Opal Ridge.  In addition, we managed to spot the two baby larches mentioned in "Scrambles In The Canadian Rockies" on the final approach to the summit in their full autumn colours.

Scree Section Approaching The Saddle - Lower And Upper Kananaskis Lakes In Background

Still Smiling At The Saddle Before The Final Approach

Baby Larch

Final Steps Before The Summit - With A Terrifying Drop-Off To The Left

Lexie Loves Mountains, Hates Heights!!

The hike down was as slow as the hike up but the satisfaction of having made it to the summit kept our minds from acknowledging the fatigue that was starting to creep in to our muscles and joints.  We made our customary stop at the Esso at the corner of Hwy. 40 and the Trans-Canada for a cold pop and piece of beef jerky.  It was a good ending to an exciting and challenging hike!

Lunch Break

Small Scramble Section On Way Down

Home Stretch - Grizzly Peak In Back