On Our Way Up |
Half Way Up - First View |
Summit Shot |
Ham And Cheese |
PB&L - Lingonberry Jam From Ikea, Yum!!! |
On Our Way Up |
Half Way Up - First View |
Summit Shot |
Ham And Cheese |
PB&L - Lingonberry Jam From Ikea, Yum!!! |
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.
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 |
Can you Spot Jojo?? |
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 |