Saturday morning dawned wet and cold, with the mountains lost in cloud. By 11.30, when Stuart collected us, the sun was shining brightly over Banff. As we headed towards Calgary to take the Kananaskis Highway to Barrier Lake, we soon left the sun behind, but the lower cloud lifted revealing some of this valley's beauty.
It was 12 o'clock, when we hiked across the Barrier of the lake to make our ascent of McConnell Ridge, on the Prairie Trail.
View from the carpark.
Lovely colours of the lower forest.
Somewhere up in the clouds is where we are headed.
An interesting small area beside the lower trail Someone had placed a scattering of gerbra's in the small firs. I would love love to know why.
Trail beginning to get steeper.
And steeper.
View back to the carpark, halfway up.
Nearing the summit, we were fortunate to arrive as the clouds briefly parted.
Wildflowers trying to show their spring beauty.
Here the trail became extremely steep, muddy and slippery. Without our poles [still travelling] we deemed it sensible to turn round just a little further along.
The beautiful Ptarmigan bird chose to exit the forest and impress us with his beauty, soon after we made this decision.
The descent was at a much relaxed pace.
Now, where did we hike too?!
13 kms of rewarding hiking, even if the ascent was a little tough.
I would love to read your comment.
I guess all that hiking has cured any jet lag you may have had. Fabulous photos. Keep enjoying.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you are making the best of it and getting out no matter what. I am saying a little prayer for sunshine for you!
ReplyDeleteEven though you had no views, the scenery was still outstanding! Glad you are enjoying yourself!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! I love your excursions. I didn't know ptarmigans lived in those parts.
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