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Spirko's Road not taken
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The Forgetmenot
Ridge trail junction is obvious.
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RT 8.5; 4.0 up. As the scrambling season comes to an end in the
Rockies, I migrate to the Front Ranges for more snow-free hiking.
Forgetmenot is appealing as a late season objective, the crossing of
the Elbow River is typically dry and the good access trail is easy to
follow even with a skiff of snow. I spent the night at the trailhead,
as I have been doing almost every weekend this fall. The following
morning, I left as it got light out. I crossed the Harold Chapman
bridge over the Little Elbow River and hiked on the river bank towards
the objective. I located the Wildhorse Trail, crossed the Elbow River
which was dry and continued on the wide trail. The junction for the
Forgetmenot Ridge trail is obvious, a good climb ensued. The ridge walk
is really pleasant, the weather was nice despite dark clouds; I enjoyed
looking at the familiar snow-covered
mountains to the west under changing light. I bypassed the northmost
point and traversed to Old Forgetmenot as squalls came and went, I
decided to continue to
Forgetmenot Mountain before stopping for a real break. The sky darkened
and it started snowing on the connecting ridge but when I began
climbing to the summit, the sun came out again. At the lookout
platform, I dropped my pack and
settled for a nice long break. The clouds were stunning and added mood
on this lovely fall day. It wasn't as windy now, I ate my lunch
comfortably and appreciated the surrounding view. I stayed for over an
hour before considering my return, I felt at ease and in no hurry.
Backtracking was peaceful and I embraced the solitude. Back
in the trees just before descending from the ridge, I opted to take
another break. I chose a sunny spot and built a snowman for a friend
that loves the snow and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. After that, I
resumed my descent and hiked back to the trailhead. This mellow trip
was a good wind down fall hike, I thoroughly liked it!
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A
steady climb on a good trail.
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The
northmost highpoint of Forgetmenot Ridge on the left.
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Very
pleasant ridge walk.
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The
fabulous Quartet: Banded, Outlaw, Cornwall and Glawsgow (L to R).
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This
straightforward ridge leads to Old Forgetmenot.
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Looking
back along the ridge.
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Nearing
Old Forgetmenot's highpoint on the left.
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Cougar
Mountain (left) and striking Banded Peak on the right beyond the
telemetry.
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The
cairn of Old Forgetmenot is visible ahead.
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Continuing to
Forgetmenot Mountain at the south end of the ridge.
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A
squall passes overhead.
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Hiking
the connecting ridge.
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The
sun comes out again as I start climbing to the old lookout.
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Nearing
the summit.
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Standing
on the old foundation of the lookout and looking north over the ridge I
travelled.
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Eastern
view.
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The
south-western view includes Bluerock Mountain, Mount Rose and
Threepoint Mountain in the forefront (L to R). |
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Selfie
with the quartet behind me. |
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Heading
back to Old Forgetmenot.
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Some
snow patches on Old Forgetmenot.
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Traversing
back to the north end of the ridge.
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A
snowman for my friend John!
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Nihahi
Ridge on the other side of the Little Elbow River.
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Fabulous
rock tree.
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| Back to home page |
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