| Ref: Gillean
Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 1. |
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Upper Kananaskis
Lake.
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Scramble:
RT 9.0; 4.75 up. The decent forecast lured us to visit the Kananaskis
for
a second time this fall. With minimal snow on the ground, we planned a
moderately long trip and invited Charles to join us. We met at the
Interlakes parking lot fairly early and started hiking along the
Upper Kananaskis Lake. A brisk pace led us to a small bridge where we
left the popular trail to find a network of old skid roads. We aimed
for the ridge crest, following those roads whenever possible while
negotiating deadfall and steep terrain. Once on the ridge, we
encountered snow and more deadfall. We managed to travel with ease to a
gully that leads to Invincible Lake
and Mount Nomad on the northern aspect of the ridge; the steep gully
was plastered with knee-deep
snow. Following a short glissade, we continued towards Nomad's
south ridge. The snow diminished as we progressed on the rocky slopes;
the ascent was short and easy. In little time, we reached the summit.
The wind wasn't too bothersome and the sun began peering
through the clouds; we stayed at the top to enjoy the view and take
advantage of this fine fall day. After about an hour, we headed back
down. Even though we were aware that a trail going back up the ridge
existed, we decided to backtrack up the steep gully instead of plowing
through untracked snow. We took another break on the ridge to bask in
the sun before resuming our trek. Mount Nomad is a good fall objective
offering a satisfying hike and beautiful scenery.
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The
moon is setting over Mount Putnik.
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Following
old skid roads.
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Nearing
the ridge crest.
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Negotiating
deadfall and snow on the ridge.
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Looking
back.
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Mount
Nomad in the foreground on the right.
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Along
the ridge with the south end of Hermione Peak ahead.
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Hiking
to an appropriate descent gully.
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Aiming for Nomad's
south ridge.
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Making
our way down the steep gully.
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Pleasant
hiking in shallow snow.
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Invincible
Lake is already frozen.
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Short
and easy.
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Here
we go!
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On
the summit ridge, Mount Warspite in the background.
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Fabrice
and Charles at the top.
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Posing
next to the cairn.
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Mount
Invincible on the way down.
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Returning
the way we came.
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Knee-deep
snow in the gully.
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Back
on the approach ridge.
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Lovely
golden larches illuminated by sunshine.
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Heading
down to the trail.
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| Back
to home page |
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