| Ref: Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Trail Guide
vol 2. |
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Just off the road,
at the trailhead. |
Snowshoe trip:
RT 6.5; 4.0 up. We planned to take the doggies out for the weekend a
little while ago. The forecast of sun and clouds lured us to the front
ranges despite the windy conditions. We were hoping for a shallow
snowpack to grant the hounds good travelling and fun. We suspected we
would have to split up and bring them back to the warm truck; the windy
summit ridge would be too hostile. And so we set off early morning,
driving through a blizzard to West Louise then again through Highwood
Pass. It was so windy that I wondered if this drive was futile. The
dogs were ecstatic about the hike though, it was not that windy in the
cutblock. The approach ridge was denuded of snow due to the wind; still
our
hounds were happy and bouncy. As we neared the saddle, preceding the
climb to the ridge, the snow deepened a lot; this is where Fab and the
dogs turned around. The trees offered some shelter so Fab hung out,
playing with dogs a while before returning. The climb to the ridge
required effort, the wind-loaded east side received a good amount of
snow. At some point, I veered away from the road to avoid going on some
open terrain; instead, I ascended a direct line in the trees that
offered shelter and seemed safer. Snowshoe penetration was at least
knee deep; I continued knowing the summit ridge would be stripped of
snow and much easier, even with the wind. Sure enough, as I neared
treeline the snow changed becoming wind pressed. Once on the ridge,
I closed up my jacket, put the hood on my head and strapped my goggles
over top. The wind was fierce but I was warm. I walked on the ridge
crest where it was easiest, it was nice. A helping factor was that Fab
and I had good radio contact, which alleviated some stress. After taking
a couple of pictures at the blistery top, I started back down. I didn't
stop much, just a quick break in the trees to drink water.
Coming back was fast but daylight was dim by the time I reached the
cutblock. Nearing the trailhead, Fab released the hounds and they all
came running towards me. What a way to finish an outing... and with 15
minutes before darkness. We drove to one of our favorite camping spots,
enjoying the heat and comfort of the truck.
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The logging road
continues but we veer left towards the cutblock. |
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The cutblock with
the north end of Pasque Mountain ahead. |
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Skirting the
cutblock on the left hand side. |
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We dip down (left)
following the road; our doggies are enjoying this new area. |
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About to cross the
frozen drainage to the ascent ridge. |
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It's crazy windy! |
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Now solo and on
snowshoes, I head for the summit ridge. |
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I followed a swath
in the trees, the snow was deep and unconsolidated. |
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Nearing the ridge,
the snow is more wind affected. |
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On the ridge,
bracing myself while I take a picture of Plateau Mountain. |
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Past a highpoint, I
get a glimpse at both the north and south summits. |
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The true summit
(center) is apparently 1 meter higher than the north summit. |
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At the top with the
summit ridge in the background. |
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A loop is possible
using the ridge to the east. |
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Beautiful scenery
despite the weather and cutblocks. |
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One more look at the
top on my way out. |
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A couple of
interesting steps along the ridge. |
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Backtracking on the
ridge crest to the north summit. |
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Almost at the end of
this windy ridge journey. |
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Heading down in the
trees for some relief from the wind. |
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The approach ridge
is as windy as the top! |
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