| Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies. |
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We aimed for the
open slope. |
| Hike: RT 4.75;
2.25 up. On a camping trip with the hounds, what a great
way to spend Christmas! We wanted to include our dogs on our last
outing of 2011, the "dog friendly" Front Ranges seemed appropriate.
Aware of the Chinook conditions, we hoped the south-west facing ascent
slope would be denuded of snow. As we drove on icy hwy 532, we
noticed the mild temperature and strong winds. We parked near an open
slope we chose to follow up to the ridge, it was clear of snow. After
putting the dog's booties on, we plowed through the trees in shin-deep
snow. This short section didn't warrant the use of snowshoes, we
reached the open slope in little time. We occasionally stumbled, pushed
by wind gusts but the dogs didn't appear to mind the wind at all as
they went along ahead of us. We gained height quickly, once on the
ascent ridge the grade lessened. From this point, the wind was pushing
us in the back, travelling was pleasant. When we reached the plateau,
the wind intensified. We passed the "gas station" and walked on the
road
towards the summit cairn over a kilometer away. We hurried and when we
reached the cairn, Fab and I pulled out a blanket each, some wind
breakers and treats for the dogs. Once they were bundled up, we put on
our own layers and took pictures. By now, it was snowing and the sun had
disappeared. After a short pause, we engaged in a hasty retreat. Instead
of backtracking down the ascent ridge, we dipped down in a drainage.
This alternate descent turned out nice, it granted a fast and sheltered
return to the road. We glissaded where we could. Lower
down, small cliffbands were filled with enough snow to continue
straight down. We stepped on the road, greeted by fierce
wind and horizontal snow. I'm sure that even the dogs were happy to see
the truck in the distance. |
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Didn't bother with
snowshoes for this short section. |
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Minimal snow on the
open slope. |
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Gaining height
quickly. |
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It's really windy
but I like it! |
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The grade eases on
the ascent ridge. |
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Poor weather heading
our way... |
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Plodding towards the
summit, past the buildings. |
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At the top with no
shelter, dogs all bundled up, merry Christmas! |
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Looking north along
the plateau. |
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Hasty retreat off
the plateau, buildings visible to the left. |
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The road to the "gas
station" is plowed. |
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We dip down from the
ridge following a drainage. |
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The alternate
descent is fast and less windy. |
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The ascent ridge
behind Daisy. |
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The snow is firm
enough to bum slide. |
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Walking to the
truck, it's super windy!!! |
| Back
to home page |
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