8. Pocaterra Ridge Trail, B) family hike

Distance:9k to Highwood Pass parking lot
               7k back down the highway by bike
Elevation: 1036m

On Saturday, September 24, Herm and I hiked Pocaterra Ridge to experience the yellow tamaracks on a quiet trail. Knowing there were grizzlies in the area and being extremely grateful for the opportunity to hike in such perfect weather, we began the morning with prayer.
We set out from the north end of the ridge and had a good view of where we were going.

After an hour climbing through  trees we stepped onto an open ridge which felt like heaven on earth. On the west side we could follow the course of a creek which was an alternate return route

and on the east we could see Hwy 40 which reminded us we were still on earth.

Hurray for Peak 1, 3 more to go.

 We descended into a col before peak 2, into the trees again but such beautiful tamaracks in such a secluded area encouraged us to slow our pace and Herm to take many pictures.

 I wasn't sure how close up I wanted to be to a bear but this scat felt safe since it wasn't steaming any more.

 One memorable aspect of this hike was the wind, not too cold but so strong we had to fight for balance on the ridge and even got down at one point to avoid some of the stones it was throwing at us. Fortunately this was not constant.

 Peak No.2

 The trail to 3 was easy but to 4 was the most difficult and we were thankful for good hiking conditions.

 We made it.

 From here we had a complete view of the tamarack-filled cirque below. 

After a great hike, we looked forward to riding our bikes down the road to the truck. It had long been a dream to ride down the pass and now I could.

 As if the day wasn`t perfect enough, after a few kilometres Herm spied a bear cub running across the road. We stopped and there were a grizzly mom and two cubs slowly running away in the ditch. 

 My dear husband let me continue riding my bike down the pass for many more kilometres. Some day I will ride (coast) from Highwood Pass to the TransCanada.

July 15, 2020, one day during a family camping trip, we hiked Pocaterra from the south end. I had totally forgotten how rugged it was and was a little fearful for the children but all went well. Esther wanted an adventure for the girls and they got it, including a few scratches as evidence.

Highlights were 4 rams on a rock close above us, eating candy along the way (the girls saved it in a bag to eat exactly at the right time) and walking without complaining to earn an ice cream treat at the end.

Excellent hikers, everyone, especially Nathan carrying baby Zeke so carefully the whole way.
 

 Lunchtime. A helpful hiker we had met earlier, backtracked and warned us there was an electrical storm in the forecast. She was going back down. We looked around and ignored her as did everyone else. We had beautiful weather until the parking lot. It rained on our drive to the ice cream shop.