24. Ha Ling Peak, (b,2019)

Distance: 5.4 k return
Elevation gain: 741 m

HaLing Peak is a prominent peak above the town of Canmore, very popular because it is so close. 

Since it was May 18, we needed to look for a hike without snow.

     

The steadily uphill trail was mostly green, a treat after winter, and a little snow on the trail was just interesting.

In the scree, above the tree line, we found several patches of bright purple saxifrage, the only flowers on the trail.

A short snow squall passed over while we were in the trees and now for the final ascent the weather was clearing again. We were glad to have our poles with us. Slow and steady was my motto as we climbed up and it worked.

On the other side of the peak, we looked down on Canmore - in the mist - but still able to identify various landmarks like the Quarry pond I swam in last summer.

What a treat to be serenaded by this young gentleman and enjoy the clear sweet music from his guitar on the mountain top!

Yes, my photographer came to the top with me. We suffered no ill effects of the climb on Saturday but Sunday my legs were very tight. An inspiration to exercise a little more.



B. distance:7.6 km
    elevation gain 810 m - recalculated height

 August 29, 2019, we climbed to Ha Ling for a second time. It had been closed for trail reconstruction but was open again in time to take Naylis and Skyler for a hike before school started again.
I took my phone for pictures to save my photographer lugging his camera up the long, steep slope.
Hence, this lop-sided group selfie at the beginning of the trail in Goat Creek parking lot.

The trail was re-routed somehow, wider, level, good walking, some stone benches or seats and stone steps,
                                                            
                      and wooden stairs.
                                                                              
  When the new trail ended at the saddle, we had to scramble up to the peak. this gave Skyler new energy and he beat us to the top.                                                                               
                                           

         What a beautiful view in every direction.                                 
A friendly hiker took a picture of all of us from the other direction. She gave back the phone, I put it down, forgot it and left it there. Someone else found it and I got back these hike pictures. Moving them from the phone to the blog is obviously difficult for me.