99. Jasper - Edith Cavell, Valley of Five Lakes, Maligne Canyon

 Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: 684 m

On September 22, we went to Jasper for a holiday, hotel and visit with Nate, Erin, Zeke and Kai. Thursday, we hiked Edith Cavell to see Angel Glacier and determine if it had shrunk over the last 40 years or so.

The hike is beautiful from the parking lot and the whole way. Soon there is a dramatic view of the glacier and pond below it.

Views of the snow falling down the mountain were close beside us.

Herm took many pictures of the glacier trying to get a similar one to what he had taken all those years ago.

Lunch time and rest time for Nate and Erin and their heavy loads.

On the way up we connected with two ladies from Panama who very enthusiastically gave Nate and Erin much valuable information about their upcoming trip to Panama. Alexandra and Gabbie are posing with us at our lunch spot.

The highest viewpoint extended up behind us but we thought this view was enough and headed down.

At a lower viewpoint, Zeke finally had a chance to stretch his legs and smile at the other tourists.

He even walked by himself for a while. Not bad at 18 months.

What will he remember?

Valley of Five Lakes

The next morning we hiked around the Valley of Five Lakes together. It is about 8 km and up and down a few hills, beautiful hike with good trails for the most part. The biggest treat was seeing a ruffed grouse display and fly out in front of us.

Maligne Canyon

We hiked the beautiful Maligne Canyon on Wednesday before Nate and Erin joined us. By going all the way to the sixth bridge we walked about 7 km.

 

I was surprised by how many people were hiking the trails still near the end of September. The trees were in full golden colour and the holiday was inspirational for beauty.

98. Moose Loop West Bragg Creek. Braggin' Rights

 Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: up and down some hills

September 12, a rainy Sunday afternoon, Rachel invited us to hike Moose Loop with her and the boys.  Although we don't usually hike in the rain, we eagerly went with them. 

We often ski this trail but today we were hoping to see moose. This is the best we got.

We snacked at the same table as in the winter along a very familiar trail.

A gentle, easy walk even in the rain.

Braggin' Rights

January 17, 2022, after some very cold weather we had lots of warm days and the snow was too icy to ski well so we hiked some of the bike trails on the north side of the parking lot.

We wore ice grippers and walked very comfortably along the trails up and down and around for about 12 km and I imagined the fun bikers would have on these trails.

In December, there had been a very strong wind which knocked down very many trees through the park. The volunteers spent many hours with chain saws clearing the trails.

Lots of good hiking to do in West Bragg Creek.

 

 

97. Sarrail Ridge

 Distance; 11.3 km

Elevation gain: 300m to Rawson Lake, 355m more to Sarrail Ridge

On Wednesday, September 8, another beautiful day for hiking we decided to go to Rawson Lake since we had heard it was open. In previous years, it had been closed for bears.

We drove to beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake and prepared for an easy hike in the mountains. Around the lake to the waterfalls.

Then a relatively easy hike up to Rawson Lake, through the trees, not many views or much colour; but a lovely surprise after a few kilometres.

We hiked to the end of the lake, along a very open and somewhat rocky trail in the shadow of an impressive rock wall. Along the way we debated whether we would attempt to climb the ridge.

Others were doing it so why not?  We ate our lunch before we started.

Then we started the steep climb, not encouraged by others' reports of how slippery the loose gravel and soil were.

Step by step we made it to the top and proudly stood on the ridge.

Upper Kananaskis Lake behind me and Rawson Lake almost out of sight in front.

Going down is usually trickier than up and it was for me,(slipped 4 times) but we made it and felt like we had accomplished something that day.

Once is enough for this ridge.

96. Rae Glacier

 Distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: 462 m

August 30, Herm and I decided to explore Rae Glacier based on the recommendations of Seonju and Sally. It was a beautiful day for the mountains, the short steep section up to Elbow Lake did not seem nearly as steep as for other hikes.

The flood had damaged the trail somewhat but it had been well marked with pink ribbons.

The views were open and clear most of the way. Herm pointed out Mt. Elpoca, Piper Pass and Tombstone mountain. We are getting familiar with the area.

Then on and up to the view of the glacier. It is shrinking and has left a gravelly mess but the whole hike was beautiful and enjoyable.

 We ate our lunch here of course, trying to find a spot a little out of the wind.

Across the stream which we were following was a lovely waterfall which Herm had the energy to explore while I rested at the base in a sheltered alcove. It felt luxurious to just sit and absorb.

The flowers were long finished, except for asters, but the willow bushes had turned yellow and some grasses were red so there was colour besides the gray mountains.

 

The hike finished with a leisurely walk around the quiet, blue Elbow Lake.

95. Nose Hill

 Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: up and down hills

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, August 28,  Herm and I wanted to add another hike to the blog without driving far so we finally hiked around Nose Hill Park in Calgary. Unfortunately, most of the beautiful flowers were finished but it was still a beautiful hike with lots of open space, hills, views of Calgary and sunshine.

From the parking lot, the wide trail went directly into an open field.

Thankfully this large area was kept as a park and enjoyed by many people. In the past it was important to the Natives as one tepee ring alluded to.

There was a lake up on top to add to the diversity. It was rather low now at the end of August.

The trail surface condition and vegetation varied throughout the park.

There were many views of downtown from the south face.

Due to it's urban location, we will do this hike again, probably in every season.