Final MMHC Blog

It's been a few months since I have posted.

Life can be a rollercoaster.  Some things you think might always be a constant end up not being so, and some things you think won't last will stand the test of time.  I guess it's part of what makes life so challenging, and so interesting, all at the same time.

Unfortunately (or not) the MMHC has disbanded.  Despite the disappointment and circumstances, I am going leave these posts up, as they capture some great hikes that Amanda and I have done over the past few years.  At the time, I truly enjoyed and looked forward to these days.  In the end, I think Amanda and I are happy to leave it behind, and be a little more selfish and less compromising about one of our favourite activities.

RIP, MMHC.

November 18, 2019 - Prairie Mountain, Elbow, Kananaskis

Looking back at previous posts I see that I have not written anything since early August, so first I will provide some explanation.  I think Mandy and I have only been out hiking twice since then, mostly due to us getting our house ready to put on the market, selling it, buying a place near Bragg Creek, living in a tent trailer in our good friends' shop for three weeks while waiting for possession, and finally moving in here about one week ago.  As mentioned, we got out briefly a couple of times - once in Cranbrook before one of the boys' hockey games, and once in Sheep River.

Proof 1 of 2 - Cranbrook (September 22, 2019)

Proof 2 of 2 - (October 28, 2019) 

Needless to say we were desperate for an MMHC meeting, and thankful that we weren't released by the other two co-CEOs during our absence.
Today Ken and his buddy Kevin picked us up around 9:15, and we headed to Prairie Mountain, where Mandy and I have never hiked.  Kevin and Ken go on regular adventures together (there were some interesting stories told today).  I also learned that Kevin is a talented photographer, and drummer, in addition to an accomplished hiker!
The day started quickly when we saw two moose, a mother and young one, running along the road and into the woods.  Wow!!  It was about a 12-minute drive door-to-trailhead for us, which is really exciting for me.  We were first ones there, but would be joined by quite a few before we completed the hike.  I could definitely tell that I had lost my trail legs, and hiking lungs.  That's OK though, Ken had mercy on us and set a reasonable pace.  The day was beautiful, cool, and sunny, and the fresh air helped tremendously with the mental health.  It felt great to be back outside after such a long break!

Early View 

Quick Break to Catch Some Sun

Sun Through The Trees 

With about a kilometre left the trail got steeper, and very icy.  Unfortunately, I was not able to locate our traction aides before leaving this morning, and it cost us the summit.  Ken and Kevin were much better prepared and pushed on, while Amanda and I started to head back down.

Summit Shot - Ken

I wasn't too upset at myself, as it gives me another reason to go back and attempt it again sometime!  When we got back to the car, we crossed the highway and spent some time beside Elbow River.

Hangin' Around the Elbow River

Not too long after that Ken and Kevin returned, and we headed back to our place for a quick coffee and cupcake.  A great end to a first day back after our unplanned hiatus!

A couple of observations from today:
1) Being outside after missing it for so long felt amazing.  There is no doubt in my mind that being in nature as much as possible allows you to have good physical and mental health.  I always feel like a different person after hiking.  It is truly therapeutic.  I read an article this year that general practitioners in Scotland have been given the OK to prescribe the outdoors for different health issues.  I hope the rest of the world is taking note.
2) My friend and co-CEO, Ken, is an inspiration.  Despite the fact that he is fighting a lifelong, degenerative disorder, he still manages to do so many amazing things.  He is pretty much always game for a walk, climb, snowshoe, paddle, adventure, challenge, etc.  He is usually also taking the rest of us out of our comfort zones (most times it's for the better, but sometimes I do curse him under my breath 😁).  Amanda and I have been fortunate to be a part of this club with him, and his equally-amazing wife Kirsten, and I know when my time is up I will be recalling some of the many amazing hikes we all did together!

UPDATE:  Ken sent me this picture that Kevin took yesterday.  What did I tell you???

August 5, 2019 - Lineham Ridge, Highwood River Valley, Kananaskis

The MacKenzie half of the MMHC is on vacation in Ontario for the next three weeks, so we are currently down to minimum staff.  Mandy and I decided to go back to Lineham Ridge today, one of the first walks the MMHC did back in 2016.  After hitting snooze for an hour we finally got up around 7:00, hit the road at 8:00, and were on the trail by 9:30.  With no clouds in the sky we were happy to get there early(ish).  Thankfully the first half of this hike is done in the shade, so we weren't out in the blazing sun for too long.
We crossed Lineham creek twice en route to the bottom of the ridge trail.  The first crossing proved to be a little tricky for us, with one wet foot for me.  Amanda spent more time choosing a good location and got across with both feet dry.   We took a slightly different approach on the way back and found that had we walked up the river a little more we would have for sure crossed with no issues.  The second crossing was easy with a nicely placed wide log to assist.

Lineham Creek, near the first crossing

First views as we begin the ascent.  Lineham Creek in the background.

The trail up to the ridge is very well established and easy to follow.  There is a long approach to the ridge - sometimes gentle, sometimes steep, but definitely worth the views that you will find once the trees start to thin out.

View looking south from the ridge with the forested approach visible just to the right of Mandy.

View east towards Highwood Range.

Although our bodies got up after the extra hour of sleep, our brains must have still been in bed.  For some reason we left the house without having breakfast, and we only packed one bar each for the walk.  We know way better than this!!  We ended up deciding to turn back with about 1 km left to the summit.  The upside of this is that we have an excuse to go back at least one more time!!  The walk down was just as enjoyable as the walk up with more spectacular views and beautiful wildflower-filled meadows.

Heading back down the ridge.

Every colour of wildflower!

Not sure what this was but thought it was very unique.

With less than 2 km left we ran into the first and only people we saw on the trail all day - two very friendly and funny gentlemen.  After a bit of chatting we found out that one of the gentlemen was celebrating his birthday today - 75 Years!!!!  We were truly inspired by his energy and determination, and can only hope to be as active as him when we get to be that age.  After a bit more banter we parted ways and finished up the walk, with two more successful creek crossings.  Although we missed having our MMHC besties with us, we really enjoyed the hike today, and would definitely like to get it in the queue for a future meeting.

Bird watch: Dusky grouse

July 29, 2019 - Grizzly Col, Kananaskis Valley, Kananaskis

Another beautiful Monday, and another beautiful hike.  The summer of guest hikers in the MMHC continued with Ken and Kir off hosting their cousins from France.  In addition to Sam returning for a third MMHC hike this summer, our very good friend TT, and her daughter Abby, joined us on a MMHC first-time hike - Grizzly Col.
We arrived at the Highwood Pass parking lot around 9:30.  It was about 15 C with mostly sunny skies and a light breeze - perfect weather for a great hike.  The going was a little muddy at first, but nothing that would make us contemplate turning around.  Once we got through the forest portion the views started to appear.  There are beautiful meadows all the way until the final approach to the col.  The wild flowers were in full bloom today with just about every colour present.

View back towards Mount Rae, Ptarmigan Cirque on the very right.

Sam on a snow patch on the way.

When we arrived at the final approach to the col, a slowly rising scree traverse, we decided we would go for as long as everybody felt comfortable.  Except for one steep section, which was more of a worry for the descent, the trail is well defined and relatively easy.

Sam on his way up  the final approach.

Mandy and TT just below the col.

The views from the col were spectacular as we sat and enjoyed our lunch.  We knew TT would have something gourmet and she did not disappoint!  Parmesan covered chick peas as an appetizer, and quiche (veggie or with bacon) was offered up to everybody.  Mmmmmmmmm!!  We were entertained (or horrified) by a group of four plus one dog, that were in the final stages of gaining the summit ridge of Mount Tyrwhitt.  Truth be told, I felt a touch of vertigo on their behalf.  Once we saw them gain the ridge successfully, and now with full stomachs, we decided to head back down.  After we passed the one steeper section it was easy going.
Sam and Abby decided to butt-toboggan down a couple of the snow tongues.  It looked fun, but I declined when they asked me to give it a try.  But TT decided to play the "Carpe Diem" card and I gave in.  Mandy, TT, and I decided to go at the same time and it was a blast.

Don't worry, despite how the video ended, Mandy was OK.  It wasn't as bad as it looks, although she will likely have a bit of a bruise.  TT will likely have sore abdominals as a result of Mandy's misfortune, because she just could not stop laughing.  In the end, it was a great way to end the hike and I'm glad TT talked us into some fun.

Group shot after descending from the col - see, Mandy is fine!

The rest of the walk out was uneventful.  We all had a good chat, and enjoyed some more wildflowers on the way out.  The parking lot was quite full when we arrived, but I think most people were heading to Ptarmigan Cirque.  We made the customary stop in Longview for a cold drink, and were back home by about 15:00, happy and a little tired.

July 22, 2019 - Mount Burke, Lower Cataract, Kananaskis

This week we were three - Mandy was also in Kananaskis, but she was on Day 1 of a 4-day back country hike with Sam and his buddy Gabe.

Ken suggested Mount Burke.  None of us had done it before, but as always we were always up for trying something new.  If I am being honest, I was initially a little nervous for what was ahead, because Ken is a "Think Big" guy.  This feeling was balanced out by the knowledge that he would never put us in a dangerous situation, and would not hesitate to turn us around if one ever came up.  We were on the trail at about 9:00.  It was a beautiful sunny morning with a few clouds and a light breeze.

View from the parking lot

Hiking the trail above Salter Creek

This trail has a little bit of everything from start to end: grassy meadows, spruce forest paths, switchbacks, rocky alpine meadows, scree, and finally after lots of uphill, the summit.

View of old firewatch hut in the distance

Looking back to knob on the way up 

After a lot of hard work we made it to the summit, satisfied with ourselves and our effort.

Final push to the summit

Cedric having a rest in the only summit shade

Summit shot

South Burke summit

North Burke Summit

We enjoyed the summit and some rest for about a half hour before deciding to head back down.  The sun took it's toll, and we were all tired and thirsty by the time we got back to the van.  We drove a couple kilometers and stopped beside the river to let Cedric and Ken cool down a bit.

Ken and Cedric shedding some heat in the river

We were all in agreement that this is a great trail in terms of defined path, lack of exposure, and big payout.  I would characterize it as challenging in terms of physical exertion, but if you are up for some hard work this a great option.  Also, I would not recommend this for anybody in questionable weather.  There is not much in terms of shelter once you leave the forest, and you could probably get into trouble relatively quickly.

I suspect that this won't be the last time the MMHC visits Mount Burke.  We will for sure have to go back at least once so that Mandy can enjoy the same amazing experience we had today.  As per normal protocol we stopped for the customary cold drink at the Longview Esso.  Nobody's drink lasted long!

Bird watch: One raven on the summit, and several missed opportunities in the forest sections - they all seemed to be playing hide and seek with us.

July 21, 2019 - Raspberry Ridge, Cataract, Kananaskis

Note: This was not a MMHC sanctioned event.  It was just some good bonding time for father and son.

Ty and I have been trying to get a hike in together for a few weeks now, and the sun and stars finally aligned the other day.  After a lazy morning, I got him up at 10:00, and we decided to head out to Raspberry Ridge.  We were on the trail by about 12:30.  The lower section was very wet and soggy in places.  There was one section of about 250 m where it would have been better described as a stream.  It didn't slow us down however, and we were able to reach the ridge by about 1:40.

On the way up, before the trail gets steep

Quick break before making it to the Ridge

Despite all of the cars in the parking lot, we were able to have the summit to ourselves for long enough to enjoy our lunch at the picnic table.  The views were spectacular, and the cheese buns delicious!

Summit view west towards Mount Burke

Lunch break

Raspberry Ridge is a great hike if you are looking for the dramatic summit moment.  Hiking up the east face offers some beautiful views, but the hard work really pays off when you step up onto the ridge and get the 360-degree view.  It is very breath-taking.

I really enjoyed the hike.  Ty and I had some good conversations about friends, school, and life in general.  This is one of the great things about hiking - your thoughts and conversations just wander in a natural way, and end up wherever they do.  Sometimes it's serious, and sometimes it's nonsensical, but either way it's good for the heart, and good for the soul.

We got back to the car around 3:00, and made the customary stop at the gas station in Longview for a drink and a bag of chips before getting home at 4:30.  Another beautiful day and great hike in Kananaskis!

Bird watch: Clark's Nutcracker, Red-Tailed Hawk, Chipping Sparrow

July 15, 2019 - Forgetmenot Ridge, The Elbow, Kananaskis

We had some first-time guests join us for the MMHC.  Today the ladies were not able to make it so Sam came along for the second week in a row, as well as two first-timers: Ken's friend Other-Ken from High River, and Other-Ken's daughter Cinnamon Rose, who arrived last week from New Zealand for a six-month visit.  We all met at Ken's at 8:00, and piled into his car for the ride out to Forgetmenot Ridge.

We were on our way at about 9:30, and it did not take long for the excitement to start.  We had to cross a few arms of the Elbow River right off the hop.  The first one was easy, and we were all able to go solo.  The main arm looked a little more challenging.  Ken instructed us on the best way to cross.  We formed a ring holding each other by backpacks and shoulders, and slowly walked across in a group.  This worked great, and is a new skill I will remember for the future.  Cedric did not like this technique at all.  Once he realized we were leaving him behind he quickly caught up and put himself in the center of the ring where most of the flow was being blocked by our legs.  It worked well for him, and made it only slightly awkward for us.  No matter though, we all got across safely, and dry from mid-thigh up.  The third arm was a solo crossing again, and then we were changing out our river-crossers for hiking boots so we could get down to business.

Interesting vegetation on the river bed.

Cinnamon Rose post-crossings, changing into hikers.

The Forgetmenot Ridge trail is a well-defined trail.  I would say it is best left for warm, dry conditions such as today as the steep nature, and loose rocks would make it rather challenging in muddy or icy conditions.  Other than that it is easy to follow, and offers many great views and interesting features.

The second of three Holey Rock trees that we saw. 

Sam and Ken beside the third Holey Rock tree.

Sam taking a break part way up to the ridge.

When we got to the lower ridge we decided to stop for an early lunch (PB and J was a popular choice today).  After a little rest and a quick photo-shoot we got on our way with the north summit in view.

Post-lunch group shot. (Everybody looks happy again!)

It didn't take long before we made it up to the north summit.  We took our packs off and some shenanigans got started...

Ken and Sam shenanigans.

Arrow shot shenanigans. 

"I'm gonna pump (clap hands) you up!" shenanigans.

Sam at the north summit cairn (no shenanigans).

The descent seemed long at parts, but in reality it was much faster than the ascent.  We did the same river crossings in reverse with no major incidents.  We were back at the car by about 2:30, ready for a warm ride home.

It was a great day, with some great scenery.  I really enjoyed some new discussions with Other-Ken and Cinnamon Rose, and am very glad they could join us.  As always, CEO-Ken did a great job guiding us, teaching us, and keeping us entertained.  I was also very happy to have one of the future MMHC CEOs with us for a second week in a row!