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