Write Up:It went from a camping group of 16-20 to a hearty trio camping in the rain. John, Fernando and Lana were the only ones brave enough to head out to Nordegg. John arrived first and was concerned that he was the only one in the entire campground. Lana and Fernando arrived just in time to reassure him he was not alone. The rain mercilessly held off while introductions were made, camp was set up, the fire was built, and beers were drank. We decided to hike to Siffleur Falls the next day, and split up into our separate tents and awoke to the sound of rain. The rain never did let up but the hike went on. As it turns out there was so much rain that Calgary was flooding, mud slides closed the Icefields Parkway, and we were trekking along next to a raging river of mud! It was obvious by looking at the bridges and the water itself, that we would be in for an unusual sight at the falls. We were not disappointed. The canyon was dramatic, the falls were impressive (if not smelling of moldy basement), and still the rain continued. Fernando’s camera gave up in the dampness, his rain poncho bit the dust, John’s new rain suit was put to the test, and Lana’s new hiking book got very wet. Back to Nordegg for more alcohol, then back to the site for a nap followed by dinner…yep, still raining! Off to bed in the rain. We woke up to the sound of…no rain. The decision was made to go to Wilcox Pass and take our chances with the weather. We lucked out and it was a great day to go hiking. It did rain some but it was mostly sunny and WINDY!! The views of the mountains and the Icefields were fantastic. A record number of photo’s were shot that day. On the way back to the Saskatchewan Crossing, we saw a bear crossing the road so that was a bit of a highlight. At the Crossing, we split up, Lana having to head back to Calgary to work the next day, the boys back to camp. Lana’s drive was made more exciting by the sighting of a cougar, a moose, some sheep, and 2 elk. John and Fernando headed up to Coliseum Mountain the next day where they were treated to a great view of the Nordegg area. They were also a little too close to some fresh cougar tracks for their comfort so they hustled back to the car and got themselves safely back to Calgary.
Thanks guys for a great time. - Lana
