Sat, May 17 2014 - Bluerock Creek (NCT Training Hike) (View Original Event Details)
Event Coordinator(s): | |
Barbara B.
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Participants: | | Barbara B., Sylvia(1) A., Darlene S, Pritesh K, Mick, Elda F, Trevor L |
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Write Up:What a day. From calling Kananaskis before the hike, we had expected the snow line to be
around 2,100m. Surprise: snow starts at the parking lot (i.e., closer to 1,600m). Regardless,
as this area was just open for the third day since being closed all of last summer due to the
flood, it was nice to be back out there exploring. We soon found some tracks to follow, which
was great as we didn't have to break trail as much. Except, the kicker was that the tracks
were broken by none other than a bear. Thankfully, though, he had just ventured in the same
direction maybe hours to a day before us, so we had his trail to follow for quite a distance.
We saw some of the effects of the flood, including a tilted bridge. We found a way to the
other side, Mick found himself thigh-deep in snow (no trips without postholing this year it
seems), and we were glad to have found tracks from our original trail breaker again - the
bear. A great time was still had by all as I guess we chatted so much that it wasn't until nearly
6km later that we realized we were on the wrong trail. We hiked the Sheep towards
Tombstone - oops. We had snacks, and, fed up with the snow, decided to go for water
instead. Done with a boring snow-covered fire road, we resorted to cut through the trees and
test out our boots in water. Half of us crossed in boots and managed to stay dry. Others
opted for water crossing footwear. One made it to the other side with one shoe having
floated down the Sheep, only to add a bit of plastic to some log jams. Another lost a can of
bear spray. I guess we weren't winning too much, but we were happy to be bushwhacking on
the other side, out of snow, and eventually spotting what we thought was a ridge with a
meadow. We made a beeline for it, scrambling a bit, only to realize that we still wouldn't
make it to our original destination. So, we continued on, had another lunch, and took another
side detour, wondering if we could find that little lake. And we didn't. It felt like an easy day,
like being out for a Saturday stroll, so hopefully this was the last easy thing we'll hike as we
get ready for the North Coast Trail. We were lucky to have had a North Coast Trail alumni on
this trip, who informed us that the NCT is the toughest thing you will ever do. Yup, we'll suck
it up, we'll hike long distances with heavy packs before then, but we won't follow their lead
and hike that trail wit 87 pound packs, ham, and foot baths (though I'm sure we'll longingly
be talking about those things when we're out there). Thanks to Trevor for also driving,
Darlene for supplying chocolate, one member for having a birthday on the same day that Tim
Horton's turned 50 (bet all you hikers missed out on free donuts today), and the rest of the
crew for not cursing at me for getting us on a totally different trail than planned. Just
remember, "not all those who wander are lost".