Sat, May 8 2004 - Elbow Valley/Sulphur Springs Loop (View Original Event Details)
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Whether a divine visit from some Norse goddess or simply a reworked member of COC, the Saturday May 8, 2004 hike to Sulphur Springs/Elbow Valley was graced by the leadership of one who history will come to know as 'Rhonda the Red' (see photo section). On a splendid but cool morning, our original group of 11 was culled, leaving only 5 elite hikers to tread out into the wilderness on this as yet, uncharted area of the Elbow Valley hiking area near Elbow Falls (the other members took the less risky route via Sulphur Springs). The wildflower gods were smiling on our group as the earliest ever occurrence of the Calypso Orchid (see photo section) was observed along with fine specimens of Forget-Me-Nots, Jacob's Ladder (see photo section) and many other species. Our intrepid group unquestioningly followed our inspired leader's direction, exploring a new and uncharted leg of this trail (not recommended for future expeditions!) which forked off west further than any other group was to travel on this most auspicious day. It was on the return from this perilous side trip that we discovered the concealed entrance to the lair of some mythical creature (a dragon, bear, ?? - see photo section) but time (and prudence!) did not allow for an in-depth investigation of this creature's abode. The remainder of the journey assumed a more tranquil and measured pace (mostly downhill!) later meeting up with the party of 6 and we became one again as we returned to our cars at Station Flats parking lot.
Faithfully recorded unembellished by your humble servant and scribe, the deliriously sleep-deprived one,
-- Marco Polo
Due to some Doggie Disagreements, we split our group into two today, with the "Spur" group going one way, and the "Rothko" group going the other way around the loop.
Without further ado, and with Rhonda's new Burgundy Hair lighting the way, the "Spur" group (Rhonda S, Keith, Kevin, Kat, Mark and Lora) set out along the Elbow Valley Trail. Unfortunately, due to Montezuma's Revenge (or some other such malady), we lost Keith early on when he had to turn back. Per Lora's request (or was that Rhonda's screw-up), we missed our intersection at Sulphur Springs and switchbacked an extra 1.5km or so down Elbow Valley to Canyon Creek Road so that we could turn around and switchback all the way back up the trail. Due to this faux-pas, we missed running into the "Rothko" group on the trail, but we backtracked and got onto Sulphur Springs per the original plan and coincidentally ran into the "Rothko" group near the "great conjunction" where all the trails meet up. The "Rothko" group, you see, being the disobedient souls that they are, pooh-poohed the hike plans and instead of returning along the Elbow Valley trail (which is boring anyway), crossed the highway to return on the Riverview trail, which is, admittedly, much nicer anyway.
The usual Kilkenny wrap-up, and (presumably) all were satisfied with a lovely day.
-- Rhonda S
Notes from "Rothko" Group (Rhonda M, Scott, Jeacqueline, Cynthia, Danielle, Sun):
Unfortunately, our day began with having to split into two groups as Rothko was a bit grouchy and could not be bribed with "Robin Eggs" like the rest of us. So we had one dog per group. "Our" group's hike started out on Sulphur Springs Trail in which we walked up rolling hills and through forest. Toward the end of this trail we reached a lookout in which we ate lunch (sharing with Rothko) while viewing Prairie Mountain and Nihahi Ridge. A great spot for lunch. The group decided to head back via Riverview trail along the Elbow River. We were being drawn to the water. It was beautiful. We took a side trip down to the river so Rothko could have a swim and cool off.
Throughout the day we talked about how "odd" it was that we had not come across the other group who were going in the opposite direction. However, ironically enough our paths crossed at the end of the trail. It was perfect timing as they needed some trunk space to hold packs so we could get the extra person back. It was a tight squeeze in the "other" Rhonda's little car. It was a great day with beautiful views, no rain, and always interesting conversation.
Both groups returned and proceeded to the Kilkenny for supper and drinks.
-- Rhonda M.