Mon, Aug 22 2005 - Saddle Pass (View Original Event Details)
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We split into "fast group" and "enjoy the scenery group" at carpool, which worked out remarkably well. I wanted to make sure, since we were hiking in bear country, that I would have at least six people in my "enjoy the scenery group" (when reviewing the list, most of the people I knew looked like "fast group" types).
So, we set out with two vehicles for each group. One carpool missed the exit for Lake Louise. Obliviously drove right on past the signs for Yoho National Park... "Welcome to BC", and Lake O'Hara. Not mentioning any names or anything, but I think Frou Frou and Pudge may not be allowed to carpool together anymore. After we'd figured out our error and turned around, Frou Frou decided to go one step further and win the "dumbass remark of the year" award when she said "I wonder how long it would have taken us to figure it out" (gee, I think we just found out exactly how long it would take us....). :>
Once the whole gang was assembled at Lake Louise, the fast group set out and left us in their dust. A short ways up the trail we were joined by John and Barb from St. Louis who wanted to join us for "hiking in numbers" sake, but they stayed with us for the "hiking with the Calgary Outdoor Commedians" sake. A fairly unremarkable hike up, with a few nice views to the north on occasion, getting up to the pass itself pays off with the usual "two views for the price of one" bonus... a whole new view to enjoy on the other side of the pass. We saw the "fast group" going up Mt. Fairview, and rumor has it that there was a brief "full moon" display, although it was too high up for any eyewitness confirmation in our group. We joined Ed at the end of the Saddle Pass trail for lunch - he had gone partway up Fairview and then turned around when his knees strongly advised against continuing up.
Michael, the "new guy", got his nickname on his first event out - "Kielbasa", and was mostly cool except for the part where he thought we were being too mean to Crackers. I mean, is there really any such thing as being TOO mean to Crackers??
We left the lunch spot as the fast group was beginning their descent from Fairview, and I was surprised that they actually caught up to us by the time we were back at the Lake Louise shoreline. Seven of us enjoyed a trip to the K, where The Colonel and The Stalker amused us all with fascinating "who's the gassiest hiker" competition.
-- Rhonda (Pudge)