Sat, Dec 5 2009 - XC Ski - Great Divide Trail (View Original Event Details)
|  |
To begin with, we decided not to go to Lake Louise because of the icy roads and ominous wind-chill warnings, and everyone seemed glad about that decision when we passed by an overturned semi firmly planted in a ditch. So instead, we ventured off to PLPP to ski the surrounding Ribbon Creek trails. The event unofficially started at Kananaskis Village, where we filled up on pastry, coffee, and conversation. This also gave me a chance to get the latest weather and trail info from the PLPP staff; and I cannot ever recall having seen the village or info counter so devoid of visitors. After coffee, we piled back into my SUV and headed out to the “unplowed” Ribbon Creek parking lot to start the event. While we were getting our gear ready, Shelley made the brilliant suggestion that we take the Evan-Thomas trail back to the lodge for lunch, and everyone agreed. Alas, getting back to Kananaskis Village meant taking turns breaking trail all the way back to the lodge, which only made us even hungrier. After lunch, we headed off to explore the Terrace trails, and Kovach trail. The Kovach trail eventually led us to the Ribbon Creak trail, which then took us down to the parking lot and our awaiting vehicle. Afterwards, everyone decided to head up to Canmore for dinner at Patrinos Steak House.
Thanks go to Shelley for her valuable suggestions and to Jason and Jill for their willingness to break trail more than they should have.
Hope to see you all on another COC event!
Bruce F