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It's been a hectic few weeks for us and a combination of bad weather, bad luck and travelling has kept me away from the mountains for almost a month. So, even with threats of -12 degrees and additional wind chill, I decided to head out to the hills again. My choice was partially determined by upcoming road closures. From December 1st each year a few of the mountain roads are closed to allow wildlife to over-winter undisturbed, (they re-open in May). I decided to head to one of the 'soon to be closed locations' as others would still be available after December 1st.
I opted to take highway 66 (Elbow Valley Trail) right through to its end at the little elbow camp ground where a bridge across the river would lead me to Forgetmenot Ridge. My selection of Forgetmenot Ridge was also helped by the option to go further if time allowed, but as I approached my usual parking area here, I saw that particular section of the road closed already. I was not too disappointed as another parking area remained open and was available, it did mean walking an extra couple of km along the river to the bridge but I really didn't mind, I was just glad to be back in the mountains.
Any thoughts of wading the river were quickly dispensed with when I stood on the bank looking at the icy edges and feeling the full affect of the -12 and wind chill, the sun had not yet reached above the mountains and I really didn't fancy it, though I did think it might make a quick return to the truck possible on the way back. I set off on the crisp dry snow along the river heading in the opposite direction to my target hill, but not bothered by the additional km's as this was a fairly short walk anyway.
In no time at all I was approaching the Harold Chapman suspension bridge that would save me a cool paddle today. The sun was still below the mountains and a good breeze blew down the valley biting at any exposed skin.
looking downstream from the bridge back toward the car park I can see the steep side of Forgetmenot Ridge rising from the riverside, I knew this was the ascent slope and I have to say it made me blow my cheeks out just looking at it. Peeking out just above the initial slope is the bare northern summit of the ridge.
Upstream the morning sun was just illuminating the tops of Mt Glasgow and Mt Cornwall along with Banded Peak and Outlaw Peak the guardians of the Big Elbow Trail.
once across the bridge I decided to follow the river rather than head into the forest on the official trail. I turned downstream immediately, crunching along the light covering of snow. Looking back from the cool shadows as I crossed the river valley the sun was now hitting Nihahi Ridge (right side of photo) as well as the previously mentioned leviathans. There was no sign of any warmth in the air yet but I was really enjoying the tranquil setting and looking forward to the summit to come.
soon light was reaching into the valley and as I crossed a wide dry section of river coming in from the right hand side I realised I needed to get back on the trail if I was to find the turning for the ascent.
I took a hard line directly toward the lower slope of the hill hoping to hit the official trail, sure enough I picked up the well trodden route and soon after that I came across the large cairn that marks the right turn toward Forgetmenot ridge.
Once out of the main lower forest the ascent is brutal, a real 'Kananaskis climb'. Even with many zig zags up the icy scree slope this is a real energy sapper, but stopping to rest should be encouraged as the views are spectacular.
I soon reach a steep drop off where I can now see over the ridge back along highway 66 and beside it the twisting route of the elbow river heading out toward the prairies.
Ascending the steep ridge is still a good grunt but the views are stunning, the long razor edge of Nihahi ridge is a constant reminder of the fantastic day I had hiking to its south summit back in June. At the lower right of this shot is the Powderface Trail cutting its way through the forests and along the valley to join highway 68 just 35km north, Powderface is also closed from December 1st.
after a really gruelling ascent I reach the top of the first little ridge and can get a breath, ahead is the bare northern summit I'm heading for but first I need to walk along this lower ridge. It's nice to have a short level section which I dawdle along taking in the views as I go.
looking back over the route travelled so far, I am again struck by the absolute beauty of the Rockies, the sun has finally found me and I'm soaking it up like a lizard on a rock.
If any of the hills out here resemble munros, this is it, as I see the route ahead I am reminded of so many of my favourite Cainrgorm mountains.
I get along the ridge in no time at all, the level ground leaving me feeling like I'm resting even as I walk. I'm soon looking back at the snow covered ridge genuinely surprised at how quickly I got across it.
from here the route ahead is more munro like than ever, sparsely covered in low heathers and grasses with rocks beneath and even having a similar angle of ascent as many of the 'gorms' ....I feel very much at home as I make the final push to the summit ridge.
up on the ridge top I can see the cloud covering the prairies away in the distance and the almost flat ridge running for miles.
there's just one last little bit of ascent along this beautiful location to reach the summit. Bathed in sunshine with blue skies all the way and the crisp crunch of frozen snow underfoot, with stunning scenery all around...its not a bad walk.
at the summit, the shelter looks to have taken a beating, the cloud is still hanging over the prairies but the views are still wonderful, Moose mountain on the left overlooks the highway and the river valley as the foothills reduce in size from left to right, eventually melting into the prairies.
to my left is a short descent to a much more impressive cairn marking the northern summit viewpoint, as I head that way I soak up the incredible view of endless mountains.
The cairn is even more impressive up close and the viewpoint proves to be well worth the visit. From here the whole of the Elbow valley is visible. Moose mountain on the right, then highway 66, Powderface Ridge just right of the cairn, the the powderface trail road before Nihahi Ridge and the giants beyond. This will be the lunch spot today.
it is still cold but what would I expect in the mountains of Canada in winter, I'm surprised that the evidence shot isn't dazzled by my huge smile. To have such places to yourself is incredible, I sat down and enjoyed a very long lunch.
From here it is possible to see the whole route including that hideously steep initial ascent up the snow covered ridge that reaches from left to right in the shot below, though being here certainly makes it worth it.
zooming in toward the prairies shows the extent of the cloud they are having over there. Sarah confirmed that they hadn't seen the sky all day from the city, glad I wasn't having that problem.
My lunch location, to the left of shot is the cloud covered prairies then my munro tops and to the right those pointed monsters that dreams are made of.
I finally get moving again after about 45 minutes with just one more look across that stunning river valley and along the majastic Nihahi ridge
Rather than return the way I came I decided to explore a little further along the ridge and see what it has to offer. It really does resemble the 'gorms' from here. I consider making the hike to the next round top, I can see a good size cairn on it from here but the map tells me it's 3km and I don't think I have the light left for an additional 6km round trip. If I'm still here in summer next year I'll return to this place for a longer look around.
I turn back and begin a circular route toward the small snow covered ridge, knowing the fun that it will be on the descent, a last look over the tops leaves me smiling as I finally begin to descend.
the descent to the little ridge was a comfortable jaunt with spectacular views to keep me entertained, the sun was already dipping toward the mountain tops and the shadows elongating as I hiked back to the steep descent. It was painfully slow on the steep section, something like bambi on ice with 2 good falls along the way (though nothing hurt)
I hit the dry river as the sun dipped below the tops, my feet were aching and the wobbly cobbles below the snow were a real pain to walk on during the return leg.
after a short time I turned to the official trail and made the slightly longer route out as this got me off the cobbles. I didn't wade back across the river as the hike was short enough and as I crossed the bridge and hiked the final leg I enjoyed the beautiful evening light.
I really enjoyed being back in the mountains again and think it unlikely that anyone would ever forget, 'Forgetmenot Ridge'