The trip started off with a mob scene at Assumption School as a large group of workers were re-tarring the school’s roof and two other clubs also were leaving at 8:00 am, resulting in more cars than parking spots. Dave had planned the trip as a loop so we drove to the Altrude Creek trailhead and set up the car shuttle at the Vista Lake parking lot. We decided to take a group photo at the trailhead in case we lost someone later on:

The lower trail is mostly forest, nicely cool on a hot day. It starts to open up closer to the lower lake with great view, mostly because it is a boggy area:

Generally it was not a problem if one watched where one stepped. We arrived at the lower lake and proceeded to the far end where there was a dry open area in the sun with a good view of the lake:

A couple of people dipped their toes in the lake:

but the breeze deterred them from further immersing their bodies. After a leisurely lunch we headed back along the lake to the trail junction to Vista Lake / Highway 93. Ron showed off his contending entry for the “Hat of the Year” award:

After passing Upper Twin Lake we attained the high point on the main trail and Dave took us up a short side trail up the ridge to the south (300 metres, 30 metres vertical). From there we had a fine view of the Twin Lakes and Gibbon Pass to the southeast:

There were also views of Arnica Lake from the other side.

It was quite warm on the descent to Vista Lake, fortunately the 150 vertical metre climb from there to the Hwy 93 parking lot was mostly shaded. We managed to cram all twelve sweaty bodies into Dave’s truck for the ride back down to the Altrude Creek trailhead to return to the other cars. At that point the notorious “Drake effect” took hold and everyone stopped for rehydration and dinner in Canmore. Thanks to Dave for coordinating the trip.