As we started from the trailhead, the weather was gloomy, but our spirits were high, for it was Barb's birthday. After singing "Happy Birthday", we set off. There was not much snow, the trail occasionally icy. The temperatures were mild, and the view started to expand as we ascended the gentle Long Prairie Ridge - tiny glistening ice crystals floating from the sky. We walked at a brisk pace, enjoying the view and some casual conversations as we went. We had a morning break on the trail below Long Prairie Ridge. We crossed the road into Sandy McNabb area, and were greeted by a "gang" of large big-horn sheep as we ascended the Sandy McNabb hills above the Sheep River. We enjoyed a relaxed lunch at our favorite viewpoint on Sandy McNabb Hill shortly thereafter. The weather had cleared and we enjoyed the sun. After lunch we continued east along the undulating ridge until we reached the summit of Sandy McNabb East, our last magnificent viewpoint. We made our way back down the ridge, onto the icy trail through the forest back to the Sheep River visitor center. We all felt happy and relaxed at the end of the hike after yet another beautiful day in the Foothills. The pictures below provide a glimpse of our day.

Morning break below Long Prairie Ridge - Death Valley trail

Big Sheep Rams - Hanging out with the Guys!

Lunch Break @ Sandy McNabb: Cornelis, Barb, Sonja, Teresa, Doug, Denise, Bill, Susan and Sharon.

Ascending the Eastern Sandy McNabb Hill, Blue Rock Mountain on the horizon

View of the Eastern Ranges from Sandy McNabb Hill East
 

Participants: Barb, Denise, Susan, Bill, Doug, Teresa, Sonja, Sharon, Cornelis - Coordinator, Photos & Scribe.

Trip Statistics: Left Trailhead 9:40AM, back 2:10PM. Distance 11.4km / Effective elevation gain 110m / total climb 420m.