We had a pleasant but somewhat hazy day in the mountains.

We started from the parking spot just off the Mt. Shark along the old forestry road to the crossing of Commonwealth Creek. Most managed to stay dry by crossing on a well placed log, although I did hear a splash after someone’s leap fell short. We proceeded on up the steep climb to Commonwealth Lake where we paused for a rest.


A pause at Commonwealth Lake

From there it was onwards and upwards through various openings is the forest. In retrospect we followed a line a bit too far to climber’s right which later required traversing a fairly steep slope. The flowers were abundant.


Commonwealth Peak above flowery slope

Once clear we found a flat spot for a break before the climb to the col.


Rest stop

From there it was a straightforward climb up onto the Pig’s back and a leisurely lunch stop.


The final climb

Views were good, but limited by the smoky haze from forest fires, notably the one at Verdant creek. The trip out involved a bit of boot skiing on solid snow patches, then a thrash through the forest to the valley floor and across to the Smuts Pass trail.


Boot skiing

On the way out, we couldn’t resist foot soak at the waterfall.


Waterfall

Trip statistics on my watch were 15.4km, 640 meters gain(560 net)and elapsed time of a leisurely 6:45 hours.

On the drive back to Calgary, the smoke thickened considerably in the north end of the Kananaskis valley and along Morely flats.

Participants:Gary, Jeannette, Inge, Chip, Bruce, Teresa, Jane, Harold, Katrin and Rosanne.
Philip coordinator & pics

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