We had a fine day away from the snows of the front ranges.  I had originally called for a trip to Fortress Mtn, but after seeing that there was quite a bit of snow in the front ranges and their neighbours and next to none north of Lake Louise, I switched the trip to one of my (and the Ramblers') favourites.
We drove up in two vehicles picking up travellers at Pcan and Canmore.  Six started from the Helen Lake trailhead a little before 9:30 and three, after planting a vehicle at Mosquito creek, started up around 9:45.  We were all together once the trail opens up to beautiful views for the traverse to Helen Lake. And we stopped for a snack break at the lake.


At Helen Lake (Cirque Pk in bkg)

Helen Lake from Katherine Ridge

Sheltering from the wind at the Lunch Rock

We were at the "Lunch Rocks" near Dolomite pass a little after noon.  Unfortunately that was a fairly cloudy/windy time and so we didn't linger for very long.  On our climb up to the Dolomite/Mosquito col the sun peeked through a bit more consistently.


Katherine Lake

Climbing to the second col (Dolomite Pass in bkg)

 


At the second col (Cirque Pk at left)

Descending to the Mosquito Creek drainage

On the return we veered left of the route that we usually take, dropping down a slightly steep drainage that had little vegetation and joined the Mosquito creek trail almost two km before the highway. 
In general while it was always mixed sun and cloud, it did seem like we had the slightly poorer weather while we were higher up.

Many thanks to participants: Gary,Greg,Susan,Corey,Clifton,Kevin,Evan,and Donna for joining me, Carl (C/S).

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