We had a fine day in this beautiful larch area. Much cloudier than forecast, but with some sunny breaks.
We left the Fish Creek parking area around 9:15 and trudged up the access road and took the first Larch lift ski run to the right.
On the Outlook run below the Larch chair
There was only minimal snow up to the top of the lift. We took a snack break at the top of the Larch chair, some actually sitting on the chairs. From there on there was significant snow, about half donned Microspikes before too long. There was about 50 meters that was quite ugly where we had to carefully clamber around large snow covered boulders. Most of the climb was probably made easier by the few inches of snow.
Climbing above the Larch chair (Mt Temple and Lake Louise in bkg)
Guest Tomiji on the last steps to Lipalian Peak
Everybody made it to the top at around three hours from the car, some a little sooner some a few minutes longer. It was fun to see so many Canada 150 park visitors trying to get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise across the valley.
Lunch break on the summit of Lipalian Peak
After a lunch break we headed down and then back up to Purple Peak. It was a little too cool and windy there to linger and so we headed down toward Wolverine Ridge/Valley.
Descent off Purple Peak towards Wolverine Valley
We then decided to drop down out of the breeze into the very inviting valley rather than following the ridge. (I believe that the ridge has been the norm on previous Rambler trips.)
Larches in Wolverine Valley (Mt Redoubt at right)
Through the Larches in Wolverine Valley
There was a little bit of picking our way through rocks between benches and avoiding wet spots at the bottom, but we ended up on a usable trail before long. And then there was just the boring descent of the access road. We were back at the cars around 3:30.
Many thanks to participants: Arnold,Phyllis,John,Shirley,Janice,Clifton,Jane,Bill,Suzy (and guest Tomiji),Mikako,Kaoru, and Simon for joining me, Carl(C/S).
PS It seems that this year the larches are quite variable in when their color is best. Some were at their best already a week earlier while many are still green/gold and will be glorious next weekend. CVM
