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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
7-Oct-2017
Activity:
Off-Trail hike
Trip name:
Commonwealth Ridge - North cairn
Coordinator:
Christine
Report:

This was an ambitious objective for the amount of snow. When we stopped on Hwy 742 Smuts Creek looked like a winter wonderland and the thought of a water crossing was not at all appealing.




Where we wanted to cross Smuts Creek but no thanks.

We decided to start at the parking lot close to Engadine Lodge instead. When we arrived it was full with hikers going to Smuts Pass. We followed a packed down trail for about 45 minutes and turned left toward Commonwealth Ridge. Once off the main path it was trail breaking in close to 25 cm of wet, heavy snow. This was unexpected. We trudged onward hoping to gain the ridge from the South but for one deterrent. A lot snow clung to trees high up and coated the underbrush, everything was white. Magical but not appealing for a bushwhack. After hiking around for several hours we decided to turn back, wet and hungry. Thank you Christine G, Teresa and Lenard for joining me on this magical attempt. Yours truly, Christine M. c/s/p



Christine G and Lenard on the trail that leads to Smutwood Peak.




The junction where we left the main track and headed toward the ridge.




Crossing the creek on slippery deadfall.




Wildlife at the Highwood gate area on Hwy 40. There is no snow on the ground here. Sigh.


Participants: Christine,Christine,Teresa,Lenard