Unfortunately this wasn't the beautiful sunny day that was forecast, but we did have good hike and there were some views despite the cloud and occasional light rain showers.

We started from the Peninsular parking area at 9.30am in one of these showers. Fortunately it stopped as we entered the trees and started the steady ascent on a good trail. The diverse group stopped frequently to let the slower members catch up. But at one of these breaks, we heard that a couple of members had turned back, so Carl (who was also in their car) voluntarily returned to the trail head and home. Trading email with one of the members on Sunday seemed to imply that the decision to turn back was abnormal and it was advised they visit their doctor.

Ramblers ascend the south end of Mt. Lawson

South End of Mt. Lawson: Jim, Gary, Ingrid, Janice, Corey, Mel

Meanwhile the group continued to the "summit" cairn for a photo op and to admire the views. Since these were limited and it was cool in the slight drizzle and wind we retreated to treeline for lunch about 12.00-12.30pm. By the time we had returned to the cars at 2.00pm, it had warmed up considerably and the clouds lifted somewhat. This hike is all good trail in trees to treeline (TL3 or TL4) with a short (20m?) section of off trail with maybe the use of hands once or twice to reach the cairn (OT5). Usually excellent views to the south including Mt. Assiniboine etc but not today. Special welcome to new member Ingrid on her first Rambler trip. It was also good to catch up with several members that I hadn't seen in many months.

For interest, as the road was closed to vehicles, there were plenty of cyclists heading for the Highwood Pass and the Barrier Lake parking lot was full as it often is on a weekend.

7 km, 760m, 4.5 hours. Participants: David,Jim,Ivan,Corey,Carl,Janice,Mel,Yoko,Gary,Ingrid