It was a sunny start (beats the fog & drizzle of the previous day) as we headed out from the Beaver Mines Lake trailhead:
Table Mtn from near the Beaver Mines Lake trailhead
This trail is quite steep in spots:
The steep trail up Table Mountain
A couple of quite short sections could possibly justify an increase to OT5, especially for those with shorter legs. In one section there has been some trail work done so that a steep scree slope can be avoided by taking a long switchback on a good trail:
Tough place for a tree to survive
Manfred took a try at the scramble route that is north of the trail, it is quite loose and apparently not much fun. Of geological interest along the trail is passing over a layer of the Crowsnest Formation, a not often seen instance of volcanic rock in southern Alberta.
After 3.6 km (by one GPS measure) we arrived at the ridge of Table Mountain, where there were good views to be had:
View of Windsor Mtn & Castle Peak to the south
View northwest of Beaver Mines Lake and distant peaks around Crowsnest Pass
Impressive cliff on north side of Table Mountain
Most stopped for a snack here and had a look at the route to the peak:
Some of the group on the first ridge of Table Mountain
Looking east to the high point of Table Mountain at left
The ascent looked easy and most participants went the distance but a few (like your scribe) who had sore feet or other aches and pains chose to partake of a leisurely descent. The peak ascenders had a great view:
Looking from the peak to where the trail came up to the ridge
It was much hotter by the time we headed down, although this was not deterring the many other hikers from going up in the heat of the day. A stark contrast to yesterday's trip where there were only Ramblers on the trail to Victoria Ridge. Lots of flowers were on some of the lower slopes, including a fine meadow of cow parsnip just waiting for grizzly bears to come a'grazing:
A grizzly's salad bowl of cow parsnip (Heracleum lanacum)
Everybody straggled back with lots of time, which some used to dip their feet in Beaver Mines Lake and/or stop by the Beaver Mines store for ice cream. We may have to try this area again next year.
Thanks to the eager participants for joining me for a fun time on a gorgeous day: Barbara, Carl (photos), Manfred, Aldis, Cornelis, Ginger, Margo, George, Kathy, Nardi, John & guest Sheila, Barb, Bruce, Jane, Joanne, Lenard, Carolyn & guests Amanda & Clementine, Steve and the outriders, Bill & Arnold. Ron, coordinator.
