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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
4-Aug-2018
Activity:
Off-Trail hike
Trip name:
Mt Bourgeau
Coordinator:
David
Report:

This long hike went well with only a little rain for about 30 minutes on the descent. It was also cool enough for this coordinator to wear his toque briefly. Though Mt. Assiniboine was obscured by cloud many of the nearer peaks plus Sunshine resort and meadows were visible but not glittering.

Despite a prompt 6.30am departure from Calgary, we were not the first to leave the Bourgeau car park soon after 8.00am. A steady uphill walk on good parks trail brought us to enclosed Bourgeau Lake about 10.15am for a snack break.




Gerald at Bourgeau Lake

A steeper trail followed to Harvey Lake and Pass with distant views obscured by cloud for a brief first lunch around 11.30am. But it was comfortable walking weather with negligible wind and not raining. A loose but defined trail led to the broad summit 400m higher by 1.30pm (5 1/2 hours). Here we met a younger family group who were waiting for their uncle from BC who had been delayed by traffic. One of the group took our photo before we enjoyed another lunch with treats provided by Cordula and Gerald.



Lenard, Janice, Cordula, David and Gerald on summit of Mt. Bourgeau

Spitting rain and cool weather prompted our departure, but stopped by the time we reached Harvey Pass for some last views and a final break. Some other hikers were still going up. The 8 km trail seemed to go on forever before we finally reached the cars at 5.45pm and joined the heavy but steady traffic back to Calgary. From the few cars parked in the ditch of highway 1, the Bourgeau car park had reached capacity at some point in the day. Thanks to Lenard for driving and to every one for good conversation on this long hike in much cooler weather than of late.

We completed this 24km hike with 1500m of elevation gain in just less than 10 hours. Your 70 year old coordinator and scribe is moving a little slowly at 8.15am the day after.

Participants: David,Gerald,Cordula,Janice,Lenard