At 7.30am, as I shoveled my Calgary driveway of the 10cms of snow that had fallen overnight, I wondered how this Wasootch trip would turn out. After a reasonable drive with clear wet lanes, we set off from the Wasootch parking lot by 9.30am in sunshine and -3c temperatures. With sunshine but little wind, this led to an excellent day (though one hiker claimed to miss the wind we encountered on Mt. Yamnuska 2 days ago).

A few donned micro-spikes for the steep ascent, but most managed without as we followed the hiker trail up the ridge. Views opened out by the minute.

Clifton and Inge ascend Wasootch Ridge

Ramblers ascend Wasootch Ridge in November 2018

With several breaks, we reached the second cairn about 12.30pm for lunch.


Ramblers lunch at second cairn on Wasootch Ridge (click to enlarge)

Lunch at Second Cairn on Wasootch Ridge in November 2018

We turned back after lunch at 1.00pm with everyone wearing micro-spikes for the more slippery return.


Rambers descend Wasootch Ridge in November 2018

Although a slight wind had picked up, we descended steadily to reach the cars about 3.00pm The views had continued good through the afternoon. The return drive to Calgary was uneventful.

Overall, about 900m in 12km over 5:30 hrs. A great day for the time of year. Apologies to those who signed up after the specified previous evening time, but it seems unreasonable to expect the coordinator (me) to continually check the website and/or email within 12 hours of the trip departure time for possible late registrants.

More photos to follow?

Participants: Sim,David,John,Inge,Clifton,Teresa,Cristina,Julien

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