Another lovely hike snatched from the jaws of winter! We enjoyed a 5 degree day as the sun played with the margins of the Chinook arch over the foothills of the Sibbald area. We stopped for a group photo at the second highest top, with the best views, before having lunch at the highest top.

View of Yamnuska from Deer Ridge

Group on second highest top of Deer Ridge

Hiking conditions were good, with 5-10 cm of snow and no ice. There was no need for traction devices, although some took the preemptive step of donning them from the start. Wildlife spotted on the trail was a meadow vole scampering to his hole in the snow.


White aspen tree trunks in the toasty sunshine on Eagle Hill trail

There was nobody else on the trail. On the road, many families were enjoying quality Christmas time picking out their Christmas trees in this year's designated cutting area.

We were back to the cars at 2:10 after 7 km and 330m of elevation gain.

Participants: Norman, Brian, Mohsen, Barb, Gordon, Jenny, guest Sarah, and Carl, coordinator and scribe.

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