An excellent day was had at Pipestone with good snow being preserved by cloudy conditions and the -6C start temperature. It was fairly busy with at least 3 other Calgary clubs also having outings there. We started counterclockwise on the Pipestone loop, taking the short sidetrip to Mud Lake:

Action shots on the way to Mud Lake: Barb & Jane, Nancy & Bob, a rocketing Peter

As we continued, the downhill sections were quite fast and glide was good. Lunch was at the north end of the loop where there were limited views towards the ridges west of the downhill area. Someone has a built an impressive bench on the river, which was occupied when we arrived. After lunch we found a couple of the hills heading back down to be edge-of-control fast; fortunately only one wipeout occurred on the sharp turn at the bottom of the shorter hill. Along Hector trail there was time for some artistic impressionism:


An angel beside her handywork

From the bottom of Hector we did a clockwise loop back up the west side of Pipestone trail. We were greeted with some sun at the return to Pipestone Pond, which called for a group photo:


The team at Pipestone Pond

We returned via Drummond & the east leg of Pipestone for a map distance of 19.9 km for the day. Ending temperature was -4C. There was a requisite stop at Beamer's in Canmore for hot drinks.

Thanks for a great day to a fine group of participants: Ron C/S/P, Nancy, Peter, Bob, Jane & Barbara

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