The temperature was a balmy minus 2 when we left our vehicles at 10 am , and headed up Commonwealth Creek on the Commonwealth Lake trail.

Commonwealth Ridge

The group kept up a moderate but steady pace on the well packed trail up to the base of the ridge.


Chester Lake basin from Commonwealth Ridge

Phyllis high on the ridge with Mount Birdwood in the background

The upper section up the ridge was wind packed but supportive, with the last 100 metres shallow sugary hoar crystal snow. The group reached our high point on the ridge in 2 hours and 15 minutes.


Looking West from the ridge high point

Snow yoga group photo at the high point on Commonwealth Ridge

After some picture taking the group descended a short distance down the ridge to a protected spot with views to have lunch.


Lunch at a sheltered spot on the ridge

Three of the group went back up to the high point after lunch for more photos, while the rest descended back down the ridge towards the Commonwealth Lake trail.


East face of Mount Smuts

Teresa and Jane at the high point on Commonwealth Ridge

Heading back down the Ridge

Everyone met back up at Commonwealth Lake, where the group enjoyed another rest break in the warm sun.


Looking across Commonwealth Lake towards Commonwealth Peak

Enjoying the warm sun at Commonwealth Lake

We then descended back down to the meadow where the group, in honour of Bill H, practiced their mountain snow yoga. Bill, you should have been there!


Snow Yoga - Bill H where are you?

We were back at our vehicles at 2:45 PM, after a very pleasant day snowshoeing in the mountains.

Thanks to Teresa, Susan, Jane, Phyllis, Glenda, Yoko, Janice and Jim for their great company and for joining me Kevin (S/C) on a January outing up the Smith Dorrien.

Total distance 11 km, total elevation gain 450 metres and total time 4 hours 45 minutes.

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