Cox Hill 2020-06-06
This trip was called to replace Moose Mtn. thanks to a member having spotted as sign in Bragg Creek a day or two earlier that indicated the Moose Mtn. trail was closed. Six of us set out in a fog bank that had a very “West Coast” feeling. There was hardly a breath of air and few flowers largely of blue to purple hue—clematis, calypso orchids, shooting stars, pasque flowers—plus a shot of yellow thanks to dandelions. The trail was in good shape until about 4.5km from the trailhead where we encountered roughly a kilometer of snow until we were out of the woods before the final climb. There had been enough traffic to pack the snow fairly well and only a spot or two of soft isothermal snow.
Sun and clouds Chr
Still snow in the woods
We reached the usual lunch spot in about two and a half hours but retreated back beyond some trees for our lunch break given a south easterly breeze.
Heading back
On our return we encountered the first horse I have seen in many trips up the hill. On the way up, Teresa had remarked on an equestrian trail marker.
First horse I've seen on Cox Hill
The fog had largely dissipated by the time we reached our cars after a five and a half hour sojourn.
The gang, minus photographer Ch
Many thanks to participants John, Sim, Alda, Teresa and Cristina. for their good company, photos and putting up with the last minute change in venue.
Philip
N.B. Out of curiosity, I returned via Powderface Trail and Bragg Ck. and did not see the trail closure sign, nor did I see anything on the K country website. Nothing either at the visitor centre other than a “Closed for the Summer” sign. To day (June 11) I found the following: