The skies cleared out by the time we started up the south end of Powderface Ridge and the sheltered environs in the forest meant we warmed up promptly. After the steady climb through the trees and then the flowery meadows we arrived at the col for a break:

At the windy col before the traverse. Barb, Aldis, Philip, Dean & Jo Anne

the wind was quite brisk so we were happy to re-enter the trees for the traverse below the east side of the ridge. There were a few muddy spots and trees down that had bypass trails around them before we arrived at the ridge top. The views were great and we could see our return route was clear along the ridge:


Barb & Dean with Banded, Outlaw and Glasgow as backdrop

Still some residual drifts on the leeward face

The wind here was fairly strong and cooling and we found a sheltered spot behind some trees for lunch. After discussions resolving the world's problems we had a pleasant jaunt along the ridgeline and when we started the descent trail we found an ideal spot to dally in the sunshine:


Time for lolling about out of the wind

The trail is quite well defined these days it was a well-ordered return to the main trail for the trek down:


Back on the main Powderface trail, Doug leads the way down

We were back at the cars about 2.30. Lots of traffic was to-ing and fro-ing to Little Elbow. There had been a fair number of people on the trail and a few groups had come up the north end of Powderface.

Thanks to participants Philip, Barbara, Dean, Douglas, Aldis, Bart (photos) and Jo for joining me and making for a very enjoyable trip. Ron, C/S/P

---