It was a mysterious, misty morning, very much like Revelstoke, with the mist rising into a blue Alberta sky. Rather than cross Willow Creek in the morning, for the direct approach to Indian Oils Ridge, we unanimously decided to walk on the road to the trailhead. The trail up the ridge was in good condition, giving great views of the skyline, including Hailstone Butte and Sentinel Peak. Lunch was enjoyed in a green and flowery meadow. The ongoing trail up Gardner's Ridge was good, but then the route laid out by Gillean Daffern's latest revised trail guide was suddenly obliterated by a vast clear cut. Dropping down through slash, we hit the end of a good logging road and followed it out to Willow Creek and the intended return route. Here, despite numerous reminders that due to exploratory route and rough terrain it was mandatory for the group to stick together, part of the group suddenly struck out cross country, following their GPS, arriving at Willow Creek at the same time as the official group.
To say the clear cut area was ugly is an understatement--it looks like the aftermath of atomic warfare--but it would be an ill wind that blew no good. If we believe the logging companies' reforestation plans, this area will again be lush and green after the passage of a few years, and in the meantime, on our march down the logging road, we were treated to unobstructed views of the whole skyline, with the former view-blocking forest totally removed. There was nobody else out there. Obviously any future trip here should be an out-and-back route rather than a loop.

First rest on climb

Mist rising

Sentinel peak

Participants: Rosanne,Philip,Christine,Carl,Yolande,Sid,Dianna,Barbara,Lenard.