Summer-in-October was the order of the day, on the drive through the cow herds along the Sibbald Road we noted a temperature of +3C but just a few kilometres later at the Dawson trailhead it was +13C. The trail up was dry on the lower portions, then a little slush-ice before our rest stop at the Moose Mtn viewpoint. The trail up the open slope to the top ridge had icy and snowy patches, enough that some put on their microspikes for the ascent, but once attaining the ridge it was bare:

Hiking along the summit ridge (The Tiara in distance)

Kathy, Nancy & Barb along the bare summit ridge

After the easy walk there we arrived at the summit for a panoramic group photo:


Most of the summiteers on Cox Hill under clear skies

It was very pleasant up there with a slight but warm breeze from the southwest. We dropped down below the summit cliff band and found nicely sheltered spots for a scenic and leisurely lunch:


Clifton, Nancy & John enjoying warm breezes and sunny views

Lunch with a view, Jumpingpound Ridge in middle distance

After reluctantly leaving this comfortable situation we descended with some going via the icy trail while many chose the steep descent down the open, but mostly bare, grassy slope that included a short cliff band. From there, most took the off-trail alternate route with a short bushwhack back to the trail where we met up at the Moose Mtn viewpoint with some who had taken the regular trail. After lolling about there in the sunshine we trekked back to the cars having had a wonderful day in the hills.

Thanks to the participants/engaging conversationalists Rosanne, Philip, Barbara, Laszlo, Nancy, Kathy, Nardi, John (photos), Barb, Clifton, Sonja, Jane, Keith and {-1 mario festival} for joining me, Ron C/S/P.

fauna report: a few red squirrels and a group of spruce grouse who didn't seem concerned at all about our presence:

Count'em, 3 spruce grouse beside the trail

Close up of a grouse

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