On the Good Ship Crackle Pop (that is to say, the satisfying crunch of spikes digging into the ice on the Elbow valley trail) it's a Sweet Trip to the Candy Shop (that is to say the shop of sugar shack trails on Ranger Ridge in the West Bragg Creek trail system).

The Fullerton parking lot was a sheet of ice but it was a mild, calm, blue bird day. We all donned spikes, as we knew the valley trail would be icy. Leaving the icy Elbow trail behind, we started up Ranger Ridge on the first of the Sugar Family trails--Sugar Daddy. We immediately shed jackets, hats, gloves and spikes, enjoying a gloriously warm and sunny day on mostly dry trail with just a few icy spots. We took a left onto the next Sugar Family trail--Sugar Pony--which took us to the junction with the final Sugar Family member--Sugar Mamma. Here we had lunch on a sunny and warm slope with toasty sun and just the slightest breeze.

Doug, Carmie, June and Barb at sunny lunch spot

Most put the spikes back on for the descent, and all were spiked up for the return on the Elbow valley trail, which was by now running with melt water like a spring day.

Group shot on the sunny Sugar Mamma trail

We were back at the trailhead by 2:10, having greatly enjoyed what might be the last double digit hike for months.

Participants: Carl, coordinator and scribe, Carmie, June, Linda, Robert, Douglas, Barb, Margo, George.
(Apologies to Shirley Temple)