Last done by the Ramblers in 1999, this long traverse is the ultimate scree slog. A total of 40 km (half by mountain bike on the Elbow Trails) and with 2260m of elevation gain, its also long. As Kane sardonically points out, if scree were ever to become valuable, this area would be worth a fortune. But the rewards are some fantastic views from Calgary in the east to snowy Mt King George in the west.

Most of us met outside the Elbow Campground at a cool 7.00am and started out in 2 groups by mountain bike soon after. My group found the cairn at the start of Mt Glasgow’s ascent trail without difficulty and after stashing the bikes started up the rough trail. With much puffing and cursing of the endless rubble Mt Glasgow’s summit was reached exactly at 12 noon for lunch. Despite various variable forecasts, the weather was sunny with a pleasant cool westerly breeze. Though heavy clouds built up to the east, it remained this way all day. After signing the damp register in one of the 2005 Alberta Centennial’s cheap containers, we proceeded on to Mt Cornwall which was reached at 2.00pm exactly at the same time as the group coming the other way. In between we had been passed by a lone walker moving very fast – how nice to be young. Photos were taken, keys exchanged, directions given, register signed and munchies consumed. The trip’s only (easy) scrambling occurred near Mt Glasgow.

So we continued to Mt Outlaw and then to Mt Banded, which we reached at about 5.00pm. If necessary we could have replenished our water bottles from the one of the streams created by the melting snow. The long 1300m descent by fair trail to our traded bikes on the Big Elbow trail began. About now, we calculated that the other group was moving much faster than us and would arrive back at the cars first. However, it was not a race and the scenery demanded respect. Following some bike maintenance (my bike’s bottom bracket had worked loose), we started the 14-km return cycle before 8.00pm. Some mosquitoes were out.

About halfway back we met John and Carl who had become bored with waiting and cycled up to greet us. We all 5 were back at the cars by 9.15pm after a 14 hour day for my group but only 11.5 hours for the others.

It was a satisfying trip, but I doubt that I’ll have the energy to repeat it in 2019. Thanks especially to co-coordinator John and Carl who waited to ensure that we returned safely. I shared a ride in John’s car so really hoped to see him. Also to Susan and Gary who accompanied your c& s David, to Terry who did the out and back trip to Glasgow and Cornwall, and to rejoined member Jack welcome. Stats 40km (about half by bike), 2260m elevation, 11.5-14 hours.