A few people decided to forego the Stampede Parade for a fine day of meadow walking. We headed up the power line road under clear skies and had fine views of the Lougheed range off to the southwest:

It certainly felt like summer had arrived and along the route there were many flowers starting to show:

The meadows en route to the southeast summit were very colourful with forget-me-nots, cinquefoil, three flowered avens, Jacob’s ladder and numerous other flowers. After the warm climb it was very close to noon when we arrived at the first summit where the pleasant conditions caused some to doff their boots while enjoying a leisurely lunch:

Then it was off to the main summit:

We descended back through more flowery meadows on the main trail before branching off for the alternate return route. At that point we came across what were apparently leftovers from hunting season, perhaps elk?:

We noticed below us some smoke arising from near the road but it didn’t seem to be from a consistent point source so was not likely a fire and the road was too grassy to be a dust cloud. Our conclusion was that it was tree pollen being released in quite large clouds as the breeze had picked up:

After a long forest walk we arrived at the top of the old ski area which seemed an appropriate place for a group photo:

Thanks to all participants. Ron (C/S/P)