Undaunted by heavy overnight rain, we made our way to the Mist Creek trailhead via the scenic highwood pass on bare road through the mountains that were brightened by fresh overnight snow. Not really what I expected for Father's Day and the Summer solstice.

We left the trailhead soon after 9.00am and made our way steadily up the usual occasionally overgrown trail to the south peak of Mist Ridge.

Mist Ridge South Col

Mist Ridge South Summit: Ulrike, Clifton, Celine, David

Although scenic, the terrain was covered with a dusting of snow and the surrounding clouds threatened more. However, we "remembered Fullerton" (last week's aborted trip) and retreated out of the slight but cool wind for lunch around 12noon. Here we were passed by 3 more optimistic young people from Edmonton who planned the same ridge walk as ourselves. Over lunch the worst clouds seemed to dissipate somewhat, and with full stomachs we continued north along the ridge ever wary of thunder. It was quite pretty with several flowers poking gamely through the quickly melting white stuff. Around 3.00pm, we joined the group of 3 on the north summit for more photos.


Mist Ridge North Summit: Celine, Ulrike, Clifton, David

To the east stood Mt. Gibraltar and I could understand why it took a Rambler group 14 hours round trip to ascend it in 2004. After a break we descended to Mist Creek via Rickert's Pass.


Rickert's Pass: descent to Mist Creek

Although not exciting, the walk back along the good horse trail by Mist Creek was pleasant enough for us to reach the car by 6.30pm. By now, it was sufficiently warm enough for one participant to prefer shorts. Thanks to Ulrike, Clifton, Celine from C&S David. 23 km, 1020m, 9 1/2 hours. For more details of the ascent route, contact the coordinator directly.