Day 1 – Once everyone had arrived at Two O’Clock Creek Campground and set up their tents, we walked up the Siffleur Falls trail as far as the third waterfall. The Siffleur canyon is impressive. Kim’s partner, Dave, joined us for this hike. (approx. 16km from campground)



Siffleur River canyon

Christine, Kim, Dave, Yolande, Janice, Inge at Siffleur River lookout

Our base at Two O'Clock Creek Campground

Day 2 – Hiked up Tuff Puff then descended to the south in search of Kinglette Lake. There is a trail that branches off from the ascent route to Tuff Puff and leads to the lake, a popular destination for fisherfolk. We managed to find the lake into which Kim went for a swim. Tuff Puff is a very enjoyable hike and the loop to the lake is well worth doing. (approx. 15km, 975m)



Tuff Puff Ridge

Kinglette Lake with Tuff Puff ridge barely visible above the trees

Queenlette on the Kinglette Lake throne accompanied by her 'ladies-in-waiting'

Day 3 – We decided to hike into Allstones Lake with an option of hiking up its ridge. The trail to the ridge branches off the main trail before the lake so we first went up there for lunch. Christine then found a route down the backside which eventually lead us to the lake where Kim had another swim. It is a very popular lake on weekends and five other hikers were there when we arrived. The loop we did is well worth doing. When we got back to the cars we were entertained by a group of teenagers jumping off the cliffs in Allstones Cove. We watched them for quite some time before going up Allstones Creek for a short ways to view the interesting rock formations. (approx. 13km, 650m)



Kim cooling off in Allstones Lake

Teenagers jumping into the cold waters of Allstones Cove

Day 4 – Drove to Nordegg where we stopped for coffee at the Miner’s Café. Pie and quiche were  consumed by some of the participants. We then hiked up the well-worn trail of Coliseum. (14.5km, 680m) At the summit we had a few brief sunny moments before the system arrived bringing rain and grapple. It didn’t last long but by then we were headed downhill and no longer interested in lounging while admiring the views. The cliff jumpers from yesterday were also hiking up Coliseum so we chatted with them. They are a Christian group with participants from various areas enjoying the outdoors of the David Thompson corridor. We stopped to look at Crescent Falls on the way back to the campground. 



Coliseum Mountain with a weather system moving in on the right

Miner's Cafe has excellent pie and quiche !

Day 5 – In the David Thompson guidebook there is mention of a possible loop hike up Mud Creek and down the Allstones Lake trail. The trip description mentioned 5 waterfalls, deadfall and bushwhacking. The coordinator wanted to go a short ways up this creek to see if it was doable as part of a loop. Five of us first wandered up the creek to the first waterfall, scrambled up a steep slope then returned to the cars. Two participants opted to go home and two agreed to accompany me up the right hand bench above the creek for 1.1 km. A confluence of two creeks can be seen from that point. The consensus was that going up Mud Creek isn’t very pleasurable. There are much nicer loops to be hiked.
One last stop at Miner’s Café for lunch was made before heading home via Rocky Mountain House.

It was a very enjoyable 5 days with good weather and wonderful company. – Christine, Janice, Kim, Inge, David, Yolande (C/S)