After a long spring with lingering and new snow underfoot, we finally enjoyed a warm, dry but windy day on Pigeon Mountain “above” Dead Mans Flats.

As planned we left the parking lot about 8.30am and made steady progress up the wide trail towards Skogan Pass. Then a steeper climb through the last consistent trees to emerge in green meadows full of various flowers. We even spotted a flock of sheep high on the eastern summit ridge. Later, on descent, these sheep passed much closer to us. With various discussions we made the first and main summit about 11.30am. Due to the gusty wind (60kph?) it was no place to linger. Donning jackets, we high-tailed it down to the nearest trees for lunch. For some reason we had a long conversation about footwear and Calgary outdoor stores other than MEC.

A serious discussion enroute to Pigeon Mountain

Ramblers group on first summit of Pigeon Mountain: the wind was gusting to about 60 kph.

Carl and David enjoy lunch on Pigeon Mountain

We disturbed this flock of sheep on the descent of Pigeon Mountain

Then onto the second summit with adjacent repeater tower and building. The wind was now blowing us about quite regularly. Following some discussion, we decided to descend the ridge towards Skogan Pass. Although I was unfamiliar with this route (done once many years ago), two members “knew the way" so we went. En-route we found the rock, and established a new Rambler record for the number of members on it at one time (5) and also on a smaller rock (7)

Challenge accepted Pam. Here is David with Deb, Susan, Laura lee, and Nardi on the boulder (south ridge of Pigeon Mtn)

Seven Ramblers on a rock on Pigeon Mt ridge: Carl, Judy, David, Deb, Andrew, Laura Lee. Reply to Pam's challenge. She didn't specify which rock and it was very windy.

. We continued down following the knowledgeable members on a “short-cut” through a cliff band and other rubble. Some found this OT5 short-cut harder than others, but we all emerged unscathed in the meadows below and were soon back on the main trail.


David and Andrew descend the rough "short-cut" from the second summit of Pigeon Mt. It is recomended to walk further around the east end of the grassy ridge

The walk back seemed to pass quickly with much varied conversation. At 3.30pm, the parking lot was now full. It was a busy drive back to Calgary, but I found my way easily around the Bowness water main repairs with only minimal delay. Database stats are 19km with 990m elevation gain completed in 7 hrs which would have been faster without the “short-cut”. Thanks to all for a fun Sunday in the mountains.

Participants: David P, C & S, Susan P, Carl P ,Nardi,Deb P ,Andrew,Laura,Judy