Little Arethusa 433075 via Arethusa Cirque Off-Trail hike on 15-Sep-2

I returned to my campsite after the Ramblers BBQ as the rain started at around 8 pm, and continued intermittently throughout the night. The morning was a crisp zero degree C with veils of mist swirling across Kananaskis lake and surrounding peaks with a dusting of new snow. It was good to see 5 hardy souls appear at the trailhead. We set off at 9:30 am under blue skies and sun for the summit of Little Arethusa, arriving at around 11:30 am. After a very leisurely lunch we headed down via the southern side of the cirque, getting back to the vehicles at around 2:30 pm. The trail was not too busy but everyone we met seemed to be very chatty and friendly. Wildlife sightings included a herd of 15 sheep and pika that insisted on making its presence know by nudging my elbow. Thanks to Dave, Gordon, Jenny, Jozef for joining me for a very enjoyable day John c/s

Kananaskis Lake in the early morning mist.

Kananaskis Lake in the early morning.

Mount Rae with a dusting of new snow.

Ascending the ridge with a light dusting of snow.

The team on the summit of Little Arethusa

Views looking west towards ex-Mount Petain and Mount Joffre.

Herd of sheep feeding in the cirque.

Pika preparing for winter.

A very friendly Pika giving me a nudge.