A few flurries were happening as we started down Tramline but still with great glide. Bow River Loop Trail was covered with pine needles and debris. We found the packed track for the LL -Banff loppet course shortly before crossing the railway track. Fortunately, the route went along the hydrolines rather than along the Hwy. 1A as it had in at least in one year past. This hydroline route making for a more interesting tour. Arrived at Morant's Curve viewing platform around 12:30pm with no cars in the parking lot. Were having lunch as cars began showing up and a small crowd of tourists appearing as we finished lunch. A train whistle in the distance was heard which encouraged us to wait for its appearance. It did not disappoint and we actually for the first time I have done this trip witnessed a train coming through Morant's Curve.

Train Negotiating Morant's Curve

Group Observing Train at Morant's Curve

Group at Morant's Curve

Train Leaving Morant's Curve

I have included lots of photos of the train in the curve, since the chance of Ramblers seeing this on a ski trip again are low. Headed out after train passed.

Shortly thereafter after our adventure began, deviating from a more standard trip. Climbing a short steep hill out of a dip the coordinator blew out his ski binding - it was not reparable. Options were weighed as for him to head for Hwy 1A or whether something could be gerry-rigged to hold the boot in. In the end, our two newer members had some light cord and were able to tie the boot to the binding and somewhat hold it there loosely. Thanks to Colleen and Ted for the assistance on this. Rather than a hose clamp that would score the track and not allow for good glide, this system which was mounted on top of the ski and would allow for glide on the flats and easier downhills. Perhaps 15-20 minutes were lost installing this system and we were able to continue along with minimal delays except on short steep uphills or downhills-where careful sidestepping was required.

We arrived at the Bow River Trail Loop where we opted to take the trail on the opposite side of the river from the one we had come as we thought it was less hilly - which was the case. We crossed the river at the campground bridge and went along the Campground Loop back to the Bow River Loop. Here we followed our original route back to the LL parking lot.

All was going well until about 700m from the parking lot on Upper Tramline the cord snapped. A quick 5-10 minute repair and we were back skiing. Fortunately, our group arrived at the PL well before dusk had set in.

Thanks to participants Inge, Jane, Colleen and Ted for joining me on this unexpected adventure. In particular, thanks to Colleen and Ted for providing the materials and devising the system to hold my boot to the ski - a good exercise in dealing with emergencies on a trip. It saved the coordinator a walk back to the information center in Lake Louise along the current Hwy 1A from what would have been the intersection of the new Hwy 1A and the old Hwy 1A now abandoned (for those that still remember, original routing of Hwy 1A came out to the current Hwy. 1 near the the Bow River bridge - now it connects to the Lake Louise access road).

All five of us were able to pile into Ted's truck with crew cab which allowed for lots of socializing and longer term members to get to know our newer members - an added bonus.

Bob C/S

Photos to come.