The mountains to the west had fresh snow as we drove west on 22X but when we got to the Highwood it was apparent that little new snow had fallen and the Hills were bare. We completed the car shuttle and started up; the vegetation was lush and there were many different flowers in bloom:



Lupin-o-rama : Aldis, Kathy & Nancy

fading balsamroot

After an hour and a quarter we stopped for a snack break and undertook some delayering. Where we recommenced there was a relatively flat area completely covered with white mountain avens:


A carpet of avens

The high point was reached within 5 minutes of noon and a handy ridge provided an effective shelter from the westerly wind, making for a fine, sunny lunch spot:


Lunch at the top, out of the wind

After leisurely dining we headed west towards the next summit:


Descending from the highest Bull Creek Hill

The mountains to the west made for a great panorama. At the last hilltop before Grass Pass there was a garden of crocuses still in bloom:


still a few crocuses in bloom

After a snooze break near there we had an easy walk out Pack Train Coulee back to the cars.
There was not very many other hikers seen on the trip, perhaps 7 among 3 groups all on the Grass Pass side of the traverse. All in all, a very good day in the foothills. Thanks to the participants for joining me: Gordon, Jenny, Carl, Barbara, Kathy, Nancy, Jo (first Rambler hike, Welcome!), Aldis and Bill. Ron C/S/P.  
 

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