The temperature steadily dropped as we left Calgary and descended to -13C when we arrived at the Elk Pass trailhead. The snow was looking very skimpy as we drove in and that probably accounted for the cars being parked out to the road from the parking lot, as Elk Pass had a relatively good conditions report. The trail lived up to that report, it was okay from the parking lot and improved after the top of the first hill. The hill warmed us up and, when in the sun, it was quite pleasant. There was time at Blueberry Junction for a couple of photos:


Roy at Blueberry Jct

Puffed up whiskeyjack at Blueberry Jct.

We continued to Elk Pass for a quick stop:


Surface hoar at Elk Pass

Gateway to B.C.

and from there decided to get a little extra distance by continuing to the Tyrwhitt picnic table for lunch:


Lunch at Tyrwhitt picnic table- Barb, Shirley, Anne, Ron & Roy

One part of the trail seemed to have been the site of an elk or moose dance party, there were many hoof prints in the trail and twigs appeared to have been the hors d’oeuvres of choice. Nearby bunny tracks indicated other species may have attended. Back to Elk Pass most of us returned via Hydroline and Patterson:


Action shots of Shirley, Ron & Barb cruising down Patterson trail

This was followed by a fast (and chilly) descent down Elk Pass trail. The big hill back to the parking lot was smooth from all the traffic but speed was controllable. All in all, good conditions when not a lot of alternatives are available. Parking area temperature was -7C. One bighorn on the highway near Fortress Junction.

Thanks to all participants: Ron (C&S), Shirley, Clifton, Roy ,Carol (photos), Barbara and Anne

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