Traffic was heavy leaving Calgary on the TransCanada but it moved along well and there was not an issue at the sometimes problematic stop light for the Highway 40 overpass reconstruction. There were lots of cars at the Lipsett trailhead with a number of groups doing the same hike. It was pleasantly warm for the ascent under sunny skies, although there was some light forest fire smoke blowing in from the west. Once on top we enjoyed the views up to Highwood Pass and the wall of Mist Mountain to the northeast:

Posing on Mt Lipsett: Yoko, Dean, Barb, Anne, Audrey and Chris

As close to the edge as he ever gets: Ivan, Mist Mtn behind

There was a steady west wind so we settled in the lee of the ridge for a sheltered lunch. With binoculars it was confirmed there were people on the summit of Mist, which must have been at least as windy and more exposed. It also appeared to be a popular destination as more than one group were seen.

After a very leisurely break we started to head down about 1:30. The wind had picked up a little more - hold on to your hats! - but it wasn't cold at all.

Descending the grassy slope of Lipsett, some smoky haze in distance

Further down at the upper tree line there was a sign of the season change fast approaching:


An early turning larch tree

We had an uneventful descent back to the cars by 4pm. Even more cars had arrived since the morning and were parked along the highway.

You scribe chose to return via Longview and at Lantern Creek Day Use Area there appeared to be about 50 cars parked on the grass because the 20 or so paved parking spots had already been filled:

Lantern Creek Day Use area 4:15 pm Sep.5

This is one of the day use areas that the government has slated for closure because it is "underutilized". Not sure how they came up with that designation for Lantern but it makes them look rather clueless as to the real situation.

Thanks to the amiable group of Barbara, Dean, Ivan, Yoko, Audrey, Anne and welcome to new member, Chris Oliver, for joining me, Ron C/S/P on a fine summery September day.,

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