Our group first met at the Little Highwood Pass parking lot at 9 am to drop off some shuttle vehicles before heading up to the Highwood Pass for the start of the trip. The cloud base was low and the Pass itself was enveloped in a thick fog. The trail was in good condition and the usual muddy sections were mostly dry. Although the cloud had lifted a little, we soon found ourselves hiking up to the high point of the ridge in a dense fog. Just as we were beginning to doubt the weather forecast, surrounding peaks began to make brief appearances, and by around 1 pm most of the cloud had cleared to reveal a blue ski and sunshine. Some larches were still quite colourful, but many were just past their best, in contrast to the aspens and poplars lower in the valley which were spectacular. Cum elevation gain and loss were 737m and 991m respectively, with a total distance of 10 km. A delightful day in the mountains. Thanks to Ron, Douglas, Shirley, Alicja, Janice, Clifton, Joanne, Evan, Steve for coming out. John c/s

Larches just past their best.

Ascending the ridge

Descending through the fog

Pocaterra ridge with sun just beginning to appear

Finally - a view of our surroundings!

The cloud lifting over Highwood Pass

Enjoying the views looking towards Gap Mountain

Poplars and aspens at lower elevation