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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
6-Nov-2021
Activity:
Off-Trail hike
Trip name:
Elpoca East Ridge.
Coordinator:
Christine
Report:

Nature gave us exactly what we needed on this day, sun and calm in the right spot, she delivered every note on point. Wearing microspikes we started on a snow-covered Elbow Pass trail at 9:30 a.m. and passed a frozen Elbow Lake. Venturing over the pass and crossing a shallow Elbow River we eyeballed our way up from the meadow. Bushwhacking through the trees was minimal and we were rewarded with views of the Elbow Valley in no time. Up ahead were enormous boulders that caught our attention and provided great photo opportunities. Carl, who was assigned the Rambler model, knew exactly where to position himself so that I could get “that shot.” (you’re hired). Anyhow, we behaved like kids in a huge outdoor playground having tons of fun. Meanwhile, the wind picked up here and we felt its bite so once we were done with the boulders, we continued up a steep slope to the ridge. Miraculously the wind stopped, and brilliant sunshine appeared making the trek upward rather pleasant. Since I had never been to the area it provided a unique view of peaks from a different vantage point. Check photo below. We had lunch on a knob along the ridge and went back the same way. On the way down we sought out a split rock Clifton spotted on the way up, good thing as this was another great photo opportunity. The wind was calm on our hike back through the pass and to Elbow Lake, we returned to the cars around 3:30 p.m. Thank you Christine, Carl, Clifton, Peter, Glenda, Garnet and guest Jing for making this trip so fun. Also, a huge shout out to Bob Spirko and Dinah for exploring this area last month and inspiring me to check it out. Yours truly Christine c/s/p




We crossed a bridge shortly after Elbow Lake.




Elpoca's East Ridge, we went to the knob, centre right.




Carl stops in a field of boulders.




Garnet and Carl.




Clifton at the start of the ridge.




Glenda and Christine G.




Peter kick stepping toward our bump.




Lunch spot.




Taking a side trip on descent to find the split rock.




Ramblers climb the split rock for a photo.




Yep, it was a great day on Elpoca's East Ridge.




PeakFinder looking east from the east ridge of Mt Elpoca