We thought Thursday would be a quiet day to go hiking at Highwood pass, but when we arrived at the parking lot, a seniors’ bus pulled in along with a few other vehicles with hikers. Luckily most of the crowd went elsewhere, but a group about our size (10) started up Highwood ridge about 10 minutes ahead of us. The hike up was short and pleasant and most of us passed the other group just before the North summit.


group on North summit of Highwood ridge

It was too cold and windy to sit and eat for long, but we stayed long enough to see Carl von Mirbach and his Esso annuitants reach the summit of Grizzly ridge west of us.


Ramblers leaving summit of Highwood Ridge, taken by Carl from Grizzly Ridge

The hike southward along the ridge was rewarding for the flower fans in the group.


flowers on ridge - looking North

A ptarmigan mother with three chicks added some extra entertainment.


Highwood ridge ptarmigans

It warmed up as we walked southward and finally we got a chance for a long comfortable rest with great views on the South summit.


approaching South peak of Highwood ridge

When the other group caught up to us again we started walking down the south end of the ridge over open meadows and then through the woods towards our shuttle car at Mt Lipsett day use area. It was an enjoyable short outing consisting of about 3.5 hours of activity and one hour of sitting around admiring the view. Participants: Kathy, Mario, Ghulam, Joe, Christine, Nancy, Aldis, Bill, Barry and Rita (c/s).

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