Sunday, 5 September 2021
6.4 km, +860 m, 4.5 hours.
After "brushing with death" on Coliseum Mountain Loop the previous day (see the photostory), most of the group opted for an easy, though long (14 km), hike to Siffleur Falls (perhaps someone could write a photostory from this trip?). It was only the "hard core" Harpagons, such as Roman, who ventured to follow never-tired Prezes and some of his Angels to Vision Quest Ridge.
This trail is steep - you gain over 850 meters on the distance of 3.2 km - but almost from the very beginning offers fantastic views of Abraham Lake and the surrounding mountains. I have to disagree with some authors on AllTrails who refer to this route as scramble. For the most part this is just a fantastic hike. Not surprisingly, it is very popular. We met lots of people.
As I mentioned, there was some tiredness in the group; however, our Yoga Guru, Bosnia, worked on our ears, bringing instant happiness to some resistant minds!
Eventually seven persons hit the trails: Mike, Basia, Teresa, Krzysiek, Roman and Barbara (plus Prezes).
Wonderful views open up almost right away.
However, the steepness of the trail caused some physical discomforts for Krzysiek and Mike who decided to turn back, leaving me with three of my Angels (and Roman).
After about half an hour, we reached the vision quest spot ...
... and enjoyed the views in all directions. Whoever thought of having first vision quest in this place, showed a great sense of esthetic taste!
Soon our group was tailed by this strange looking dude. When Roman asked him, if he wanted to pass our group, he responded - in Polish! - that he very much would like to hike with us. Only then we realized this was the famous Michal "The Killer" Kilarski who, without telling anyone, came for the hike that morning from the campground ... near Pigeon Lake! (3 hours drive)
Together we reached the flat part of the ridge where most people end their hike ...
... and took a few celebratory pictures. This is where we bid good-bye to Basia Flis who, because of some previous social obligations, had to rush down.
But we were not done yet.
We decided to tackle the first peak on the ridge not far away.
Although the peak looked quite dangerous ...
... and required some scrambling, the first section was in fact quite easy.
Leaving the Angels on the saddle below ...
... we quickly approached ...
... the last obstacle - a rock band, perhaps 10 meters high, just below the summit. This section required a couple of risky steps to make, which I didn't venture to do in very powerful, gusty winds.
However, Michal and Roman found a way around it (descending a bit to the left), and climbed "the sucker" for "the glory of the club!" True fighters they are!
Because of the strong winds, including some wind funnels - and Roman was lucky to get this warm cap from Teresa - ...
... we ran down ...
... and had our lunch only at a much lower altitude.
We were sad to leave all these beautiful views ("zajebiste widoki") behind.
I didn't want this adventure to end! However, mindful that Mike was waiting for us, we rushed down.
A very nice story, especially the ear massage by our wonderful Bosnia!
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