Volcano Ridge

 

2023-06-10

Fourteen people ventured to try the new region of Sheep River in Kananaskis, south-west of Calgary, and summitted the north peak of Volcano Ridge (2121 m). The happy summiteers were (from the left): Ana, Mike, Julian, Tomek, Beata, Anna, Basia, Gosia and Monika. Missing (taking picture): Andrzej. Missing (Relaxed Group): Bożenna, Ela, Holly and Piotr. 

This being a day trip, with three cars coming from Edmonton and one from Calgary, we reached the starting point for the hike - Gorge Creek Parking - almost at the same time. This was the plan for the day:

And this is what was accomplished by the Sturm Group: 17.3 km and +633 meters of altitude gain. At the same time the Relaxed Group covered 13.5 km and 380 (vertical) meters.

While waiting for the Lipieckis we warmed up properly: 

With the Lipieckis nowhere to be seen, we hit the trail about 11:15. 

As I couldn't keep with the pace of the Sturm Group, I was shortly left behind with the Three Forest Graces: Ela, Holly and Bożenna. 

In spite of having different "conditions" we joyfully persisted for 6.5 km ...

... until the terrain opened up ... 

... and with clear conscience we could have our late lunch ... 

... and count how many Ibuprofens we were left with. 

While Pani Kierowniczka was waiting for the "Enter of the Dragon" ...

... Holly found replacement for my hip bone. 

In the meantime the Sturm Group was making a steady progress through the forest ...

... open ridges ...

... and passes ...

... to the north peak of Volcano Ridge ... 

... where they relaxed ...

... and recuperated. Volcanic energy charged them up ...

... to such a speed that on the descent ... 

... they almost caught up with the Relaxed Group, which returend to the cars on their "last arthritic legs." 

So this seven hours of mountain happiness - fresh air, beautiful views and human cameriadie -  could probably mean the end of the story. However, one fact deserves to be pointed out. While we were driving back, in Turner Valley ... 

... Mike finally found his "spiritual home" in "Alberta Temperance and Moral Reform League!" located ...

... next to distillery! Mike declared that he was looking for such a way to "reform himself" all his life and vouched to return to this place again! 

Until the next time, Piotr.