Grass Pass/Bull Creek Hills

On 7 October, taking advantage of fantastic weather, a group of our club members hiked Grass Pass/Bull Creek Hills in Kananaskis. It is 6.6 km return, +427 m, to Grass Pass. Add another 4 km, +265 m to Bull Creek Hills. The highest point is 2134 m. 

It was still chilly in the morning, so we warmed up chanting "Dusia, Dusia!" before she joined us for the group photo. Standing from the left are: Andy, Barbara, (her dog, Max), Piotr, Maya, Mike, Basia, Roman, Dusia, Adam, Joasia and Honorata. 

The trailhead is about 100 m toward east from Sentinel Day Use Park. You can reach it through highway 541 from Longview or highway 40 from the north. 

We quickly warmed up physically ...

... and socially. 

Andy, as usual, was bursting with positive energy!

Basia was blending with warm autumn colors ...

... making Mike to open his mouth in astonishment. He was not quite sure, which beauty was impressing him more  - of Basia or of the trail? 

Dusia ... 

... and Joasia were emitting a lot of positive vibes!

Soon we reached the grassy terrain with the wonderful views opening up. Far behind Honorata we recognized Mt. Burke, the mountain we hike three weeks earlier. (See the story). 

Even Max was impressed, while Adam and Honorata were wondering if not to stay in Canada ... for always!

Mike claimed, rightfully so, that Kananaskis is the hidden gem of Alberta. After reaching the top of Kilimanjaro, Mike felt empowered. He was making plans to scramble Mt. Head visible behind his head. 

Above Grass Pass, Roman and Joasia were the first to look at Bull Creek Hills (behind them). 

However, shortly before reaching our objective we were stopped by some unusual occurrences. 

It happened to be a surprise birthday party for Mike!

Not surprisingly, Mike was quite touched, which was reflected in his short speech (to listen to it, click on the image above). 

He even started shining like the Egyptian god Ra. 

While "harpagons," such as Roman, continued to the top of Bull Creek Hills ...

.... some of us lost motivation for further hiking. 

On our way down, we finally spotted a few limber pines (pol. "limba"), the tree I remember so well from Tatra Mountains. 

Smart Max found a way to cool himself down. He was very brave throughout the hike. 

Unhurriedly we returned to Grass Pass ...

... enjoying warm afternoon  ...  

... and autumn colors.

The summit group shortly caught up with us. 

Filled with love, Maya ...

... and Mike started hugging trees. I can understand Mike who received over 2000 meters of love and happiness that day. But in Maya's case I suspect ... dendrophilia! :-) 

Thanks to Andy and Maya for permission to use their photographs, and for all of participants for unforgettable day in the mountains. 

Until the next time! 

(PR)