Ha Ling Adventure

 Early afternoon, on Thursday, July 24th, a group of three determined hikers began an ascent of the Ha Ling Peak, a very popular among hikers, climbers and scramblers, yet still quite a challenging hike.

The weather was pleasant and mostly sunny. The views on our way up were mesmerizing. We allowed ourselves to have only one stop for lunch and a picture taking session at just over halfway up to the top. From this viewpoint, we enjoyed the great view of Whitemans Pond. 

Our pace was slow but steady. We met several hikers, already on their way down. Some offered encouragement and others shared tips and freely gave valuable advice, telling us what to expect further on.

What was new to anyone who once hiked this trail in the past, was the recent addition of several flights of wooden stairs placed strategically on the most steep sections. It is called by some a stairway to heaven, as it leads to the scree slopes below the summit. Finally, we reached the first set of nearly a hundred of stairs. Some four-legged hikers struggled on these steep stairs, but somehow were able to make it to the top with the help of their owners. There were a couple more sets of stairs to climb, and from there we could clearly see the trail leading up and follow it on a steep incline. 

 

After more than three hours of intense hiking our team has finally reached the top, with Nick, a young man visiting Canada for the first time, leading the way. Basia and Bozenna a few steps behind. It was very windy, but the views from the summit overlooking the Bow Valley were absolutely breathtaking. Very rewarding! The pictures say it all: happy hikers, feeling accomplished to have reached the rather challenging peak.

On our way back down, we photographed a small herd of mountain goats resting on a meadow. That fitted our goat theme perfectly, as we started our adventure from the Goat Creek parking lot. We also called our German companion a "mountain goat" since, at the young age of 22, his pace and agility when going up and down the mountain reminded us of those very skilled mountain climbers. Or maybe we should have chosen another animal as our mascot that day since Nicolai had been very eager to come face to face with... a bear! He was constantly planning new scenarios and exit strategies in case we actually met one. Luckily, no bear had crossed our path, but, to the true delight of our young companion, on our way to the hostel in Kananaskis, we saw a mother bear with her young ones on the side of the road, from safety of our vehicle.

 

After getting a good night's rest, we spent the following morning exploring area around the Kananaskis Lodge. Later, we took a walk along the Barrier Lake shore. In the afternoon, dark and heavy clouds made us decide to head home. 

Bozenna, Basia and Nicolai