Great things took place during this trip to Raspberry Ridge Lookout Loop, combined with the birthday celebrations of our Dear Mike. On the summit, perhaps a combined result of altitude, the presence of his beloved Barbara, and the champagne consumed, our Birthday Boy reached such the levels of elation that it looked he could have been taken to the heavens at any moment! (To see it all on the film, click: https://youtu.be/SwllDe-Ku3M).
Altogether 15 people took part in this fine occasion. From the left: Boris, Andrzej (Trip Leader), Marek, Barbara, Mikołaj, Zuzanna, Bożenna, Ania (from Banff), Beatka, Mike, Basia F., Piotr (also known as Prezes), Jola and Ewa. Missing (taking the picture, as usual): Andy. And, yes, we kept the gate closed.
Not that the cows returned the favor: for quite some time one had to be extra careful not to step into their ... productions.
Soon the summit of the mountain could be seen. Jola "Sokole Oko" noticed that there was "something" on it.
Half the way, first celebrations took place ...
... elevating Michael's mood right away.
Shortly thereafter we split into two groups. The faster "Attacking Group" took a more steep, counter clockwise trail to the summit.
The slower, called by Boris, quite spitefully, "Tectonic Plates Group," took a more gentle clockwise route.
Not that the Tectonic Plates Group was that slow. Marek often rushed ahead so fast that he had to take breaks to calm down his heart. Also Jola, the first one in the above picture, with her "slow but steady approach" often was hard to keep up.
The weather was great, but strong winds remained a challenge.
On the way we encountered some "technical problems" ...
... which Jola took advantage of posing to her first "A (Pretty) Woman in the Mountains" submission to the upcoming photo-contest.
In no time, after gaining 475 m of altitude, we reached the lower "summit" of the ridge, where beautiful views opened up.
At the same time the Attacking Group, gaining 670 meters of altitude, reached the main summit ...
... and went quite wild!
After their champagne ran out ...
... being unable to take pictures ...
... Andy went "bazooki" demanding that a helicopter either brings them more champagne or take him down.
Not surprisingly, he experienced a few cramps while going down.
Both groups admired the views toward
Mt. Burke, which was hiked by the club members in 2023 (see the
story) ...
... while taking photographs on the way.
Both groups reached the cars almost at the same time (which is indicative of good organization) after about 7 hours of the action ...
... and promptly returned to the hostel to continue with Mike's birthday celebrations. Here, the two "somewhat older" members of the club model for a young woman how to go "na całość!" (to the fulness). I am kidding: they were just afraid of another champagne cork aimed in their direction.
Also Mikołaj, called by Zuzanna "Mikuś" (they both had a stunning performances in the
Winspear Centre for the Arts on 19th of September), had a good time. With Zuzanna they proved that not only they are great concert pianists but are approachable, fun to be with people.
Altogether this was a memorable day for Mike and us all. Happy birthday, Mike! Be happy!
(PR)
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