The loving, but aging, couple on their way to, yet another hike.
Hike to Ptarmigan Cirque,
September 4, 2004.
Ptarmigan Cirque is a hanging valley in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Kananaskis country,
part of the Rocky mountains. It is located some 150 km south West of Calgary.
This is also the location of the Highwood Pass which is the highest pass in Alberta,
some 2200 meters/7200 feet above sea level.
The trail itself is a circuit totalling about 5 km and has an elevation gain
of about 200 meters (650 feet). Shirley, Susanne, and Ray negotiated this hike in, by far,
the coldest and dreariest weather so far. As you can see by some of the photos it had snowed
here on the previous night.
.
The loving, but aging, couple on their way to, yet another hike.
Fall colors already well on their way on this labor day weekend.
Shirley and her first try using climbing sticks (no we were not expecting to Ski).
Susanne Swibold.
Part way up the trail which starts in the valley below.
Cresting, just over the tree line.
This gives you a good idea of the trail. All are advise to stay on the trail as much as possible
to protect the flora in the area.
The road to Highwood Pass is in the bottom of the valley.
The valley in the cirque is well above the tree line.
Ptarmigan Cirque.
Think this water is cold?.
How's this for cold? Perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
But Ray does'nt look too cold. Cool hat, no?
All good things must end. Here we are heading back (to the warm car).
OK, who's the one who put all these rocks around here...
The trail heading back.
Here the stream has cut through the bedrock.