The passionate hiker

The passionate hiker
Early days in the outdoors

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Foothills Frolic


Sun. 24 March:  Foothills Frolic


Yet another perfect day.  Ideal for an afternoon ramble around the Cross Conservation Area just south of Calgary.  Today I had M with me.  We were surprised not to see lots of people out on the trails.  We met nobody until the end of our trip.  Our journey took us up to the first open hilltop, then southwards along Fescue Trail to the viewpoint above Pine Creek. We dropped down to the creek and followed the trail westwards.

The side track to the Stuart barn was closed. The sign said there was construction work, so of course we headed up the track to see what was happening. As we came in sight of the barn, we saw a farmer with his tractor and it seemed to  us that the barn might be being used for cattle or horses during birthing, so we turned around, not wishing to disturb the animals. 

Continuing up Pine Creek we encountered more snow in shaded areas.  It was a cloudless day.  The view of the mountain wall from the west end viewpoint was spectacular.  M skipped down the forested hillside through a foot of packed snow.  I had to work hard to keep up.  It was on the final leg, through the trees along the northern escarpment, that we met a young family of four – the only other people we met on the trails today. 

This was a great day to be outside.  To the north, across the prairie, lay the city half smothered in a haze.  Out here we were able to frolic in the bright sunshine.
 

Statistics:

Total Distance:   9.0 km (hike)
Height Gain:        600 ft.
Max. Elev.:       4,270 ft.
Time on Trail:    2 hrs. 29 mins.
Start hike:           12.32 pm
West End:            2.13 pm
Car:                     3.01 pm
Temp:                minus 2 to minus 1 deg.C
Weather:           Cloudless, E. breeze




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