And Finally.....!

Sat. 7 June:  Cross Conservation Area

This really WAS my last hike in Alberta!  One may be forgiven for asking what “last” means, given that I have been continuing to make the most of my last three weeks at work, by heading into the outdoors.  But this was my last full weekend in Calgary before finally heading east next Sunday.

My long-term hiking colleague, JM, was back from Vancouver the night before, so we met up on the Saturday morning for a stroll around the Cross Conservation Area, on the southern limits of the city.  I say “stroll”, but a walk around the perimeter of this hilly landscape does require some effort and energy.  It is worth it.

We took the highline trail to the first open viewpoint, then dropped down into the woods before making the long gradual climb to the spectacular western viewpoint. Pine Creek Trail continues south then east, down the green valley and then up onto the final viewpoint at the south end of Fescue trail.  From here the trail turned northwards on the open flat hillside back to the start.

The atmosphere was clear today, giving excellent views in every direction.  Of course, we lingered at the West End, identifying all the peaks and recalling ancient conquests.

At the southern viewpoint J took the time to try and educate me on my GPS device.  Geocaching is on my list of post-retirement activities.  I still have a lot to figure out!

The north breeze had been cold, but was now pleasant as we made our way along the final ridge and down to the car.  It had been a fine walk for my last Alberta outing.  My next adventure will be in very different surroundings!

Statistics:

Total Distance: x.0 km (hike)

Height Gain:       x ft.

Max. Elev.:        x  ft.

Time on Trail:    3 hrs. 41 mins.

Dep. car:           7.46 am

West viewpt:  8.38 am

South viewpt:         10.08 am

Ret. to car:           11.27 am

Temp:               +7 C to +15C

Weather:           Starts cloudless, clear atmosphere, clouds building from N & W, cool N breeze

Clear view northwards to the City

The path follows the line of the open hilltop

Then dives into the woods for the climb to the West End viewpoint

Mts. Cornwall and Glasgow from the West End viewpoint

View SW to familiar peaks and foothills

The remotest trail in the Cross Conservation Area

Following Pine Creek Trail

A tiny butterfly

At the South viewpoint

Birds and birds-eye views