The Reservoir

Sun. 21 April:  The Reservoir

A pleasant anti-clockwise stroll around Glenmore Reservoir, starting at the boat dock in Oakridge.

By 8.30 on a Sunday morning the reservoir trails are flooded with small groups of joggers, who set out from their base at Glenmore Landing.  I felt a little like Mel Gibson in “What Women Want” as I caught a procession of conversation clips as the runners passed by.

The section along Glenmore Trail, across the causeway, is not particularly pleasant, as traffic speeds by, separated from the walker by a simple low barrier.  It was with relief that I passed behind the tall barrier into the peaceful neighborhoods north of the reservoir.

I took the shortest possible route across North Glenmore Park and down to the Elbow River bridge, then along the shortcut to the south side of the reservoir.  This route is only possible in winter and early spring, before the ice turns to a sea of puddles and small ponds.

I followed the trails through the forest and up into South Glenmore Park where I returned through the grassland trail back to the car.

This is a classic Calgary trail, and one which every visitor should do, to catch the spirit of wilderness which comes so close to the edge of the city.

Statistics:

Total Distance: 11.7 km (hike)

Height Gain:          60 ft.

Max. Elev.:       3,642 ft.

Time on Trail:    2 hrs. 16 mins.

Start hike:           8.22 am

Elbow R. Bridge: 9.55 am

Car:                   10.38 am

Temp:                minus 5 deg.C

Weather:           Overcast, some sunny breaks.  Occasional cold  NW breeze