Penstock Loop February 26, 2006

Documenting Days Gone By

photos are scanned from prints

information is from what I wrote in a journal

Penstock Loop

 February 26, 2006  Sunday

Me,  J Her

5.5 km round trip

10:00am - 12:00pm

As it turned out, it was much warmer in Kananaskis than it was in Calgary.  Temp was about -2C.  The trip started at the Canyon Day Use Area.  It was rolling hills with lots of snow.   We had to break trail most of the way.  We got back to the car at noon and had lunch at a picnic table then just snowshoed along the Lower Kananaskis Lake for a few minutes. 

Looking back:  We were thinking we would be out there for a few hours and that's what we planned for and take gear and food for.  It was very disappointing to find it was a short trip.  I guess we were now more experienced snowshoers and ready to move on up the ladder. 

Grotto Canyon February 20, 2006

Documenting Days Gone By

photos are scanned from prints

information is from what I wrote in a journal

Grotto Canyon

 February 20, 2006

Me,  J Her

4 km round trip

10:45am - 1:15pm

This was a hike along the frozen canyon.  We wore cleats for the ice and our gators more for warmth,  It was about a km of hiking before we reached the canyon.  It was quite neat on the ice.  Took lots of photos  We continued pass the canyon and up to the base of the cave.  Had lunch there.  On the way back the frozen canyon was melting and not too pleasant.  My feet were soaking wet.

Looking back:  We wondered why when we were hiking in the canyon everyone was hiking out.  We realized after wards you need to get in there before the day warms up and the sun gets on the canyon floor ice.  They got out before they were up to their ankles in water.   Is was then I thought it a good idea to take a change of footwear and socks  for after a hike or snowshoe.  My shoes were a mess and my socks drenched and my feet uncomfortable.   I drove home in my bare feet.