sunny snowy sensational saturday at sunshine

I didn't know what to expect the hiking conditions to be like today considering all that snow that fell early in the week.  I always believe that as long as the driving conditions are fine and the forecast looks ideal, then take a chance and go for it, see how far you get on the trail and if all else fails you can always turn back.  All that was in the plan for today and as it turned out, there was no turning back.  We fully committed with no problem.   Sunshine is known for its sunshine!  The drive there was in drizzle, cloud, fog until half way up the road to the parking lot, when we came out of all that and there was sunshine at Sunshine.

The Healy Creek Trail was dry and clear and we made good time in getting that section out of the way.  Doing a clockwise loop, we took the route to Simpson Pass not long after the campground.  Arriving at the meadow was when I knew I was going to love today.  I took this as a sign seeing a heart framing the base of the larch tree.  

Folks had been in this area days before us so our way was clear.  There are many lakes along the way and this one captured my full attention.  The whole length of The Monarch Ramparts showing off a reflection.  We would later in the day be on top hiking the length of The Ramparts to Healy Pass.

Approaching 1:00 we arrived at Eohippus Lake.  

This was our lunch time view.

We sat on these boulders to dine.  I found it hard to concentrate on fueling up, the sites kept catching my eye and I would reach for my camera to capture the split seconds in time.  

enjoying the view at Eohippus Lake

After our 30 minute break, we aimed for the slope that would take us to The Monarch Ramparts.  On our way which was a little off trail, we discovered this beautiful tarn.  We worked our way through and around a boulder field.

Views were like this the entire stretch up top.  With prior permission to post the photo, these are friends I shared the day with.  There was no snow to speak off on the section that we needed to romp along on.  I could not get enough of being on top here.  We could see forever and ever!

The Monarch

We reached the marker at the high point.

My summit shot!

If you look below you will see numerous lakes and then to the top right you have Mount Bourgeau.  Every now and again along here,  there was the opportunity to safely get to the edge to peak down.

view along The Monarch Ramparts towards Healy Pass

looking back to where we were

if you know Assinniboine, you can pick her out

Time was getting on so we only took a short break at Healy Pass for a quick snack and a destination shot.  The beauty was still tops, the weather still perfect which made it hard to leave and aim for the forest.

This is the trail through Healy Pass that takes us to the forest.  We enjoyed the last of the views then when we hit the treed section we picked up the pace to brisk and covered the last seven clicks quickly.  Ten hours later we were back at the vehicle.  

It pays to have a little faith, take chances and just go.  We were not afraid of a little snow.  It is nice to gradually get use to these kinds of conditions again.  I was as I hoped to be, pleasantly depleted at the end.  I could not have asked today to be different in any way.  Our adventure was full of everything that makes me feel like I am "on top of the world!"