I like to think that sharing a day with friends anywhere in our mountain playground is a reason for celebration! Into that mix add a special occasion to acknowledge and the outcome looks like what I have shared below here! This Friday may hold a unique meaning for each, but the common thread amongst us for this day was friendship and fun.
When the shout was put out for a spring time hike to Cox Hill I jumped on board quick like a bunny. In the grand scheme of things our route would cover a very tiny portion of the Trans Canada Trail. The star marks today's playground just west of Calgary.
zoomed in on the above map to show our little scheme section
It has been two years since I visited this trail which now has a new section near the beginning, a new bridge and this new sign. At this point we begin our climb. We are first on the trail today which needs to be broken. It is somewhat easy going at first but the higher we ascended, the deeper the snow became and the tougher the going. When the going gets tough, the tough take turns at leading the way.
the first open view
making our way
It seemed to take forever to reach the first viewpoint.
We had a quick visit.
I wanted a high point shot here because my feeling already was we may not reach the summit of Cox Hill. Along the trail, we stayed in the absolutely center as best we could. One miss placed foot and down to your knee in snow you go.
We arrived at the base of the slope which would lead us to the summit. That summit cairn was so close but yet so far. I moved to the right to have a look around and take a photo and sunk to my hip in snow. We watched three hikers make their way to the top but we were all in full agreement this would not be happening for us today. We could see where a section of snow already slid. The wind was wild and looking up at times when the wind swept the snow, white outs occurred. It was a beautiful view from this spot looking in this direction.....
......and in this direction.
We made a retreat and hiked our way back to the larger viewpoint.
We found some shelter then settled down to dine.
This was my view as I savoured my tea and tuna.
how we choose to admire the view towards Moose Mountain
(note: my only regret today is that I do not have a full group photo to share)
jump like a bunny
ear assisted elevation gain
It is not an easy task to get a shot when everyone is airborne.
Even with burst I could not capture it.
No matter what though, there is still happiness in the air!
view as we leave our play place
one last look
It felt like spring was in the air in a full on winter location. I felt spring in my heart but not in my step. While making the wise choice not to go for our planned destination, I still feel fulfilled. Thank you for putting today's plan in place and corralling us all to come along to add our cheer and color.
Definitely a happy Easter adventure!
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