Hogarth Lakes – Michael’s First Snowshoe – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Hiking Alberta

Recent mild weather and an overnight mountain snowfall have made the Smith-Dorrien Trail sloppy as the Toyota struggles north to the Burstall Pass trail-head.  We start the Hogarth Lakes snowshoe in the sun with a mild breeze.

Michael at Mud Lake near the Burstall Pass parking area

Michael at the Hogarth Lakes trailhesd

Yours truly at the Hogarth Lakes trailhead

Snowshoeing into Hogarth Lakes on fresh powder

Michael on snowshoes at creek side

Fresh snow has drifted to obliterate any evidence of trail.  Michael does extremely well on his first snowshoe experience and exceeds realistic expectations.  Off-trail drifts give us the opportunity to learn snowshoe extraction from deep-drift, post-holing using horizontally crossed poles.  The scenery is absolutely spectacular.

Yours truly approaching the first of tiny Hogarth Lakes

Snowshoeing beside Hogarth Lakes on the loop circuit

A brief snowfall begins near the finish so we have lunch in the car before heading out for the short hike to Beacon Hill with sleds.  Crazy carpets sprayed lightly with Pam rocket down the hill.  Oh, to be a child again.

Michael sledding on Signal Hill

Michael achieving rocket speed on Signal Hill

Michael making the short trek back to the top of Signal Hill in fresh powder

Michael taking a rest at the bottom of Signal Hill - Does this look like fun?

Sun on the mountain over Hogarth Lakes

On the 40 kilometre drive north to Canmore, we pass from sun through three snow storms, one creating high-wind, white-out conditions on the Smith-Dorrien, which is basically is a pot-holed swamp now.  At the base of Goat Mountain, just south and high above Grassi Lakes over Canmore, we enjoy an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with a beautiful herd of mountain sheep.

Mountain Sheep on the Smith-Dorrien Trail above Grassi Lakes near Canmore

Easing the car through a large herd of Mountain Sheep near Canmore, Alberta, Canada

The return to Calgary on the Trans-Canada marks the end of a successful first snowshoe experience for grandson Michael.  He is sacked out in the back seat so I have to drive. We enjoy a wonderful family dinner at my daughter Linda’s home and call it a great day.

Micael is sacked out after a great day of fresh air and exercise

A wonderful Easter Dinner with family after snowshoeing at Hogarth Lakes

Pictures of me were taken by Michael.