The drive west from Calgary, Alberta on the TransCanada Hwy, then south on Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) is on clear, dry road. Early spring weather is dynamically fickle in the mountains and we drive alternatively in sun interrupted by snow showers. At the winter gate we make a brief jaunt west onto the Smith-Dorrien Trail and drive north about 10 KM (6.25 miles) on good but snow-covered gravel road to the Black Prince parking area.
The first thing I notice is that Ewa’s snowshoes are technically superior to my aluminum framed pair I have been trudging around in for the past dozen years. This is a bit disconcerting so I decide to stand under a snow mushroom near the trailhead for the Black Prince Cirque. Perhaps I need to make an equipment upgrade.
This is Ewa’s very first snowshoe. My responsibility is to lead and instruct. Snowshoeing is easy and similar to learning to walk gracefully in clown shoes. Within a very short distance we arrive at Smith-Dorrien Creek and take time to make pictures before crossing the snow camouflaged bridge.
Todays objective is to snowshoe the 4.2 KM (2.6 mile) loop into Warspite Lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park south in Kananaskis Country. Temperature is perfect for physical endeavour. We experience sun, light snow showers, calm, and the occasional gust of breeze that dislodges floating snow from the trees as we progress uphill on easy grade. The trail is initially wide and we snowshoe on one side to avoid disturbing ski tracks made by cross-country and back country skiers. It is a point of courtesy. Later, when the trail narrows, we must share.
Near the top of the hill, we navigate left onto a snowshoe trail that will take us to Warspite Lake. Final approach is winding and undulating through tight forest on narrow, unblemished trail, until we reach the snow-laden boulder fields beneath Mount Warspite. Warspite Creek is buried under deep snow and the Warspite Cascades waterfall can be heard but not seen. As we emerge from the forest the view across Warspite Lake is breathtaking to the other side where snow and ice laden sheer walls of Mount Black Prince dominate the view. It is a magnificent place to rest.
To be honest, I must say that Ewa’s performance on the day was a disappointment. Although I have my camera perpetually at the ready, she does not do a single face plant, nor does she slide off the trail unceremoniously into a deep tree well for the traditional tangle of body and branches. At no time was Ewa’s head buried in snow with snowshoes twitching in the air. I mean, where is the pleasure in instructing someone when they get it all perfectly right? To see how a professional does it, check out the slide show in Chester Lake. It is only one of many personal humiliations. Ewa does herself proud and snowshoes like a veteran. It is a grand day.
We complete the circuit and drive back to Calgary with the music of Il Divo blaring on the car stereo and enhancing the grandeur of the mountainous route north through Kananaskis.
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I, too, am disappointed at the lack of limbs-askew, face-plant photos. You two are obviously far too competent. However, listening to Il Divo at top decibel levels somewhat makes up for my feeling of being let down. Next time, I will keep my fingers crossed for a blooper reel…
Caitlin recently posted..My hard drive’s been shaken like a polaroid picture
We can only pray. Usually I can come up with something and over a lot of years there are many funny and fascinating anecdotes. More important, not a single injury, but pride and personal dignity took a beating. Sometimes it is difficult to see the humour immediately. Once I get past that, it becomes a perrenial story subject to minor, progressive embellishment.
Barry recently posted..Warspite Lake – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Hiking Alberta
This is the perfect place for a beginner and I love your photos, but no face plant photo? I’m disappointed too, that’s usually the only reason I take beginners out
Laurel recently posted..Roman Limes Museum in Aalen- Germany
There were several sketchy spots on the trail, in fresh powder over a base much deeper than I would expect this late in the season. Ewa handled them all like she had been snowshoeing all her life. There was a snow angel thing going on at Warspite Lake but other than that the trip was vertical in ideal conditions. I chose Warspite over Hogarth for the dramatic face of Black Prince but both snowshoe routes are ideal for a beginner. Chester Lake, Rummel Lake or the Headwall would be good followups and there is still time left in this winter season. It is very convenient all these routes are in the same geographical location.
Hahahaha, I suspect that Ewa got a bit of initiation when she bought her snow shoes
Fabulous images, again, and commentary that entices one to leave the bill-paying and life-sustaining labour behind in order to escape to the mountain playground.
June Adams recently posted..Baked beet and black beans with pork
Thank you, June. It was a great day in virtually ideal conditions. There is plenty of snow along the Smith-Dorrien.
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