The hike, from the Ribbon Creek Parking Area near Nakiska, to the third and uppermost Memorial Lake, is not an easy one. When Clare shared her story with me of the family effort to visit the Memorial Cairn, I was impressed.
Twenty-six people assembled at Ribbon Creek in the early morning of July 28, 2012, twenty-six years after the plane carrying Ken Wolff and Orval Pall crashed in Kananaskis Country on June 6, 1986. Horrific mountain weather conditions contributed to 13 lives lost over 13 days in the largest, and most tragic search and rescue operation launched in Kananaskis Country history. Clare’s story immediately reminds me of truths I have come to hold as self-evident. First, the recognition and reward belongs to every person who stands at the start with courage and intent to conquer the challenge. Each of the 26 people who begin the hike has earned this distinction.
Nineteen of twenty-six members of the Wolff Family stand in early morning, long shadows at the Ribbon Creek parking lot where an old coal mining town once stood.
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Many years ago, a woman at my workplace was struggling emotionally with the first anniversary of the loss of her Mother. Her sister, from Manitoba, also struggling, travelled to Calgary so they could support each other. Over many decades, I have experienced the healing power of nature. They accept my offer to accompany them on a hike to the summit of popular and nearby Moose Mountain. I do not know, until we meet at the trailhead, two children will be hiking as well. Normally, this would not be an issue, however, one young girl is not sufficiently fit. I do not believe she can reach the top of the mountain and as we hike the ascent, I am considering an alternative to the summit. After the switchback climb to the false summit, I lead the two sisters to a spectacular overlook of Canyon Creek and leave them to mourn the loss of their Mother. When they return to where I am sitting with the children, I am surprised when everyone chooses to continue the arduous climb to the fire lookout at the true 2,437 m (7,995 ft) summit of Moose Mountain. I know the girl, maybe 12 of 13 years of age, is hurting. The fact is, she makes it to the top without a single complaint and she works very hard to get back down. Back at the trailhead, I seize an opportunity to spend a private moment with this young lady. When I tell her I know how hard the hike is, and how proud I am of her achievement, her eyes mist over and she gives a smile I will remember forever. She knew. Her effort was impressive. It would have been, even if she was unable to make it to the top. She stood at the start and left it all on the mountain. No one can ask more. She did something special and she became someone special. Her life changed forever.
Members of the Wollf Family enjoy the impressive waterfalls along North Ribbon Creek trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta.
All days are not the same. Several years ago, when I hiked Balu Pass in Canada’s Glacier National Park, I was hiking in a group to Nakimu Caves. I fall behind. No matter how hard I try, I fall farther behind to the point of personal embarrassment. No matter how hard I hit the switch, nothing happens. Everyone has days like this. It just happens. It is like writing. Some days, the words flow. Other days, I could not string two intelligent words together if my life depended on it. These bad moments help to make the good ones look better. In this large group, I expect at least one of the Wolff family members turned back, shaking their head and muttering, ‘What the heck happened there?’ No excuses. No fault. It just happens and it is very discouraging.
Some of the young children may come back later in their lives and make another attempt. The aura of this day will have changed their lives forever in a very positive way.
Past ‘The Emerald’, the second Memorial Lake, in the meadow above the scramble on the final stretch to achieve the third Memorial Lake where the Memorial Cairn is located. Massive Mount Bogart consumes the background.
Six Wolff family members arrive at the Memorial Cairn. It is an impressive showing considering none are accustomed to the mountains and four are from the prairies of Saskatchewan. Big sky country. The photographs in this post have been graciously provided to me by Clare. The hikers who arrive at the third Memorial Lake range in age from 9 to 57. Impressive. I was unaware of the timing of this mission and knew nothing of it when I was sitting at South Buller Pass two days later, looking over at Guinn’s Pass and thinking about Ken Wolff and Orval Pall.
Ken’s older brother, Greg and Clare’s Dad, Ken’s only younger brother – at the Memorial Cairn.
Pointing to Ken Wolff’s name on the plaque with Ribbon Peak in the background.
Just below the Memorial Cairn at the third Memorial Lake on the edge of the cliff overlooking Memorial Lake # 1.
Congratulations on your impressive family project. You have created a lifelong memory of escalating personal value in an incredibly beautiful place where eagles soar. Most importantly, you have honoured the memory of Ken Wolff, all the others who gave their lives, their families, and all the participants of the massive search and rescue operation.
Good on you.
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Wonderful, thoughtful, inspiring post Barry…
Your words echo of the efforts, memories, and lingering emotions…
I will wander there someday, then think of the history, the family, and your honouring them so.
DSD
DSD recently posted.."A Look, A Smile, A Sigh…"
Thank you, D. Even by my unreasoanably high standards, the Wolff family mission was an impressive undertaking and an unqualified success. But then, would we expect anything less from Saskatchewan? I think not. You and I have spent a good portion of our lives wandering in the mountains. Your support for this families outstanding achievement is meaningful and appreciated. Thank you for your comment, D.
Thank you, Barry and also to my sister Clare. I dont think either of us quite realized the challenge we accepted a couple of weeks ago and even now, two weeks past the date, I am still looking back in awe over the whole day we shared climbing the mountain. This hike seemed next to impossible and I truly believe it was pure adrenalin lifting us up the mountain. After the first lake, the excitement that we had made it to the first was a boost in our confidence that we could make it to the second, then the third. The hike was difficult but I enjoyed every minute of it. All the people that were saying you can’t do it, and won’t complete it on your first try, added fuel to our fire. Uncle Ken’s brothers, Greg and my father Doug, silently pushed themselves knowing that if the other brother can do it they can too. I found the most challenging part of this life changing day was the last scramble after passing the meadow between the emerald lake and lake three. Every thirty seconds of climbing was rewarded with a minute of listening to my heart pound hard in my chest, air rushing in and out of my lungs, and my legs throbbing. My body telling me that I won’t make it any further, my mind saying it has to be over this ridge. The struggle of mind over matter, and the accomplishment felt when the third lake came into view. The cairn now in sight, insignificant that it is still 3 or 4 hundred meters away, made the last leg feel easy.
We had made it, and as everyone came over the hill a sigh of relief came over us, the talking and complaining stopped, everyone silently patted themselves on their back and reflected what we had set out to do that morning was going to be accomplished. As the cairn came closer, the emotions became stronger, and we all celebrated our success, reaching Uncle Ken, with a cold refreshment. The hike down was filled with good spirit and happy stories, yes challenging and even slightly scary at times as we all retraced our steps down the mountain. Returning to the rest of the family waiting for us at the hotel, the stories began to flow like Ribbon Creek. A great day, great weekend and great memories made with family.
I would love to hear more stories of those that searched and lost their life looking for Uncle Ken. I strongly recommend this hike for all family members involved in the search and rescue mission as it brings a family close together. Thanks again to Barry for your site and your stories and a big thanks to my sister Clare for the idea of the family get together at this special location.
Quinn
The hike to Memorial Lakes, up North Ribbon Creek to the base of 3,144 m (10,315 ft) Mount Bogart and wedged between Bogart Tower and Ribbon Creek is difficult for experienced hikers. You have done this as a beginning hiker and that is a significant achievement. Your motivation was specific and inspiring. Great credit is due.
Your have described the process of the climb in a way any experienced hiker/scrambler will immediately recognize and understand. My Son and I have been working the mountains together for more than 30 years. We have tackled many significant missions and understand the challenges you have faced, accepted and conquered. On at least two occasions, my Son and I would have paid anyone good money to shoot us. We finished and survived. The pain of the effort will go away and the glory of success will remain. It is only fair I share two facts with you.
First: The smaller group that finished together will be babbling about this, like school children with high voices, every time you get together for the rest of your life. The only people that will not get sick of listening to you are the people who were actually there. Be forewarned and conduct yourself accordingly
Second: Even though you are a flatlander, you and your fellow hikers have earned the designation of hiker/scrambler. My son and I have agreed you and your family, Memorial Lakes Monument colleagues, may now use our Family hiking motto, “Too stubborn to quit; too stupid to fall down.”
Congratulations.
And, to Clare, it was an honour and a great pleasure to have been a very small part of this noble mission. I am humbled. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment, Quinn.
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Wow! Good for you! What an amazing day you must have had………..as a sister of Hayden Evans, we have talked about going on the “hike”, better now than later as we all get older! Cherish the memories!
Thanks for your comment, Melanie. I too, was impressed by the Wolff family initiative. It is not an easy hike but I hope you will find a way to make the trek in middle to late summer on a fair weather day. If I can be of any assistance, you may let me know and I will try my best.