Scrambles

Pocaterra Ridge: In Photos

October 24, 2015 by Ricky Chin 7 Comments

Descending from the first peak. Only 3 to go!

Although the days are getting shorter and colder, the mountains remain open and available for adventure. When my friend Adriane decided to put together a group to hike Pocaterra Ridge in the Highwood Pass area, I immediately said yes. I don’t do a ton of winter hiking, so this was a chance to complete another scramble and hike in my favourite playground before the snow hits. I had visited the area a few weeks prior to see the larches, and Pocaterra Ridge certainly makes a wonderful larch hike around the third week of September. Regardless, the scenery of Highwood Pass can’t be beat any time of year.

Helen Lake and Cirque Peak

September 15, 2015 by Ricky Chin 2 Comments

Helen Lake to Cirque Peak. The views are worth all the effort!

Ah the end of the summer is nigh.

There’s been more rain and snow throughout August and September than I would have liked. It’s not that I dislike rain and snow- I actually enjoy both of them from time to time. But I haven’t conquered as many peaks this summer partly because of the weather. So when Saturday’s forecast looked amazing, and with the gradual colour changes that are happening in the Canadian Rockies at this time, I knew I had to do a special hike.

Middle Sister. Never Again.

August 27, 2015 by Ricky Chin 5 Comments

Oh Middle Sister.

What wondrous views from your summit. Atop your vantage point, I feel like I can conquer anything. But alas, I will never hike you again.

Just outside of Canmore, there’s a trio of mountains known as the Three Sisters. Iconic and symbolic, they’re hard to ignore. Of the three, Middle Sister is the easiest scramble, and I’ve wanted to hike to the peak since 2010. Since Dan was in town, I knew we needed to hike something intense. Paul was free as well, and when the three of us get together, there’s all kinds of ridiculous. One of Alberta’s famous snow storms in August decided to pass through the day before, which thwarted our original hiking plans. After humming and hah-ing, we decided on Middle Sister.