A 'stroll' up Wasootch Ridge

Bill decided we should stretch our legs and go for a walk! He didn't let me see the write up in the book so I should have known that it would not be straight forward. I was right, the start of the hike from the car park was up and I mean up steeply! Thank goodnes it was a cool start to the day. As we gained height quickly we found ourselves looking directly over the car park and watching the climbers getting ready for their days climbing; it was strange as we could hear their conversations and jokes - what a strange way to eaves drop.

Once closer to the Ridge the vistas opened up, the views of mountains increasing in size and shape. Once again 360 degree views all around us and where do you start looking down Wasootch and Porcupine canyons or Mt Baldy, Mt Allan, Mt Lorette or Mt McDougall. At trailsend on the Ridge there are fine views of Mounts Sparrowhawk, Bogart, Lougheed and in the distance Mount Rundle. Spoilt for choice in Kananaskis yet again.

The Ridge is dry and we carried large amounts of water, as well as leaving water and fruit drinks in the cool box at the boot. Lunch was a pleasant affair as we gazed on the scenery and the knarled trees, in the heat of the day there was very little wildlife and certainly no bear sightings. Kananaskis is known for its bear (both grizzly and black) sightings and there are information sheets in the car parks reminding us all of being bear aware.

On our return journey, downhill most of the way, the views continued to embrace us as the hike drew to its close. Steep, yes, but well worth another visit possibly in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. The car park was full of cars mostly climbers, there were eleven of us on the Ridge. The climbers were making their return from a days climbing on the slabs along Wasootch Creek. We were all thirsty and the well stocked cool boxes were emptying fast. With words of ' a great day' 'beautiful views' we gradually packed our vehicles, turned out of the car park and onto Highway 40 and our respective journeys home.