We set off a little later than we expected today, glued to the TV watching Man Utd lose by a solitary goal from a free kick mistakenly given by the ref.
We parked at Elbow Station car park, just three cars in the car park, despite being nearly midday the temperature was cool and it didn't help being in the shade. Our first loop was the Diamond T Loop, not long quite short actually at 4.2 kms. The forest provided cover from the chill breeze but also provided slippery conditions underfoot in places as the sun had melted snow which had now frozen solid and was covered by fresh snow. The route was pleasant enough with the usual uphill 'pull' which ultimately led us to the look out. There was a simple bench bathed in sunshine, a perfect place for some lunch before descending.
On the trail maps the route was meant to be circular, which it was of a fashion, however once we had descended we turned right to meet the Sulphur Springs Trail (4.6 kms). On this trail we were joined by four hardy mountain bikers who certainly had to be fit to get up some of the uphills. Our route took us through forestry towards another lookout. We crossed Moose Mountain Road and finally saw Moose Mountain; there is a fire lookout on top and a place we would like to hike up to - it will be next year though as the winter gate 
closes the road at the start of December. The top was covered in snow and looked quite exposed. The lookout was not an exact place but because we had left the forest and were in the open the views were stunning. The sun played on the leaf free aspens and distant snow clad mountain tops became visible.
Our return trail - Elbow Valley Trail (4.3 kms) - took us back to the start of this second loop. We were gifted with a sighting of a Northern Pygmy Owl. It allowed Bill to take some photographs before flying off to a higher perch to search for food. We were very fortunate, the sun was setting and this is a key time for these small owls to hunt as they are ofte
n mobbed by groups of songbirds. The trail went uphill and various little birds danced in front of us including a very cheeky Hairy Woodpecker! When we reached the trail head, the sun had gone down, the wind had picked up and we still had .8 kms left.
closes the road at the start of December. The top was covered in snow and looked quite exposed. The lookout was not an exact place but because we had left the forest and were in the open the views were stunning. The sun played on the leaf free aspens and distant snow clad mountain tops became visible.Our return trail - Elbow Valley Trail (4.3 kms) - took us back to the start of this second loop. We were gifted with a sighting of a Northern Pygmy Owl. It allowed Bill to take some photographs before flying off to a higher perch to search for food. We were very fortunate, the sun was setting and this is a key time for these small owls to hunt as they are ofte
n mobbed by groups of songbirds. The trail went uphill and various little birds danced in front of us including a very cheeky Hairy Woodpecker! When we reached the trail head, the sun had gone down, the wind had picked up and we still had .8 kms left.Another glorious hike in the Elbow Recreation Area. We felt exhilarated what else could you wish for on a hike but sun, snow, stunning scenery and wildlife. Our return drive to Calgary along Highway 1 was pleasant enough as the light played on the clouds coming from the Rocky Mountains.
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