TR: Bow Summit, June 2nd 2007
This marks my first June turns of my life. It was indisputably, incomparably, without a doubt...my best June turns ever. Headed up to Bow Summit with Gurpy (Downhill rider) and Tom (non-member), leaving Calgary at 6:25. My earliest start in recent memory.
When we arrived at the parking lot there were already a couple cars. I had nightmares of it being completely tracked out due to the easy access and no snowfall. But I forgot, it's June. However, the parking lot did fill up all the way to the highway due to the massive amounts of hikers. Most of them were in sandals and were shocked to find snow covering the entire trail.
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76804.jpg
Tourists like this asshole.
We summited quickly despite two of us (Tom and I) boot packing. We stayed below tree line as it heated up fast and there was no freeze the night before.
It was hot. Snow pants were not breathing well despite all vents being open.
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76805.jpg
Tom airing it out.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...peytoslake.jpg
Although, nothing can ruin this view. We were completely alone on the bench we made it to and hung out on the rocks for a good hour. It was great to be in the mountains again. Being in an environment that is so pure and untainted is special. Fresh air, a distinctive lack of noise, and lots of empty space seems all like the antithesis of Calgary. I like it.
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76806.jpg
Only in Canada can a brown skier, hike a peak with one white kid with his pants down and the other pretending to be an Asian tourist. I love it. Gurpy is my hero.
We lapped a small hill overlooking Peyto's lake about 3 times. Smooooooth corn.
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76710.jpg
Gurpy
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76711.jpg
Me
http://www.biglines.com/photosv2/200...ines_76712.jpg
Tom (pants up)
We skied two laps of the main hill and then called it a day because it was getting way to hot.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...ta_hoser/6.jpg
Teamwork. Yay!
After returning to the parking lot I realized this was the busiest backcountry day I had ever experianced. A group of hikers every 30m or so all along the road. We got some strange looks for sure. After returning the to car Gurpy promised beer that he had stashed earlier that week...We ended up digging up about a 10 by 10 ft square before realizing we were at the wrong tree. Oh, well it was worth it after my first June turns.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s..._hoser/6-1.jpg
The upper cirque. On the to-do list for next season (or this one if we get a really really good freeze)
On the way back I took some pictures of pant wetting options just off the highway. Inspiring to say the least.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC_0114e.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC_0139e.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC_0151e.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC_0152e.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC_0116e.jpg
Good times.
