Trip Report: Midnight Peak

This past weekend was Anita's birthday, and given that we'd hiked 8 mountains in 9 weekends, I fully expected her to ask for a break. But nope, she willingly agreed to scramble yet another peak. And so we trudged up Midnight Peak on another sweltering day of heat and sun.

While we were withering away, sweating uncontrollably on the initial approach in towards Baldy Pass, I finally figured out what to give her for her b-day: we are getting central AC installed in our house. No more of this 'sitting in front of a fan like a peasant' business. :)




The Mt. Baldy massif in the background. We had previously scrambled up the south summit back in May.






Steeps!








Summit Brew: Beyond the Pale Saison Tropical.


Pano from the top.

Trip Report - Wasootch Peak

Anita woke up looking a bit lethargic, so it seems fitting that she wore a t-shirt with a Low Battery icon pattern on it while we scrambled up Wasootch Peak yesterday. And while the photos make the day look beautifully sunny, it was actually incredibly windy and chilly at the top. The views over Kananaskis were pretty spectacular though, and the south west facing ascent means that the snow was largely melted, so this is a good shoulder season starter for those of you itching to head out for a scramble.

Also, Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mom's out there!! Hope you were pampered by your loved ones.




View of Mt. Kidd, from the early part of our ascent trail.


















Summit Brew: Tool Shed Brewing's Star Cheek IPA.




Me!

Cherry Blossom season in Seattle

Anita and I lucked out with the tail end of cherry blossom season during our visit to Seattle over the Easter long weekend. I don't think I could handle all the rain of the Pacific Northwest, but when it's nice there, it's really nice. These photos were shot in the neighbourhood of our friends' home, and on the U of W campus.


























And while checking out the blossoms at the U of W campus, this cute little guy came by to say hello.

Chasing Auroras and the Milky Way

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, we headed out about 45 minutes south of Calgary to try our hand at some shots of the northern lights and the Milky Way. There was only a limited time window where we could get decent shots, so I didn't get very many keepers. But these three were among my faves.

Johnston Canyon

Anita and I went out for a short winter hike up Johnston Canyon today, and I finally found the 'secret' cave that I've seen so many photos of, but had never been to myself before. SUCCESS! This hike is uber touristy, but the icy wintery conditions keeps the crowds at bay, and the waterfalls are stunning when frozen. Just make sure you bring some ice cleats or spikes.




The beautifully frozen lower falls.








The stunning prow shaped rock, from inside the carved out 'cave'.




View of the same rock, but from the trail above.


Ice climbers making their way up the upper falls.