First summit, sunrise, and summit brew in the books

Turning 40 in the midst of pandemic restrictions meant a low key new year's eve for my birthday. But we kicked off the new year with a 4:15am departure to greet the first sunrise of 2021 from atop a mountain. The colours were spectactular, and owing to the wind, we were the only ones on the actual summit during the sunrise. Dropping back to below treeline, I cracked an 8% Imperial IPA for my first brew of the year by 9:00am.

So 9 hours into 2021 and I'd already bagged my first summit, first sunrise, and first summit brew. What can I say, it may be a new year, but it's definitely the same old(er) me. Happy new year everyone!

The colours as we approached the summit, whilst also seeing the city lights of Canmore.








Soaking in one last glimpse of the sunrise before hastily making a retreat back down to escape the wind.








Summit Brew: Cabin Brewing Super Duper Saturation Imperial New England IPA.


This chubby little bird was hoping we would drop some food.

Trip Report: Little Galatea, Round 2

This past Saturday's adventure was a sweaty and sweary affair, as we sought redemption on a peak we failed to summit last year due to snow. It almost became a failure again, as we encountered some steep slippery slopes that were difficult to gain any traction on, resulting in some choice words and hanger induced temper tantrums. Anita struggled in vain to make any headway, sliding back down with each step up. After finally making it to the first false summit, there maaaay have been an awkwardly entertaining moment of her muttering 'Faaack this... this is faaacking stupid' in response to Jas asking her if she was doing okay. She most definitely was NOT okay, nor having a good time. :)

Despite this, the weather was a combination of bright blue skies, beautiful low winter sun, and rare windless conditions along the ridge, so I parked Anita at the false summit, and ran up the remaining two high points to tag the actual peak. Cause I was NOT interested in doing this for a third time. The views were phenomenal, and made for some gorgeous photos, particularly as the sun was setting on our descent. Take a peek, and see if you can hear Anita swearing in some of the photos. :\

Keith blazing a trail up towards the summit, being careful to stay well back of the corniced ridge.


This is where I parked Anita, and told her "DO NOT GO ANYWHERE." Because on one side, you couldn't tell where the rock ended, and the cornice began, and on the other side, the slope was so steep that if you slid, you wouldn't be able to stop.







If you look really closely, you may be able to spot a red speck on the bump in the bottom centre of this photo. That's Anita, chilling in the sun while we pushed on for the true summit


There she is, in the middle.


Summit brew: Common Crown Brighter Days Citra Pale Ale.














As we descended, the light rapidly fell, and we were greeted by these magnificient last rays of sunset, and alpenglow.

Winter Wonderland ... in Autumn

Autumn in Calgary can be a real mixed bag. This past Sunday, it was full blown winter and -26 degrees for the start of our hike up Forgetmenot Ridge. Even despite wearing five layers up top and two layers on my legs plus gaiters and thick socks, it was still cold enough to frostbite your nuts. But hey, the bright blue skies and snow covered trees made for some magical winter scenery, so... worth it?

Summit Brew: Dageraad Brewing - Jumo. Tart Kveik Ale.

Kent you stupid knob...

Saturday's snowshoe adventure was an annoying slog up Kent Ridge South, to a high point known as "The Knob." The fortune in my fortune cookie summed up our day aptly: The days that break you, are the days that make you.

The day started out promising with warm temperatures and a well beaten track, but that disappeared quickly, and we were soon sweating hard as we broke trail up unsupportive snow for a couple of hours. Of course we would re-find the well worn trail AFTER we'd blazed a new one through the most tedious and difficult parts. Aaarrrrgggh. Regardless, we got a great workout despite the lack of views (due to thick clouds and snow). Kent, you stupid knob.














Look at those sweet views of nothing...








Summit Brew: Lost Craft Eclipze Milkshake IPA.


Cookies and Cream Fortune Cookie.


A most fitting fortune for the day.