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Spectacular day at Kananaskis Lookout
Report Submitted by Diana Piggott
(trip) Date: Friday Apr 19, 2024
Submitted: Friday Apr 19, 2024 at 20:32
Participants:
O solo mio (with apologies)
Discussion:
What I lack in smarts, I make up for in dogged determination!
I parked at Boulton Creek, possibly the only car there today, and broke trail up Whiskey Jack. It was mostly good, but a mix of nice soft snow, and a soft crust, which was worst at the most challenging points of the trail.
At Pocaterra, I met a single set of tracks coming in from the left (Mike?), and followed them to Tyrwhitt, where we parted ways. Decisions.... It was such a lovely day I had to at least try to get up to the lookout. I was a little surprised to be breaking trail up there too. Conditions were pretty good, except crusty around the two switchbacks.
At the lookout, I found tracks had come up from the south and returned the same way. I did the mirror image, returning the way I had come. The first 2/3 or so of the descent were quite pleasant, if somewhat sedate, but then suddenly the snow quality changed from thick whipped cream to super glue. Ack! It was very sticky and slow back to WhiskeyJack.
The rest of the descent was variable, often quite pleasant, and sometimes very challenging, with the crust taking the skis out from under my feet. There were a few bits of sunny superglue also.
It was totally worth it, but as usual I wish I had been a couple of hours earlier. Pictures to follow!
Total distance: 13.00 Km
 First obstacle: campground clearing left ugly mess to cross just up Whiskey Jack.
 Soft crust similar to what MaSid found.
 No tracks! Objective finally in sight.....
 Tracks on south side, plus spectacular view.
 Not so shiny new skis chilling out and enjoying the view :-)
3 comment(s) posted
Comments:
2024-04-19 at 22:26 - comment by MaSid
Excellent perseverance. Beware of twiggy early season hazards or low snow years with the new skis, those skin grooves can be grabby. Low odds, but shocking results.
2024-04-19 at 22:34 - comment by Mike W
Yes Diana, those would have been my tracks heading up Pocaterra from Packers.
2024-04-20 at 08:18 - comment by Diana Piggott
Thank you for the warning, MaSid! I wondered if those notches were for skins, didn't think of possible hazards.
Like you I could use some new knees, but I would be very low on the priority list. Hiking can be excruciating.
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