This is a warm-up, conditioner, and shake-down back-country
trip that includes some trail hiking, some off-trail navigation,
some elevation gain, and up to two nights out in the bush. The
countryside we traverse through is gorgeous this time of year
and, unlike areas further west, should be relatively free of snow.
However, it will be damp, even muddy, in places.
Instead of fording the Sheep River at Sandy McNabb, we will start
at the S entrance to K-country (W of Turner Valley) and wend our
way through forest, meadow, over ridges, and up valleys to
Grass Pass and then down to the Longview/Highwood Road.
The trip is about 36 km, so we might be able to do it in two
days; however, I have allowed three so that we have plenty of
time to enjoy the surroundings and perhaps ascend some of the
minor foothills in the region.
This will be an opportunity to get your boots (and your feet) in
shape, make sure your pack belt still fits around your middle,
and test your back-packing equipment. Plus it should be quite
pretty, and, who knows?, we might even talk to each other.
We will have to form tent and food/cooking groups. As well, we
will need to spend time setting up return vehicles at the foot of
Grass Pass: we likely will not set off from the N end the first day
until after 11:00am
Required Items to Bring:
Hiking boots, poles, etc.
Overnight gear: stove, fuel, pots, tent, sleeping bag,
thermorest, etc.; food for three days.
Important: we should have one water filter/purifier per cooking
group (there may be patches of snow to melt, but if we have to
use the occasional running water, we will need to be careful with
it since this area is open range)
Recommended Items to Bring:
Anything you want to test: altimeter, GPS, poles, compression
socks, etc. There will be no need for climbing gear or helmets
How to Get There:
Event Directions:
Drive S on 14th from Glenmore; turn right at Heritage (toward the
park), and then a quick left into the parking area
*Cancellation Policy*: If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
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Registration for this event closed on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 07:00 PM.