I survived Grizzly Ultra 50K in Canmore. I promise a race recap later this week. In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some photos that I took while hiking to the Ha Ling Peak on Monday. I’m not one to waste opportunity for a chance to hike a mountain. It’s the best recovery after a tough effort. Yes I was hurting but not enough to keep me at ground level.
A few weeks ago, I saw some pictures of Ha Ling on Instagram. I had loosely planned to hike up after the 50K. I wasn’t sure how my body would respond but I felt great in the morning so off I went.
The official name is the Ha Ling Miners Peak Trail. It’s a few kilometres past the Canmore Nordic Centre on the northwestern end of Mount Lawrence Grassi. Hikers/runners will gain 700 metres (2,296 feet) in elevation from the trailhead to the peak. It’s about a 8K return trail. Most people do the hike return in two hours. I found the trailhead pretty easy after consulting with someone in Red Deer. Three teenagers and an older couple set off at the same time. The teens and the couple cruised ahead while I took my time through the forested area.
In no time the older couple had left us in the dust. I had caught up to the trio and passed them while they were taking a rest. I had to remind myself, this is not a race. I planned to hike up at a slow, easy pace and run down. It was challenging to say the least on my tired legs. I began to see more people climbing and descending as I slowly climbed. I was warned by a few hikers that it was bloody cold at the top. They said after the tree line ended I would be totally exposed to the big chill.
I took their warning with a grain of salt because in my experience I find most people wimpy. Boy was I wrong. It was bloody windy at the top. I really had to talk myself into continuing. A couple of girls ahead of me turned around after the tree line. I almost followed.
I counted my lucky stars that I wore my tights and mitts. There were lots of people in shorts so I can only imagine how cold they were. I had to brace myself because the wind was that strong. After the tree line, the trail turned from gravel bits to shale rocks so it was a bit of a scramble to reach the peak. One hiker said it’s a bit of a free for all to the top. I said it was more like “choose your own adventure.”
My legs were definitely feeling Sunday’s effort. A few times I had to question what the hell I was doing here. But then I would glimpse the beauty before me and I was moved forward. By now the trio had passed me again and the older couple had reached the summit. They were heading down while I was still climbing.
If it weren’t for the damn wind I would have lingered longer on the top. Not many people stayed around too long. They took a few obligatory photos and quickly started the descent. From the peak, you can see down on the Town of Canmore and the Bow Valley. Loved it. I had this weird feeling that my iPhone would blow out of my hands so I didn’t take too many pictures.
I started to run after the tree line. This lasted about 10 minutes when I tripped and landed flat on my butt. One hiker said I earned 10 points for that wipe out. I decided to run/walk the rest of the way down. I played leapfrog with the teens on the way down. (I beat them to the parking lot).
I can’t think of a better way to spend the Thanksgiving weekend – 50K ultra followed by spending time in the mountains. Canada truly boasts beauty that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Sure I am sore today but I will live. Our bodies are made to move, not to sit idle.
Do you like to hike? I’ll be hiking lots in the next two weeks. Any suggestions on hike near Canmore, Banff or Bragg Creek area?
That is so brave of you to go hiking the day after 50K!! Holy!! Great hike recap, I definitely have to add this one to my to-do list!!
Yes it is definitely worth it! Short & sweet.
Hmm, I think blogger just ate my comment! Congratulations on your 50K and your hike the next day! The views are just stunning. I haven't hiked that trail yet but I need to add it to my list!
Blogger has a habit of doing that 🙂 Thanks Leana!
Awesome pics! You, by the way, are a machine!
Thanks Brian! 🙂
You're amazing to hike this after an ultra. Worth it.