I thought Mother Nature was “just kidding” with the rainy forecast for Kananaskis. So bright and early Saturday morning, I I hit the highway in the Qashqai.
The night before, I loosely planned to run Powderface Ridge since the winter road was open for the season. I had read a few chapters of my Kananaskis Country Trail Guides (4th edition) so I knew vaguely where I was going.
The rain had already started when I turned onto the highway into Kananaskis. It didn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. I still had faith. There was a major accident involving a semi-truck on the highway that delayed traffic slightly.
Otherwise traffic was fairly light. I turned onto Hwy 66 where I saw very few cars. I didn’t see anyone at the usual spots at Allen Bill or the Mountain Road. A few cars were parked near Prairie Mountain trailhead.
As I approached the winter gate, I knew the rain would not be letting up anytime soon so I kept on driving. Despite gloomy weather, it was a beautiful day for a drive. I can’t remember the last time I drove on this highway – definitely not since I moved to Calgary.
I don’t know these areas off Hwy 66 really well so it was nice to get out and do a little sight seeing in the Qashqai.
It was so quiet – almost too quiet. I saw a few deer on the side of the ditch so I made sure not to speed. I stopped at every turn out to take a picture or just to look around. I could see many trails leading into the woods. I made a mental note to research the area so I can come back better prepared.
I drove into this great day use area. I think it was Cobble Flats. (I really need to take better notes and bring my maps.( There were nice secluded picnic tables and fire pit. Great spot for picnics and a day out with friends and family.
I didn’t explore too much around here as I was getting too wet and cold. Time to find Powderface Ridge. I was told there was another spot to access the trail as opposed to go to the starting point at the Elbow trailhead (The only way I know how to get there.)
After more confusion on my part, I came to “three-way” stop. I parked behind a couple of trucks and got out of the Qashqai. I wasn’t sure if I should attempt a road where a sign basically said – drive at your own risk. It was raining .. so … no.
A path, to a side of the sign, was clearly heading into the forest so I climbed up to the trailhead to read the orange marker. I tried to squint to read it from the ground but my eyesight isn’t that good.
Yay I found Powderface … but did I want to slog around in the rain? Nope. I did not. Better days are coming. So I kept driving (not on the impassable road). I wasn’t sure where the road ended up. I had plenty of gas so exploring I went. I would worry about getting in a run later.
I pulled into another dayuse spot where I saw several hikers with huge backpacks. They didn’t seem to mind the rain. After taking a short walk about, I figured out that I was at the Little Elbow Trail. (Only because there was a sign that said … you guessed it Little Elbow Trail.)
The pond was about half frozen. Still the views were striking and if I weren’t such a wimp, I would have stayed a little longer. By now my mind was decided, I didn’t want to run in this weather. I would rather see where the road led me.
It’s been a long time since I headed out on the highway with no destination in mind. In fact, this was my first mini day trip with the Qashqai. (Where are you Versa?) I am so excited about exploring new places this year. I am starting to feel slightly settled and less anxious, which is reassuring. I’ve been feeling all over the place … a.k.a one hot mess.
I didn’t think I would ever get my mojo back. It’s back.
My final stop in the Qashqai was the Elbow Valley parking lot – this place I remembered. (Amanda and I did Nihahi Ridge a few years ago. I would love to do it again because it’s so much more closer. )
A handful of cars were in the parking lot. These people were not wimps. They were probably dressed for the weather too. I had enough so I turned around and headed to Bragg Creek for a coffee at Cinnamon Spoon.
Then I drove to Bowmont Park just before it started to rain.