I run. I hike. I cycle. And sometimes all three in one day! So by most standards I would be considered an active person.
But when I’m lazy, I can be real lazy. Netflix and popcorn for hours? Guilty.
On Friday, I did a short hike (absolutely no running) up Powderface Ridge with a friend, which was the highlight of my week.
The last time I was actually on this ridge was during the Iron Legs 60K race in 2018. So it’s been a while. You can access the ridge from various trailheads. Last year I volunteered at an aid section on Hwy 66 where the pavement turns to gravel. I haven’t gone up this way before so I was happy to try another approach.
Judging by all the cars parked alongside the ditch, Powder Face ridge is a popular spot. Runners/hikers can access several other trails from here including Ford Creek, which explains why I didn’t see that many people on the trail.
After a few kilometres of hiking straight up through the woods, the trail gives way to glorious views of wildflowers and rolling hills. There’s one viewpoint at the top of the top of the hill (see above photo). One could stop here but you would be missing out.
Taking a trail to the left, we headed back to the trees. We came across a few other hikers who were taking pictures along the way. There was still some climbing to do as we navigated some muddy bits and tree roots. Small bands of snow were on the top but nothing that warranted ice picks or snowshoes.
This was nice short and sweet hike – 12 kilometres and 750 elevation gain. Perfect for a quick hike up and run down when you are short on time. While this trailhead is about 10 minutes past Prairie Mountain (my go to mountain for short on time hikes/runs), I would definitely do this again.
Weekend reset
I didn’t have high hopes for shiny happy weather in the mountains this past weekend. The forecast did not surprise – rain, snow and fog. Sure I could have gone hiking/running but I decided to take a moment to chill and rest up for the coming weeks. A weekend of recharging was definitely in order.
I cycled on the Nose Creek pathways on Saturday morning. This pathway isn’t as busy as the Bow River, and it offers another view of the city away from the crowds. I cycled around the West Nose Creek/Confluence Park in northeast Calgary. This is a lovely spot to explore offbike with its diverse plants and animals in this habitat.
The rest of the weekend I read and watched Netflix while I recharged.
How was your weekend? Anything fun? Do you hold back your running/hiking when the weather is crap? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.