I had planned to some of Nihahi Ridge and take a scree route down. I had gotten the idea from Joanna’s Minotaur Wednesday night training series. Looked like a fun one to aid with my Minotaur training.
But even with some of the best laid plans something can go awry or in this case, something can go unexpectedly wonderful.
I started my day a little later than usual at the Little Elbow parking lot in Kananaskis. It took me a few minutes to figure out where I was going but eventually I found the right trail. I vaguely recalled doing part of the ridge years ago with Amanda. I think at the time I was relatively new to the mountains. Time and perspective can change anything.
The trail winds up through a wooded area before the views completely opened up around me. I welcomed the blue skies. I passed a few hikers before I reached the saddle.
I finally caught up with a group of scramblers at the first rock bluff. I had seen them in the distance, and I wondered if I would catch them. One man was guiding someone up the rock. We said our hellos and they were off while I tried to figure out how to scramble up the rock.
Thankfully all the strength training has paid off – I was able to haul my body onto the rock with little trouble. In no time I was on the heels of the scramblers. They were slowly navigating around and up.
I wanted to do that too so I followed their steps. It was very exhilarating especially when I looked down to see a trail hugging the cliff band to the right that I could have easily hiked.
Within a few minutes I was chatting with the group like we were long lost friends. I explained my plan after assuring them I had everything I needed in my small running pack. I was warned the final push to the south summit would be a little sketchy.
Thankfully I had no problems with the exposure or finding my balance on the ridge.
At the summit we chatted a bit and enjoyed the views. I realized I had missed the scree slope because I had scrambled up the rock as opposed to taking the path and climbing up the “waterfall.” I had so much fun chatting with the group I happily accepted the invitation to continue on with the foursome on the ridge “because they would have more fun.”
I was eager to explore of the ridge. All four had been scrambling for many years so I soaked up all their knowledge and tips to navigate the ridge. They had loosely planned to do the entire ridge and come back the same way but the sound of thunder in the distance put an end of that plan.
We quickly hatched a simple plan to go down to the valley in what looked like a direct route where we would eventually link up with a trail back to the parking lot.
What a fun day! I truly appreciated the group (ages ranging from late 50s to an 80-year-old woman) for inviting along with them. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday!