Project 23: Best of the best in 2023

Project 23 is complete! I was a little anxious when I broke my ankle in August that I would not finish the last few before the winter. But I didn’t have to stress because I had completed the bulk of the list in early spring and summer.

Rather than listing all 23 mountains, I’d like to share six particularly memorable mountain adventures with you. Each of these experiences holds a special place in my journey. I am calling it the “best of the best” in 2023 list.

1. Most beautiful – Smutwood Peak

Smutwood peak was out of this world. The day before Laurent and I summited Bluerock Mountain under a haze of smoke. We drove home through Diamond Valley when I texted Katie to say hello. She had done Smutwood that day, and suggested it for my next adventure. Conditions were perfect and fully appreciated after a day with limited views.

2. Unexpected gem – Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak is one of those mountains along Hwy 40 that I always slips my mind. I won’t forget about it now after the day I spent Kate and Collum taking in the glorious colourful views and Kananaskis in all its glory.

3. Most badass – Dolomite Peak

Dolomite Peak was a spur of the moment scramble. I had joined up with some friends in Banff after a run in West Bragg. The next thing I knew I was joining the foursome for a scramble the next day. While this is considering a challenging scramble, I think what I will remember most about this day is the fierceness of these strong, powerful women.

4. There’s always a Plan B – Mount Hood

I have been going to the mountains long enough to not expect things to go perfectly. We went with the Plan B for Mount Hood. Despite hiccups along the way, including multiple river crossings in the dark, the day served as a valuable reminder that math and tiredness don’t mix, reinforcing the importance of always packing a headlamp.

5. Most rewarding – Mount Burke

Mount Burke was the first solo hike/run that I did after breaking my ankle. I have wanted to do this one since I first saw a photo of the old fire tower building. It felt so amazing to finally be back in the mountains. A guy I met on the summit left me a heartwarming note on my windshield.

6. Most overrated – Castle Mountain

Castle Mountain didn’t quite do it for me. Sure it’s a lovely hike but I think Helena Peak had much better views. At the summit of Castle Mountain, you will see Rockbound Lake, which you had been staring at the whole time, and the highway.

BONUS: Best Bonding moment – Gap Peak

I slid on some ice in the trees coming down from Gap Peak in January. I tried to stop myself from sliding by grabbing a bush. I felt my middle finger on my left hand immediately bend. It didn’t hurt but I knew something was not right. Paige and Monica were all business as they quickly helped me down the mountain and to the urgent care in Cochrane. Funny just an half an hour earlier, we thought the wind would be the most talked about part of our day.

My 2023 new-to-me complete list: Grotto, Ship’s Prowl, Mount Hood, Mount Bure, Volcano Ridge, MissingLink Mountain, Castle Mountain, North Baldy, South Baldy, Bluerock, Smutwood, Read’s Tower, Grizzly Peak, Table Mountain, Rundle, Midday, Midnight, Gap Peak, Loder Peak, Doorjam Mountain, Rimwall, Nihahi Ridge, Miner’s Peak, Memorial Lakes, Mystic Pass and Rockwall.

What do you think of my ‘best of the best’ list? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.