Let’s kick things off with a friendly reminder: Coffee and smoothies aren’t a good pairing especially during an hour and half drive to the mountains. By the time, I rolled into the parking lot at Lake Minnewanka, I was on the brink of a bathroom emergency.
Thankfully, crisis averted. And I was soon packing my run pack and guzzling the last drops of my coffee.
I arrived at Lake Minnewanka just before 9 a.m. I wanted to start at 8 a.m. but that would have meant getting out of bed earlier. Lately it’s been a real struggle to get out of bed (even when I go to bed at 9 p.m.). I was happy to see the parking lots were mostly empty, a far cry from peak season.
My plan was to run to Alymer Lookout. This lookout was built in 1946. I knew conditions to the turn off to the lookout where dry, and free of snow. I was unsure of the conditions on the climb to the lookout.
I ran along the dry forested trail past Stewart Canyon across a wooden bridge, through the trees on small rolling hills for about 8 kilometres before I reached the junction to Alymer Lookout. All the snow had melted – though there were a few slushy spots that no doubt will dry up in a few days (if it doesn’t snow again.) trail was dry.
Turning left at the junction to head up Alymer Lookout, I was cautiously optimistic. I held faint hope that someone had reached the lookout already that morning. Two runners had passed me. Maybe they were headed up to the top? Or maybe they were continuing on the trail? (The trail continues for another 21 kilometres to Ghost Lakes.)
No such luck. The first kilometre was completely dry then I started encountering patches of snow that eventually turned into snowdrifts. I had packed my spikes but I was too lazy to put them on. I was still clinging to the belief that there would be more dirt than snow.
Eventually I made it to the top with wet feet and sheer determination (I drove this far, I am making it to the top!). Big wins – I managed to stay upright and not fall tumbling down into the forest. Some parts were super sketchy where I couldn’t see the trail at all.
The panoramic views of Lake Minnewanka were spectacular particularly across to spectacular Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Girouard.
A trio of runners – Dan, Ria and Jane – joined me shortly after I reached the top. They thanked me for breaking trail then we all ran down together (after putting on our spikes for the snowy bits).
The run down was good but my hammie started to protest so I did my best to keep running. (It hurt like hell driving home. After some TLC it’s feeling much better.)
It felt good to be back running in the mountains. I was reminded once again of the challenges and rewards that come with exploring Mother Nature’s playground.