Rocky Mountain High - but you have to earn it

Conditions were forecast as tolerable (moderate chance of rain worsening as the day progressed, small chance of sunshine, very likely blustery wind on exposed heights), so it was an obvious day for Bald Hills (above Maligne Lake).

We were promised a steep ascent, with scrambly bits, and a reward of sumptuous views. With cloud cover tracking ~2200m, and a climb to ~2400m, we were mostly hoping for critters (marmots, pika, and so on....and yes, as always, Tracey carried the bear spray).

Steep it was. Sudden were the climbs. Close was the woodland along the "shortcut", which cut distance at the expense of significantly sharper grade. There was also much beautiful fungus, which we preferred to not stop to long at lest our ursine friends drop by.

Once again, the Minister for Climate Change delivered. A heavily overcast day yielded wonderful vistas, and suitably mountainous atmospherics. Sure, we didn't get the postcard shots - but they only happen every 5-10 years.

There are only so many words to write about a hike like this:

• Take the shortcut on ascent. More beautiful.
• When considering the summit approach, go counter-clockwise. This maximises the climb/pain early, following which you can more easily appreciate what you've gained.
• When you're climbing up (somewhat unrelentingly), turn around and look at the breathtaking view.
• Listen...to the peace, to the marmots, to the pikas.
• Smell... fresh air accented by spruce.
• The advertised summit is only the beginning, with a far more scenically gorgeous spot available for the minor effort of a ridge walk. Maybe a predator bird (falcon?) will also welcome you. Pack a thermos of miso soup to make sure you spend enough time enjoying.

"Minor" summit

Tracey on the ridge line