Club Events 2004 : 2004-05-30 : COC - Grassi Lakes

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Well, another spectacular but short hike to Grassi Lakes for COC members Rhonda, Dawn (Rhonda's guest visiting from Atlanta Outdoor Club), Bridget, Ray, Rosemarie, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Mark, Doug, Parry, Jorge and Merv. The trailhead for Grassi Lakes is found right up behind the town of Canmore, opposite the Nordic Centre. There are two ways up the trail - the 'easy' route follows an old fire road and, as our fearless leader most correctly identified, it is boring! The more difficult (but very scenic!) route is highly recommended as the preferred route for both the ascent and descent for this short, 3.1 km loop (with a fairly modest elevation gain). Along the way, the Calypso Orchid can be found, though it's early yet for them at this location. Proceeding further up the trail are some wonderful views of a spectacular waterfall cascading down from the Grassi Lakes outflow (see photos). Continuing on over a steeper portion, the trail takes the form of a stone 'staircase', modeled after the original stonework done by Lawrence Grassi, for whom the lakes are named. Crossing a small bridge near the top, soon appears the first of the 2 Grassi Lakes, each of which display the most vivid, surreal colours which change constantly with the sunlight and the surface disturbance from the wind! Only a few metres further on is the second lake, distinctly different from the first. Further up the trail above this lake are Indian petroglyphs (see photos) estimated to be a 1000 years old! Also above this lake, rock climbers were out in abundance (see photos), practicing rappelling down the sheer cliff face.

Upon returning to the parking lot one member of the group (Bridget) , seeking respite from the car companions she'd traveled up with (Rhonda and Dawn!), asked if she could join another group for the return ride and once she'd safely retrieved her belongings from the other car, amused her travelling companions on the way back, with amazing anecdotes about our fearless Club President, the most embarrassing moment stories etc.!

As a final note, rumour has it that our American guest, Dawn, was seeking political asylum/refuge status and was not wanting to return home to Atlanta! Welcome to Canada Dawn! Pretty interesting people here, eh?

-- Mark


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