June 8, 2019, Nihahi Ridge
Distance: approx. 8 kms return
Elevation: approx. 400 m
On Saturday, June 8, Fred and I drove into Elbow Kananaskis for a hike. We had not had much success hiking the past 7 or 8 weeks and so on this day, Fred and I were determined to feel rock under our boots for several hours. We chose Nihahi Ridge for a couple of reasons – one because even though we have been hiking in the Rockies for over two decades, we had not done Nihahi Ridge 😲 – and two because once again a significant amount of snow had fallen in the past few days and the treks in Elbow Kananaskis would likely have less snow accumulation than Kananaskis Valley, Peter Lougheed, Spray Lakes, Banff, etc.
There is a weathered shed along the TransCanada before the Petro Canada that always captures my eye. For years I have wanted to stop and get a picture but to do so would be a tad risky because it resides in a dip between two rolling hills. But on this day, the weathered shed fell within a construction zone and so Fred quickly pulled over to indulge my desire for a photograph or two. Perfect start to the day!
The day was shaping up to be a beautiful one. The sun was shining, water was flowing in rivers as it does in spring, mountain reflections could be seen in ponds and the snow-capped mountains only contributed to breath-taking views. Cattle was co-existing with Rocky Mountain sheep and what was so delightful to see were all the calves with their moms.
Before starting the hike, Fred and I visited Forget-me-not Pond. Even though we have climbed up to Forget-me-not Ridge and Old Forget-me-not Ridge, this was the first time we had seen this pond. And it did not disappoint. Perfect reflections of both mountains and trees could be seen in the calm waters. Having the area all to ourselves, we spent a bit of time taking pictures from different locations around the pond.
Once finished at Forget-me-not Pond, we quickly dressed and packed up and started down the road toward the campground. The first part of this hike can be quite boring as it follows a road through the large campground but views of the river and the mountains to the left kept both of us entertained. The trail is an easy and well traveled one, and quite quickly breaks out into a meadow offering views of Mount Glascow. The trail heads back into the trees for a short distance and then breaks out onto a ridge providing stunning views of Mount Romulus and Mount Remus and the Little Elbow River Valley. Turn the other direction and Forget-me-not Ridge and Old Forget-me-not Ridge can be seen. From this point, there is a bit of a climb to the ridge. While we would have liked to have done the full ridge loop, the recent snowfall and our lack of appropriate gear made this impossible so after taking a few pictures, Fred and I returned the way we came. As Fred and I were crossing the meadow, we spotted a bald eagle flying above and for the first time, I was able to change out my lens in time to get a half decent picture.
All in all, it was another great day with my husband in the mountains that ended with a few pictures of various rabbits and hares hanging out by our house 😊
