Club Events 2002/2003
| 2002-05-19: AOC - First Annual AOC Member Picnic | ||
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| Participants: Rhonda Scheurer, Dean Gran, Katherine Martin, , Kendra Howe, Thomas Zoe, , Lewie H. Rosner, Marti S. Rosner, BANDIT (dog), , , Gyllian Christine Berg, Dawn Cain, , , , Darcy Chalfin, Jeff Asher, Darcy, Deidre Dowdy, , Steven K, Peter Mortensen, Barry, Jay Grygo, Pat Pickwick, Ralph Pickwick, Robert Gilliam, Frances Gilliam, , Chris Jackson, Jason Robinson, Paul B. Dunio\n It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect weather for a BBQ. A hungry horde of about 35 people sat about waiting for their meal, chatting and enjoying the early spring day in the shade of Young Deer Park’s pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers and She –Devil chicken were being grilled along side ears of corn and the tables were spread with a delectable array of side items and desserts. After chowing down their meal, the crowd adjourned to the grassy slopes to play. First off, the balloon toss, with several contestants bombing out early and a final nerve-wrenching battle of finesse between just two teams….a second game to settle scores then on to volleyball. Finally the eggs were brought out….and the contestants were off! Running with an egg balanced precariously on a plastic spoon is no small feat, don’t let those wily AOC folks tell you otherwise. A passing that self same egg onto your anxious and nervously awaiting teammate is none so easy either…. Finally, the egg games disintegrated into a violent egg-shattering “eggs”perience as a new game was made up on the spot. Throw your egg into the bucket and wait for that satisfying “squoosh”. This game was not as easy as was first thought, and there were far more “squooshed” eggs outside the bucket than inside…but as can be expected, the youngest heart in the crowd was the triumphant winner with over 7 eggs in the bucket (after many slightly outside the rules drops). Then, suddenly, as everyone was beginning to relax….the balloon wars began! Someone had snuck off and stocked up on ammunition! Miraculously, everyone survived, unhurt, and with the lowering sun behind us, our bedraggled happy crowd said their goodbyes and started out on the long drive back to Atlanta.\n Written By: Katt Martin
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| 2002-07-21: No Kidding: Johnston Canyon | ||
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| 2003-04-12: AOC - Flat Water Canoeing - Chestatee River | ||
| Trip Leader(s): Katherine Martin\n Participants: Katherine Martin, Milagros Rondon, , Christopher W. Barrigar, Christy Ann White, Amy Rampley, Udo Licht, Rhonda Scheurer, Michael Aubertine, Mark Craig, Sharon Baldwin, , , Jill Heiser, Ayo Oyewole, Chris Jackson, Robert Morris, Alison Eberhart, Amanda Marks, , Jennifer Stacy, Jacqui Chew, Nadene Snell, Jamie Mitchell, Laura, Frederick Choi, Thom Figueroa, Susan Cooper, Amy Barga, John Ventress
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| 2003-05-03: COC - Jumpingpound Loop | ||
| Participants: Rhonda S, Bridget\n Did someone say it's supposed to be spring?\n In spite of the snow, this was a really nice, albeit short, hike. We weren't able to do the complete loop because of water - we went one way, and eventually turned back because the creek had overflowed its banks and we had no way across. When we got back to the trail head, we tried going the other way, and turned back because the trail became a weird smooshy half-frozen lake.\n\n So, we ended up hiking for only an hour or an hour and a half, and then went and rewarded ourselves with a feast of Greek food at Mega restaurant in Cochrane.
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| 2003-05-24: COC - Grotto Canyon | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Agnieszka Janiewicz, Karen\n We couldn't have had better weather for this hike - it was sunny and beautiful, and the views were wonderful.\n One thing that we'd do differently, though, is wait until later in the season to do this one. The water of the creek was high enough that we weren't able to do the entire hike to the pictographs and falls. Instead, we had an adventure (or misadventure, as the case may be), hiking up the canyon looking for a different trail.
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| 2003-05-28: COC - Inline Skating at North Glenmore Park | ||
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| 2003-05-31: COC - Fir Creek Point | ||
Why no write-up for this one? I think it's because when we got there we couldn't ford the river that was right at the trailhead so we went to Bragg Creek for coffee and pastries.
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| 2003-06-01: COC - Race CIty | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Joel W. (SquarePants), Rhonda S, Graeme\n \nThe races today were great, especially on the oval. Lots of thrills and spills during the second race. It rained for a while, but mostly was just right.
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| 2003-06-04: COC - Inline Skating near Glenmore Inn | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Tina Praught, Lora Risk, Graeme\n We had a really nice skate at North Glenmore Park. It was the first time that Tina and Lora came out for an event. Graeme rode his bike while the other three of us skated.\n
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| 2003-06-07: COC - Mount Indefatigable | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Tim Turnbull, Holly P, Carole Bourget, Linda Klapper, Michelle Pushka, Rhonda S, Graeme, Johanne Gagnon\n The sign said this was a \"strenuous\" hike, and I think we'd all agree. It was a beautiful day, and an amazing hike. It was quite steep, and an almost steady incline up Mt. Indefatigable, with several areas with lots of loose rocks making it tricky on the way down.\n Carole, Linda and Karen turned back early. The rest of us went up to the lookout, which is at the top of the \"bump\" on the right-hand side of the mountain. Four of us turned back at the lookout, and four tried to go the rest of the way to the summit but turned back after a while due to snow.
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| 2003-06-11: COC - Inline Skating near Glenmore Inn | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Graeme, Rhonda S, Tina Praught, Lora Risk\n\n \nThis was our first club skate on this trail, which is great - nice, smooth, and un-hilly. The trail starts near Glenmore Inn and parallels the canal all the way out to Chestermere. We did 6km one-way and then turned around and went back. All the way to Chestermere is about 20km, and apparently there's a picnic area at the other end of the trail. Perhaps one of these days we'll go the whole way.\n
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| 2003-06-17: COC - Rae Glacier | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, michelle p., Holly P, Graeme, Karen, Heather MacDonald\n\n What an amazing day! I was so pleased to get this many people out on a weekday, and the conditions were perfect. Who needs that stupid job anyway! A highlight of this trip was having Emanuele, an Italian traveling through Canada, join us for the day.\n We had a short hike to Elbow Lake, which would make an IDEAL spot for a walk-in camping trip, which we're hoping to put together soon.\n\n Then, up to Rae Glacier. We had lunch at the glacier, and Emanuele, Holly and Karen climbed up into the glacier and tobogganed down on a plastic bag. We ran into some snowboarders who climb up the glacier (as far as the debris) and board down.\n\n During lunch, there was a small avalanche on the glacier above and to the right. It was small, but the loud cracking noise, and the falling snow, gave us a tense moment or two.
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| 2003-06-21: COC - Millarville Farmers Market | ||
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| 2003-06-25: COC - Glenmore Reservoir | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Graeme\n\n\n \nThe first club Mountain Biking event - great weather, and an excellent trail!
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| 2003-06-28: COC - Blue Hill Lookout | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Graeme, Lora Risk, Bridget, Holly P, Rhonda S\n \nWe have renamed this hike the \"Buns of Steel\" hike.\n\n We drove up to this hike, which is near Sundre, via the Forestry Trunk Road, NW of Cochrane. The road was gravel most of the way, and was very rough in spots. The scenery was quite nice for those of us in the front car... those in the back just ate our dust. We came back on Highway 22 so that we didn't have to do the gravel road all the way again.\n\n This was a really tough hump up a road to the lookout station on Blue Hill - 8km one-way, so 16km round-trip. The view, in my humble opinion, was not worth the effort to get there. Bridget and Ethel gave up before reaching the top, and the rest of us nearly gave up a few times, too.\n\n One of the best things about this hike was talking with Sharon, the lookout lady, at the top. She was really nice, but had some horror stories about people going up to lookouts and intruding on the watch people's privacy (for example, helping themselves to their cabin and/or food... taking photos of them bathing). I had learned of this trail from Mike Potter's \"Fire Lookout Hikes\", and she specifically mentioned that book as doing a tremendous disservice to the lookout watch people as it has dramatically increased the amount of traffic up to the lookouts, but has not provided people with information about respecting the lookouts. She recommends that anyone wanting to hike up to fire lookouts to call the Alberta Government Right Number, 310-0000, and speak with Land and Forest to confirm that the lookout is receptive to visitors, and that it's a good time to visit (ie. they're not on high alert for fires). It was a real eye-opening experience.\n
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| 2003-07-03: COC - Inline Skating near Glenmore Inn | ||
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| 2003-07-08: COC - Grotto Canyon | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Jennifer Martin, Tina Praught, Emily Praught, Lora Risk\n\n\n \nThe forecast was iffy for today - calling definitely for rain in Calgary, and maybe rain in Canmore. We decided to go anyway, and it was great! The weather and conditions were perfect.\n\n We hiked in from the official trailhead down the gravel path, and then down the stream. The canyon was amazing, the pictograms were small, the waterfall was lovely. A terrific hike.
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| 2003-07-09: COC - Inline Skating near Glenmore Inn | ||
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| 2003-07-12: COC - Race City | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Graeme, Rhonda S, Joel W. (SquarePants)\n\n\n \nIn direct contrast with the Millarville Farmer's Market, this is by far the most testosteroney event that we do.\n\n The first time that we went to Race City this year was the day that I decided I absolutely *had to* put my classic car back on the road. I have a 1976 Olds Omega that my Grandfather bought brand new in '76, and which I inherited in '85. I've had it on the road for almost a month, now, after being in storage for more than two years, and boy is it fun!\n\n Graeme, Joel and I had a great time watching the races this eve with the \"Legends\" being a new fave. There was some good racing action, including one fabulous wipe-out in which one of the cars (I believe it was during the mini-stocks) hit the wall in front of the spectators. There was a ton of smoke, a bit of fire, and lots of gnashing sounds (pronounced \"guh-nashing\" by the commentator).\n\n A very enjoyable evening, although I must admit that I'm never completely satisfied when they don't have either the Figure 8's or Demolition Derby. You have to cut me some slack, though... I AM originally from Red Deer.
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| 2003-07-13: COC - Volcano Ridge | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): David Allan, Karen P\n Participants: Sandy Bruce, Rhonda S, Graeme, David Allan, Karen\n\n\n \nToday's hike began with a gentle meander through a meadow before a short but moderately steep ascent to a shale covered shoulder just south of Volcano ridge. The ascent was heavily accented with an abundance of colourful wild flowers and views to the east & south of tree covered hills and valleys.\n\n We ate lunch on the shoulder where we were rewarded with an incredible view of mountains to the west and rolling hills to the east. We then began the relatively easier descent on Link Creek Trail to Volcano Ridge Trail, Gorge Creek Trail & back to the trailhead. The descent wound through pine forests broken by the occasional meadow and small creek crossings. Animal tracks were visible in the dried mud including what looked to be bear tracks. This small loop is part of a much larger trail system all accessible by hiking, bikes or horses.\n\n There were a couple of enticing side trip possibilities from the shoulder we ate lunch on, one to a rocky knoll to the south and a scramble along Volcano Ridge to the north.\n\n This 11 km hike was well worth the effort and included a wide variety of terrain.\n\n -- Dave and Karen
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| 2003-07-14: COC - Inline Skating at North Glenmore Park | ||
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| 2003-07-15: COC - Upper Kananaskis Lake | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Mandy, Lana Tanney, Holly P, June Mackenzie, Rhonda S, Tina Praught, Dana Winkler\n\n\n \nWell, great turn out COC. Seven of us tackled Upper Kananaskis Lake on Tuesday. Great to see new people!\n\n The hike is around the upper lake and is 16.5km in length.\n\n After 5 km lunch was necessary and Dana had a well-packed lunch and he was keen to eat it.\n\n The trail itself was extremely friendly during the first half. We identified many new flowers and made friends with one little \"monkey\" (aka squirrel). After a few hours the hike took us through jungle-like conditions, deep forest, avalanch tracks and beach-like conditions. The fly dope came out quickly.\n\n We then took a beautiful break by the water and were thoroughly entertained to tears by some local chap with a bear hat on.\n\n This trail lead us past a few sets of falls and some beautiful rapids. SUDDENLY TO DISCOVER WE WENT INTO COUGAR TERRAIN... Our frolic around the lake suddenly turned to extreme rock climbing.\n\n Low on water, low on positive comments, huffing and puffing along we finally found the car again and triumph was felt by all.\n\n -- Tina\n\n Note for future reference... do this hike COUNTER CLOCKWISE
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| 2003-07-19: COC - Whitewater Rafting | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Joel W. (SquarePants), Tina Praught, Agnieszka Janiewicz, Chris Janiewicz, Graeme, Heather MacDonald\n\n\n \nA most excellent day!\n\n We drove out toward Canmore via Highway 1A - the scenic route (my favorite).\n\n Our white water trip down the Kananaskis River started with Rainbow Riders at the Rafter Six Ranch. They suited us up in wet suits and boots, and drove us out to the drop point, where they ran us through the basics, which mainly consisted of what to do if/when you fall out of the raft, the variations of which pretty much had to do with exactly how far away from the raft you were once you had your faculties about you.\n\n The weather was perfect, and the river and scenery were beautiful. Tina survived a near-death-experience when she almost fell out of the raft, head dragging in the water, anchored only by her foot strap.\n\n We were part of a convoy of three rafts. One of the rafts was full of young men who had overdosed on their testosterone supplements that day. They made it their mission to soak everyone in the other two rafts, and discovered immediately that all the rafts are outfitted with soaker guns. We, of course, thought they'd brought the soaker guns along, so we didn't realize until much too late that we could actually defend ourselves with our OWN soaker guns. Once we did realize it, though, we appointed Chris to be our official \"gunner\", which he took to like it was his life's calling. Later on down the river we teamed up with the third raft to ambush them around the corner and momentarily had our revenge.\n\n Near the end, we pulled the rafts over and left them near shore while a bunch of us (myself excluded) swam/floated down a small set of rapids on our butts. It looked like fun, but the water was too cold for me to want to fully immerse myself in it, so I just had to take everyone's word for it.\n\n We had an absolutely fabulous time, thanks in no small part to our guide, Darci, who \"barked\" orders at us as we made our way down the river and through the rapids, eddies, and \"widow makers\".\n\n Afterward, Joel, Graeme and I went to Tina's for dinner, where we cooked our stir-fry on her \"hot rock\" style skillet.\n\n The only bad thing about this trip is that it's over. I have been looking forward to it for MONTHS, and now it's over. Encore!
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| 2003-07-27: COC - Mountain Biking at Tom Snow | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Heather MacDonald, Carl McCowan, Graeme\n\n\n \nThe group met at the Westhills Canadian Tire parking lot. We were joined by a long time friend Mike and two others, Barb and Linda from the Elbow valley Cycle Club.\n\n The ride began at Station Flats West of Bragg Creek and followed counter clockwise along the trail loop. Weather cooperated very well as its was one of the warmest days of the summer. Rhonda received her calling as a most impressive downhill rider. Way Cooll!!\n\n The ride followed an unscheduled midnight ride to Moose Mountain by Mike and Graeme. Rhonda and Graeme discussed that night rides may be incorporated into the event schedule.\n\n -- Graeme\n This was definitely one of the most well-attended events that I've been too. We had a great group of people and I think that both seasoned and less-experienced riders were able to have a good time on this trail. The downhill on this trail is definitely worth the heat and relatively steep climbing we endured on this ride.\n\n Right from the beginning of the trail, we kept going up and up, some of us much faster and with less effort than others. However, the faster riders were both patient and supportive and on behalf of us slower folk, we just like to thank you.\n\n An interesting aspect of this ride is definitely the cows. Yes, there are cows on this trail and many of them! They just stood there on the side of the trail relatively undisturbed by the mountain bikers wizzing by. Very cool!\n\n The downhill on this trail is gggreat; very fast and somewhat technical. Most of it is single track and is protected by trees to give riders a break from the summer heat. Unfortunately, some of us got carried away and went home with a few minor injuries. There were a few points on the downhill where we had to get off our bikes and walk because of the difficulty of the terrain (water, logs, etc.), but for the most part, we were able to hold on and let er rip.\n\n If you're new to the sport, it's probably advisable to work your way up to a trail like Tom Snow. As I already mentioned, there quite a bit of climbing and the downhill is fast.\n\n After our ride, most of us we went to one of the golf courses in Bragg Creek for some food and beer (and to clean out the wounds!). The food was good and we had a few more laughs as we recounted our adventure that day.\n\n --Heather\n
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| 2003-07-29: COC - Powderface Ridge | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S, Tyler Nagel\n Participants: Graeme, Tyler Nagel, Rhonda S\n\n\n \nTyler is a terrific evening hike leader - if you have a chance to take an evening hike with him - do it! He found out ahead of time exactly when sunset was, and figured out how long we could/should hike out before turning back. It was a fairly relentless uphill climb, but we were able to trudge all the way up to the shoulder with an awesome view before having to turn back.\n\n A most excellent hike!
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| 2003-07-30: COC - Two Loops and a Lunch | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Mandy, Heather MacDonald, Rhonda S, Lana T\n\n\n \nAs the day unfolded, it was clear that this would have to be renamed \"Two Loops, a Lunch, and Lots of Laughs.\" This was by no means a hardcore hiking trip, but it was hardcore in humour all the way.\n\n We started the day at the Canmore Nordic Centre where we began the Georgetown Trail. Well it was a nice little walk through the forest, but the trail was poorly marked. You definitely needed the guidebook for this one. We saw a few foundations from the houses of the Finnish settlers, as well as some of their cheery family photos on the interpretive signs that marked the trail.\n\n After cruising the streets of Canmore where we managed to \"borrow\" a defective map, we proceeded for lunch to The French Quarter Cafe. One of the best meals for $6.50 I've had in my life......yummy sausage.\n\n The second hike was a 3.1km loop up to Grassi Lakes. While this is a steady incline with no flat spots, it is manageable, and you are definitely rewarded once you reach the lakes. The lakes are crystal clear with just spectacular colours showing through from the bottom. The pictures in the guide books do not do it justice, and the books are very acurate when stating that everyone should do this hike at least once. After stopping at the lakes for photos, to watch the climbers on the huge rock face beside the second lake, and to dip our feet in the icy cold water, we completed the hike.\n\n And just when we thought that the adventure was done for the day we discovered a place that we will definitely be stopping at again after our next trip back from the mountains. We can't wait to share this spot with all the other members!\n\n -- Mandy\n
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| 2003-08-02: COC - Millarville Farmers Market | ||
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| 2003-08-13: COC - Bowfort Park | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Fran Buchanan, Barry Brown, Mandy, Michelle Meckelborg, Barry Brown, Jackie Brown, Graeme\n\n\n \nA very pleasant stroll down along the Bow River. We saw lots of happy pooches who had been taken out for a splash in the river, the beautiful homes along the Bowness side of the river, and some interesting colors in the sky due to the Crowsnest Pass forest fires.
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| 2003-08-15: COC - Smoke Tour of the Canadian Rockies | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Marlis *, Rhonda S, Mandy\n\n\n \nThis event was originally scheduled as a Johnston Canyon Hike. We renamed it to \"Smoke Tour of the Canadian Rockies\", because sadly, it fell on a day when forest fires were raging all over Alberta and BC.\n\n We set out unsure if we should even be going - the smoke in Calgary was so thick you could hardly see the sky. An American tourist told us that the Banff area was just as bad or worse.\n\n We set out anyway, and when we got to Johnston Canyon, the smoke wasn't really that bad, but they had the trail beyond the lower falls closed due to fire risk.\n\n So, we did the 1.1km to the lower falls, which was jammed with people. There was a moderate amount of smoke, but the canyon and boardwalk were still beautiful.\n\n Next, we decided that we'd better do some more hiking, and chose Tunnel Mountain, which I'd always been curious about. On the way, we drove past the Hoodoos and had a look at them. Tunnel Mountain was a good hike - a steady incline up to the round summit where there were fabulous, albeit smokey, views.\n\n Our hiking needs met, we stopped in Banff at Joe Btfsplk's for greasy food and milkshakes, where we saw the world famous \"Fenton Burned Me\" spatula.\n\n On the way back, we had to share the joy of Chief Chiniki's restroom with Marlis (to see what we mean, stop at the gas station near Chief Chiniki's, grab a snack for the road, and try out the facilities).
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| 2003-08-16: COC - Columbia Icefield and Parker Ridge | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Mandy\n\n\n \nThere's no telling how far we may go to try to escape from the forest fire smoke...\n\n We left Calgary at 9AM, and headed west through Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. The smoke was really thick all the way out there, and for a long way north, as well, as we headed up Highway 93 toward Jasper National Park.\n\n We finally arrived at the Icefields Centre at about 1PM, had a bite to eat, and then went across to the Athabasca Glacier, and hiked up to, and onto it, for a bit. I wimped out almost immediately - it was really slippery and treacherous!\n\n Then, we doubled back to Parker Ridge. Greeting us was a huge sign warning us that there may be warheads on the trail, as the area used to be used for military training years ago. I decided that I should make us a COC sign that we can take on hikes warning people that Mandy is on the trail (heh heh).\n\n Per the hike information, this was a bit of a long boring hump up to the top of the ridge, but we were rewarded with a great view of the amazing Saskatchewan Glacier when we got there.\n\n After the hike, we returned to the turnoff for highway 11, stopped at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, and then Mandy and I parted ways, she returning to Calgary, and me continuing on through Nordegg, Rocky Mountain House and Sylvan Lake on my way to Red Deer/Pine Lake.
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| 2003-08-20: COC - GlobalFest Fireworks Competition | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Lora Risk, Joel W. (SquarePants), Mandy\n\n \nWe left the social a bit early, took the LRT to Franklin, and then used the Global Fest shuttle. It was a slow, long, and cramped ride on a city bus to the venue, and the fireworks started before we got off the bus, although we didn't miss much.\n\n The fireworks themselves were AMAZING!! I am a bit jaded when it comes to fireworks, and it's been a long time since a display left me grinning and speechless, but this did it - it was SO worth the shuttle rides (and our $5... or Joel's $10, as the case may be). The only bad thing about it was that it ended so soon, although 20 minutes is pretty long for fireworks.\n\n One of the coolest things about it was how well the competitor (we saw the guy from the USA) choreographed his display to his music choices. When we stepped off the bus, he was starting with \"Bohemian Rhapsody\", which is about as fireworks-ey of a song as you can get - very cool! He used mostly 70's classic rock songs, which are oddly well suited to fireworks (or maybe that's just the \"Red Deer Girl\" in me speaking), and I was very impressed with how well he timed his explosions to the lyrics of BTO's \"You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet\".\n\n After our 20 minutes, it was back on the bus for a mercifully shorter trip back to Franklin. While we waited for the train, I pulled out the last of the \"miracle bubble\" wands that I'd picked up at Calaway Park and Mandy and I amused ourselves (and a few other waiting passengers) blowing bubbles.
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| 2003-08-24: COC - Canoeing at Chestermere Lake | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Lora Risk, Rhonda S\n Participants: Jennifer Martin, Duncan C, brandee bates, Farideh Jalilehvand, Lora Risk, Rhonda S\n\n\n \nNobody fell in.\n\n What kind of introduction is that, you say? Well, I know you're just going to skim down through the write-up to look for the part where someone fell in, but no one fell in, so I'm saving you the trouble.\n\n Canoeing on Chestermere Lake today was perfectly lovely. We started on the north end, circled that, then went under the highway and paddled around in the south end for a while. We never did get the food boat or the beer boat come out to service us, though, which disappointed Duncan and Graeme to no end. We even had the lake practically to ourselves, in spite of the fact that the weather was pretty much perfect - warm, but not scorching, with a beautiful clear sky.\n\n So, the true adventure from today's trip lay not in the canoeing, but in the equipment. We met at the U of C Outdoor Program Center, where we were given all of our equipment, but alas, between the 8 of us, we had no real knowledge as to how to tie canoes to cars, and the rental guy \"wasn't allowed\" to help... it's a \"liability thing\", you know. Additionally, none of us really had cars suited for carrying a canoe, and none of us had a trailer hitch to use a trailer instead. Duncan and Brandee had the best canoe car. Graeme's Dad's truck with the topper on it, believe it or not, was second best. MY car... yes, the 1990 Ford Festiva, was quite respectable itself, and the most troublesome was Anne's car. With its sloped roof, the foamy things that the canoe sat on kept sliding around and falling out. If the U of C had had foam blocks to go around like they'd promised us, we probably would have had a much easier time of it.\n\n As it was, loading up the canoes was quite harrowing and took about an hour. Then, it was driving from the U of C all the way out to Chestermere, with our precariously perched canoes. Miraculously, we, and our equipment, made it out without too many problems. Then, the relaxing paddle around the lake. Upon our return, loading the canoes back up was more like a 15-minute job since we are now all experts in precariously attaching canoes to our vehicles. The drive back in was a bit sketchy because the traffic was heavier, but we all made it back in, in spite of the irreconcilable differences between Anne's roof and the foamy things. Even the U of C guy seemed surprised that he got all of his equipment back, and all of our people and vehicles seem to have returned unscathed. He probably thinks we spent the day hiding around the corner in shame, and just pretended for his benefit that we actually made it to Chestermere and back with our ragtag convoy.\n\n Of course, after all that ordeal, we had to reward ourselves with a snack and a drink at Moose Maguire's.\n\n The whole day, actually, was quite enjoyable - a great time, and a great bunch of people (who didn't even try seriously to make good on their threats of murdering me).\n
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| 2003-08-26: COC - Douglas Fir Trail | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Fran Buchanan, Rhonda S\n Participants: Dana Winkler, Bridget, Rhonda S\n\n \nThis was a GREAT hike! Who knew Calgary had such a wonderful trail right here within the city. It was *almost* like being in the mountains, except for the part where we could hear the traffic and see the Riverside apartment towers.\n\n This is a great up-and-down trail, through the woods, with lots of wooden stairs and a great lookout point that sticks out over the river. Absolutely wonderful!
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| 2003-09-07: AOC - Tubing the Chattahoochee in Helen, GA | ||
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| 2003-09-18: COC - Bear Safety Lecture | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Joel W. (SquarePants), Sandy Bruce\n\n \nThis lecture, put on by the U of C Outdoor Program Center was very good. Joel and I did not attend the companion field trip on Sunday, although I believe Sandy did, and hopefully one of these days we'll get his feedback on that part of it.\n\n
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| 2003-09-27: COC - Sulphur Springs | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, verna crowther, Lana T, michelle p.\n\n \nWhat started out as a search for some stinky springs turned into a Fall Foliage adventure.\n\n Let me explain…We were feeling really bad about some trailhead confusion that left us a person short. We parked the car next to a cow, and set out on the trail, sans Verna. We quite naively thought that since the trail was named Sulfur Springs, that there would be some, um, Sulfur Springs. We plodded along for about 45 minutes prior to encountering a lone hiker, a woman; it couldn’t be Verna…could it? Well, it was, and she informed us that the springs had all but dried up.\n\n Slightly disappointed by the lack of stink, we convinced Verna to double back the way she had just come, and join us on our loop. She suggested a trail that hadn’t occurred to any of us, called the Riverview Trail.\n\n Off we went in search of the river. Not only did we find the Elbow River, and a choice place for lunch, we found an amazing family of rock people, and some of the best light infused, coloured leaves. They can only be described as juicy…check out the photo’s, you’ll see what I mean! This unexpected detour was fantastic, the scenery truly best around.\n\n Our only real regret was that the hike back to the car, involved a rather relentless uphill battle. Although the view back over the trees and the amazing depth of yellows and greens made the huffing and puffing all worth while.\n\n After dropping Verna back at her car, the rest of us set out on a tourist type quest, Elbow Falls. We enjoyed the view with a couple of hundred other people, including the Christian Harley Riders, then happily made our way back the city.\n\n Upon awaking the next day, my muscles were just a little tight - a perfect reminder of a perfect day spent, even if we never did find any stinkin’ springs!\n\n -- Lana
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| 2003-09-30: COC - Twelve Mile Coulee | ||
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| 2003-10-01: COC - Grotto Canyon | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Marlis *, Lana T, Rhonda S\n\n\n \nThis afternoon hike into the canyon turned out to be a real treat. From the moment we pulled into the parking lot and saw only one other car, we knew we’d have the canyon practically to ourselves. We weren’t too sure how much water there would be in the creek, and as it turned out there wasn’t much.\n\n Rhonda entertained us with tales of a previous trek in which the creek water was so high, they had to give up after a short distance. That wasn’t the case for us, and we marched right in barely getting the soles of our shoes wet.\n\n Entering the narrower parts of canyon is an almost spiritual experience, as you wonder about the forces that created it. The natives found this a spiritual place too, and we did manage to find some of the pictographs they’d left behind for us to ponder, shellacked but not overly well preserved.\n\n Beyond the narrow bits, the canyon opens up into a glorious valley, complete with a very cool cave and hoodoo-like rock formation that we imagined was a medieval castle. We of course were in the moat!\n\n Back in the canyon, we did encounter a few souls, and some very friendly dogs. But mostly we were left to enjoy the sights, and sounds of our own very entertaining discussion about how far technology has come in our lifetime. Imagine a TV remote with a cord, a microwave with push buttons, and a VCR that cost $1000 and was huge!\n\n All this and an amazing late afternoon sun to really light up the mountains in the background.\n\n On the way home, we discovered how Heart Mountain got it’s name, and encountered a “Cow Crossing” that involved the cops, a renegade cow, a stodgy old lady with a stop sign, and a lot of Mooing…clearly the highlight of the day for the city girl giggling in the front seat!\n\n -- Lana\n
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| 2003-10-04: COC - Fall BBQ | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Tina Praught, Lana T, Lora Risk, Joel W. (SquarePants), danielle, Brent Patton, eunhee shin, hyunhui lee, Graeme\n\n\n \nWe had a good turnout today, and an interesting mix of \"regulars\" and \"newbies\". I say interesting because all of the new folks weren't really \"new\" - just new to me and Graeme (they'd attended the Chester Lake hike). It was great to have them out again and meet them.\n\n We didn't even fire up Graeme's barbecue... we used his fire pit instead, and everything turned out great! Had some extra special goodies come our way, too, including a homemade (by Brent's grandma) apple pie, potato salad from Tina (who wasn't able to attend, but still send potato salad... mmmmm... potato salad) and special um... Korean \"sushi\" from Annie and Sophie.\n\n When we started planning this get-together, it was supposed to be an end-of-season bash, but so far our season is showing no sign of slowing down! Lots more great stuff coming up, and hopefully enough \"Indian Summer\" to get us through a few more hikes and mountain bike trips.
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| 2003-10-05: COC - Race City | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Joel W. (SquarePants), Juliana Wadia\n\n \nCam Wheatley is the \"darling\" of Race City, and it's no surprise - the man is a genius, who has obviously sold his soul to the devil for the talent to recognize and exploit the opportunities to find his way through the other cars on the track, especially on the corners.\n\n Wheatley started the race today with a two-lap handicap because of his last win - the only driver given a handicap. Car 89 took the lead early on and held it until lap 100, at which point, Wheatley (in 20, \"Go Baby Go\") finished closing the two-lap lead and joined the race.\n\n At about lap 160, Wheatley had lapped all the other cars - yet again - to overtake car 89, who fought hard to keep his lead, but eventually couldn't hold Wheatley back any longer, as he moved into first. He briefly let it go, but in the end, regained the lead and held it for the final lap to take the race, his muffler dragging for the final ten laps.\n\n A great race, and a terrific win for one of Race City's most popular drivers.
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| 2003-10-07: COC Jackrabbit Trail | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Lana T, brandee bates, Duncan C\n\n\n \nTo call this a 'hike' is a bit of a stretch, but it was a very pleasant walk on the trails on the south end of Glenmore Reservoir.\n\n Much to Brandee's chagrin, there were no chirping chickadees to be found, but we had a very interesting and informative evening all the same:\n
A lovely evening, but I'm sad to say that it won't be long at all until the trees are completely naked. I'm so glad that we made it out for the Sulphur Springs and Grotto Canyon hikes when we did to really enjoy the fall colours.
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| 2003-10-22: COC - Douglas Fir Trail | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Lana T, Rhonda S\n\n\n \nBrisk is how this walk started out, but after a fairly steady uphill climb for the first few minutes, the coats came off, and we had a great fall hike (once we got around the ENTIRE middle school that was also on the trail today).
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| 2003-10-26: COC - Two K-Country Hikes | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Jennifer D, Lana T, Brian Bogaert, michelle p., Holly P, Doug M, Rhonda M, Jason Firth, Dominique Peloquin\n\n \nToday was originally supposed to be the Ptarmigan Cirque hike. Lana and I went out to K-Country yesterday and checked out the trail, though, and it was pretty snowy, so per the K-Country Trail Reports, we decided to do a couple of lower elevation hikes instead.\n\n \"Many Springs\" was a bit disappointing. We didn't get to see much \"bubbling\". There was one spot where we saw a bit of bubbles, but not much. This hike is probably more appealing earlier in the season. It was still a very pleasant walk, though.\n\n Lower K-Lake trail was also nice, but unremarkable. It was great being outside, and it was chilly but invigorating, and we warmed up quickly when we started moving.\n
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| 2003-10-31: COC - Halloween Film Festival | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Graeme, Rhonda S, danielle, Lora Risk, JeriLynne Lorentzon, Roy Maltby, Debbie A, Brian Schultz\n\n\n \nWe got off to a bit of a slow start tonight due to road conditions, but it was a great time anyway. Cardel Theatre is AWESOME!\n\n The night was made for me, though, during Rocky Horror Picture Show. I don't know all the gags that the audience normally does, but Roy did, and he sat in the back calling stuff out. Suddenly, at the appropriate moment, he appeared, sans \"Star Trek Costume\", in full \"Frank N Furter\" splendor. We just howled as he mirrored the real \"Furter\" through his schtick. And he's got not bad legs, too.\n
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| 2003-11-15: COC - Edworthy Park | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Lana T, Melanie Parker, Betty Hasenfratz, Dave B, Rhonda S\n\n \nThe weather was beautiful today - it was a wonderful day to be out!\n\n Edworthy Park was a bit disappointing, with icy/steep places that we weren't able to do. We then went over and did Douglas Fir Trail, which was wayyyy too icy - the stairs throughout were quite treacherous, and most of us clung for dear life to the hand rails, with 'yours truly' resorting to the combination crab walk/bum slide in several places. Janice, Andrew (and Ian, their little guy) made the wise choice and took their leave of us after Edworthy.\n\n We decided to leave the 'hillier' Calgary hikes for springtime after the ice has melted, although we're still going to do the Christmas Light walks.
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| 2003-11-16: COC - Caving at Canmore Caverns | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Duncan C, Jennifer Martin, brandee bates, Brent Patton\n\n \n\n Scene: Five bone-weary but oh-so-satisfied people, slouched back in their chairs at Boston Pizza, almost too fatigued to lift their pizza to their mouths...\n\n Wavy 'flashback' lines, a'la Wayne and Garth...\n\n We set out this morning from Calgary with perfect weather, which turned not-so-perfect as we approached Canmore. Luckily, the blizzard was short-lived, and by the time our guide, Troy, had us out to the mountain, we once again had a clear day.\n\n We half-trudge and half-slipped our way up the icy 2km trail up to the mouth of Rat's Nest Cave.\n\n We suited up, and entered the cave, which is home to a species of rat which is actually native to Alberta: the pack rat, which is a chubby ol' fluffy guy who looks somewhat like a chinchilla. He greeted us by opening one eyeball, and being completely disinterested in us. The \"cave perfume\" (ie. pack rat pee smell) was not too thick, but it was there. It smells kind of like male cat \"spray\".\n\n We started into the cave, and almost immediately came to the 18m rappel, which I'm happy to say I survived, only just, and not without the occasional curse-word slippage. OK, I exaggerate... the rappel ROCKED!\n\n Troy took as through all kinds of amazing and wonderful cave areas. Most of the interesting formations are, oddly, named after food.\n\n Duncan was the most experienced caver among us, and actually had experience with this specific cave. He helped out with a lot of stuff. Brent was about the most enthusiastic, and didn't even hesitate to plunge himself head first into the tight, oval, downhill tunnel that we \"supermanned\" our way through. Jennifer was the \"Key Monkey\" with enough childhood monkey bar experience to make caving a walk in the park. Brandee was glad that we were faster and more efficient than the group of 72-year-old Japanese women. I (as usual) was the weakest link.\n\n Deep in the center of the cave, we found a wonderful little water pool, and off to the side, a larger pool where only the certifiably insane actually SCUBA DIVE way down there inside the cave. At this point, Troy had us all shut off our lights to experience the total darkness of the underground, and we enjoyed the suddenly more noticeable trickling noises from both pools.\n\n We shimmied, and pulled, and wedged our way back up, and finally out through a treacherous and tight wooden \"box\" to emerge back out at the mouth of the cave. This tour is NOT for the weak of heart - it is a definite adventure.\n\n This was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life, in spite of the fact that I was SO far out of my 'comfort zone' that I needed to take my passport along.\n\n - Rhonda
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| 2003-12-08: COC - Evening at Schank's | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Lora Risk, Rhonda S\n Participants: Marlis *, Jennifer D, Nadene Krack, Keith Turps, Lora Risk, Ben Johnson, Sherry Munro, Betty Hasenfratz, Rhonda S, michelle p., Lana T, Graeme\n\n\n \nGreat social - good turn-out with a good mix of new folks and regulars.
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| 2003-12-11: COC - Christmas Light Walking Tour | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, sonia Gagnon, Betty Hasenfratz\n\n \nA terrific walk!\n\n It was definitely cold enough tonight for us to feel it, but not cold enough to make it really uncomfortable. There was a noticeable lack of Christmas Lights on this tour, but the great views of the city and the white tailed deer on the path more than made up for it.\n\n Betty and I tried out my new ice cleats, and they rock! Much much better than sliding around all over the place. We should have had these for the Douglas Fir Trail!\n\n We didn't do the complete loop from the book. We started off at the Pumphouse Theatre, walked down the path along the Bow River, and then up the hill into Scarboro. From there we walked up 26th St. to 17th Avenue and sat in the Coffee Cats Cafe and had a warm beverage, and a bit of a tap dancing demonstration from Betty and Rhonda (on the ice cleats). Then, we retraced our steps back down to the Pumphouse. The river was beautiful, the moon was very bright, and the city views were spectacular. Definitely worth doing, especially with a camera.
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| 2003-12-13: COC - Pocaterra | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Rhonda S\n Participants: Rhonda S, Wendy Wong\n Snow Shoeing Rocks!\n\n I have taken a 'lecture' on snow shoeing, but this was my first time out trying it for real.\n\n Pocaterra Trail is a great place to try snow shoeing. There's a cool meadow to tromp around in, some great mountain views, and a snow shoe trail that tours around up and down through the hills and trees.\n\n Wendy and I were the only snow shoe-ers out today, but we had a great crowd with the 8 cross-country skiiers (see event 149).\n\n -- Rhonda
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| 2003-12-20: COC - Troll Falls (and more) | ||
| Event Coordinator(s): Dave B\n Participants: Betty H, Betty Hasenfratz, Rhonda S\n\n\n \nTo Dave this may have been just a walk in the park, but I thought it was an awesome hike!\n\n We started off at the Nakiska Day Lodge, and hoofed 'er up to the lookout. I was very irritated to see how out of shape I've become lately. I'll definitely have to start taking the stairs at work (good thing I'm moving down to the 19th floor from the 32nd).\n\n After enjoying the view, and our lunches, by the old lookout hut, we sailed back down (down is much easier than up... go figure) the hill and then detoured over to check out Troll Falls. The frozen falls were amazing and beautiful, and it was pretty cool to see the stream still running through the deep snow.\n\n Wonderful! A definite 'must see'.
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