Wanting to continue to improve their new found legs the Fitness Series group from the University of Calgary asked for more of a challenge. Judging by the tired looks at the end of the day I think we were successful at giving them just that!
Taylor Lake and O'Brien Lake
164km from Calgary (7.9km west of Castle Junction)
16.8km round trip
615m elevation
6hrs 15min
Beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures greeted us as we arrived at the Taylor parking lot along HWY 1. Having driven 1hr and 40min from Calgary the group buzzed with energy. I was able to hold everyone's attention just long enough to review some map reading skills, followed by a dynamic warm up, before they ran off for the trailhead!
Passing through the animal gate, ensuring the last person shut it, our feet skipped along the cart wide trail. The trail was quite easy going with limited roots and rocks to step over, allowing us to travel side by side. Conversations were plenty as we past by rushing creeks and small patches of snow. Soon our legs started to feel the elevation as we climbed 615m. Close to Taylor Lake, flowers began to surrounded us, treating our noses with calming scents.
The group did amazingly well, taking only 1hr and 53min to reach the lake. As a huge reward for their speedy progress we spread out on the picnic tables and enjoyed a feast. An hour passed as we breathed in the beauty, talked about ways to orientate the map, and how to determine where north is without a compass.
Taylor Lake and O'Brien Lake
164km from Calgary (7.9km west of Castle Junction)
16.8km round trip
615m elevation
6hrs 15min
Beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures greeted us as we arrived at the Taylor parking lot along HWY 1. Having driven 1hr and 40min from Calgary the group buzzed with energy. I was able to hold everyone's attention just long enough to review some map reading skills, followed by a dynamic warm up, before they ran off for the trailhead!
Passing through the animal gate, ensuring the last person shut it, our feet skipped along the cart wide trail. The trail was quite easy going with limited roots and rocks to step over, allowing us to travel side by side. Conversations were plenty as we past by rushing creeks and small patches of snow. Soon our legs started to feel the elevation as we climbed 615m. Close to Taylor Lake, flowers began to surrounded us, treating our noses with calming scents.
The group did amazingly well, taking only 1hr and 53min to reach the lake. As a huge reward for their speedy progress we spread out on the picnic tables and enjoyed a feast. An hour passed as we breathed in the beauty, talked about ways to orientate the map, and how to determine where north is without a compass.
After airing out our feet it was time to get moving again. Feeling refreshed the group felt up to hiking over to O'Brien Lake. It was WELL WORTH the extra 4.2km (round trip). Only one word could describe it...BEAUTIFUL! It was quiet and serene, reminding me why I love guiding. The roar of a waterfall could be heard off in the distance, birds chirped in the nearby trees, fish jumped in the calm water. Can you believe it...we had the place to ourselves! Sitting down at the lakes edge we took the time to sit and appreciate all that this place had to offer. Truly amazing!
Reconnected to the world around us we headed back. The terrain by O'Brien Lake is most likely the reason why no one else was there. It was like playing hopscotch as we bounded from one dry lump of ground to the next, trying to see who could keep their feet dry. I was less than successful and therefore treated to the sensation of water squishing up through my toes!
Back to the cars we shared high fives and our amazement with how wonderful of a day we had. Spectacular! In total, including and hour lunch and a 20min break at O'Brien Lake, it took us 6hours and 15min car to car. I was throughly impressed with the group this week. They have progressed by leaps and bounds. Well done everyone!
I can't wait until next week!
Back to the cars we shared high fives and our amazement with how wonderful of a day we had. Spectacular! In total, including and hour lunch and a 20min break at O'Brien Lake, it took us 6hours and 15min car to car. I was throughly impressed with the group this week. They have progressed by leaps and bounds. Well done everyone!
I can't wait until next week!
