Horseshoe Basin Trail
January 1, 2012
Roundtrip time: 2:50
for a section of it
Hiking
with Nina, Kenzie, Raff, and Helen.
A
very pleasant trip to usher in the year of 2012. Nina, Kenzie (Nina’s
cute
westie), and I set our sights on a portion of the Horseshoe Basin
Trail. How
much of the trail we completed was dependent on how far Kenzie’s little
legs
would carry her – when your legs are only 4 inches long, it doesn’t
make much
of a difference that you have four of them! Raff and Helen had the more
lofty
objective of Lakeview Ridge on the agenda.
A
gentle breeze made for somewhat cool conditions as we hiked up the
trail, towards
the valley, but as soon as we were sheltered from the wind everyone was
stripping off layers. Clear skies were a most welcome sight.
Upon
reaching the highpoint, those stripped off layers made a quick to
return to
their proper location. The wind at the top was fairly strong and the
temperature downright bone-chilling. Nevertheless, we were all prepared
and
continued hiking slightly down, into the scenic valley. Views
of Lakeview Ridge,
Mount Dungarvan, Dunwey Peak and Galwey Peak were terrific.
We
made it a further 1.5 km into the valley before deciding that Kenzie
was
nearing her limit. Having completed several hikes with Nina and Kenzie,
I was
quite impressed that the diminutive canine had made it that far. We
parted ways
with Raff and Helen, and started back.
Apparently,
both Nina and I had over-estimated Kenzie’s stamina, as several hundred
metres
into the return hike, she suddenly put on the brakes. For the remainder
of the
trip we took turns carrying her, between sections where she could
travel on her
own – good thing she weighs only about 10 kilos (21 lbs)!
In
the meantime, Raff and Helen had made the summit of Lakeview Ridge. We
reunited
a couple of hours later.
Good
times, with good people.
The view to the west from the parking area; visible peaks include
Dunwey Peak (left), Mount Dungarvan, and The Lakeview Ridge Horseshoe
Helen and Raff hit the trail
The east peak of the Lakeview Horseshoe route
The well defined trail through the trees
Looking back to Vimy Peak (below the Sun) and Sofa Mountain (left of Vimy);
the little peak at the far left is Chief Mountain
More of Lakeview Ridge at the right
Kenzie poses for the photo
Helen, Raff, and Nina; Kenzie was too busy being a dog to get in the shot
Losing a little elevation into the valley
Deeper into the valley and improving views of the area
A very cool and colourful cairn, Dunwey Peak, and Mount Dungarvan
The cairn
Galwey (left) and Dunwey
The northeast side of Mount Galwey
A close-up of Dunwey
Nina and Kenzie find an antler
Kenzie (in Nina's arms) benefits from Nina's kind-heartedness
Almost back at the car
