Happy Canada Day

Thought I’d go get lost in our big beautiful back yard to celebrate this Canada day, and naturally Centennial Trail seemed the commemorative route of choice.

My day began in Ribbon Creek parking lot as so many of my winter adventures do too. First was an assault of Mt Allan (9200ft). After summiting, I decided the day shouldn’t end so early, so I headed on the alpine route up to the summit of Mt. Collembola (Mt. Allan’s twin at 9150ft). Of course, to return to the car, I had to descend Mt. Collembola and re-ascend Mt. Allan which I didn’t really realize as I’m sure the altitude sickness had set in by that time :p

By the numbers: 25km, 3x9200ft (total of approx 10,000ft elevation gain in 3 climbs). Not sure of the total time (something like 5hrs), because I was delirious by the time I got back to the truck.

Funny side note of the day: I broke the remote to my truck while running and had to jimmy the lock in the parking lot at Ribbon Creek where it just so happens there was 1000 East Indians picnicking right in front of my now honking car alarm. Luckily a couple of them knew how to disable my alarm (mildly suspicious??). So just a quick thank you to those fine Canucks who happened to be picnicking in a parking lot when citizenship called, and a happy Canada Day to all the other car thieves across this fine land!

Incredible Centennial Trail as it nears the summit of Nakiska Ski Resort.


Left: rock pinnacles along Centennial trail, Right: Summiting my 2nd of 3 peaks of the day: Mt. Collembola