Climbing Castle's Lovely Lookout

Trip Start Feb 16, 2011

113

Trip End Jun 11, 2012

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Flag of Canada Castle Junction, Alberta, Canada
Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Well it has certainly been a big day! I finished work at 7am this morning and I got changed and walked into town to meet up with the Grand Nature Club for my first hike up to Castle Mountain Lookout. After a late start, we arrived at the trailhead just past Castle Junction at 9:45am on an overcast, but mainly fine day. The five of us set off led by our intrepid leader Marc from Quebec. We quickly climbed up the side of the mountain along rocky trails past an abandoned log cabin and over a slushy snow melting river. We came to a series of switchbacks which are the best way to gain elevation without going very far. After 1 hour and 40 minutes we finally reached the lookout which was above the treeline on the side of the mountain. The montain itself stretched high above us and before us lay the Bow Valley stretching from Banff to Lake Louise. Although the cloud cover hung over the mountain tops, we could clearly see the river and the highway turnoff towards Radium.

After a few happy snaps we headed back past the blooming purple wildflowers, juniper bushes and even spotted a spruce grouse towards the car park. I fell asleep in the car on the way back and I managed to get 3 more hours sleep after that before heading along to the Bear Aware presentation. It was quite informative with what to do if you see a bear and the different situations that might be presented to you. I bought a can of bear spray (pepper spray) and had a free plate of pasta before heading into work!

Now if I can just stay awake until 7am...

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