March 2011 Club Adventure - Calgary - Waiparous Part Deux

[jaggedfish]

On March 19, 2011 we had another Calgary chapter adventure… we went back out to the same area as we did in February so I will call it Waiparous Valley Part Deux. This day we had only 3 Delicas along for the trip. We might have had more but there was a heavy snowfall warning issued for the day. The snowfall never did materialize and we had an awesome day in the sun adventuring back out to through the Waiparous Valley. Along for the trip was myself and my wife Linda, Carp and White Mule.
We met up at the PetroCan at Hwy 1 and Hwy 22 where new members (husband, wife and kiddies) “Tallula” stopped in to check out the buses and chat. It was great to meet them and show them around our vehicles – nice people!
We headed out from the PetroCan at about 10:15am and drove out to the Waiparous Valley Road and began our adventure. There is an area where the road is narrow and quite hilly and the recent warm weather had caused the road to become extremely icy. After a few tries, we managed to negotiate the slippery trail and get up and over the hills and back to the valley floor. The gang followed the Waiparous Valley Road out to where we turned around the last time out which is where the first river crossing is. Here I managed to bury my bus in some deep snow after driving off the side of the trail. John, Dennis and I dug the wheels out then Dennis pulled me out with his van. After the extraction we circled the wagons (sort of) and had some lunch with the Rockies as the backdrop.

Jaggedfish, Carp and White Mule

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John and Deedee enjoying the day.

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Me, off the road and stuck.

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Digging out from my little foray off the track.

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Lunchtime at the first major river crossing. Awesome scenery!

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Continued....

[jaggedfish]

After lunch, we decided to keep following the trail out towards Waiparous Falls. Having never been out there before, we weren’t sure how far it was. The snow on this area of the trail was very loose – Linda called it white mud – and the going was steady but any attempt to turn off the trail was met with difficulty. We crossed the river a number of times until we ended up at another crossing at the base of the mountains where it was decided we would turn around. The river in this area was only partially frozen which presented a challenge that couldn’t be passed up. Carp successfully attempted the crossing and I followed him after he looped back.
After that, we headed back out the same way we came in and stopped at the parking area at the trail head to play on the hill climbs.
It was an awesome day… Linda and I really enjoyed the trip and the company was awesome. It turns out, after looking at the map, we weren’t far from reaching the falls but I guess that will be saved for the next trek out.
Thanks to Dennis, Deedee and John for coming out! Hope you enjoy the pics!
Cheers!
Ian

Carp tries out a steep hill... slow and steady...

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Crossing the river... not as easy as it looks.

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John and his nice rig... happy!

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Crossing the river on the way out.

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[White Mule]

Great Day!

Once again the scenery and the company was top notch!

Trans Alta next?

Thanks Dee Dee, Linda, Dennis and Ian for a fun and safe afternoon.

[konadog]

Great post - thanks

[jaggedfish]

I would love to try the Trans Alta again soon. Carp had even mentioned it would be a great camping area where those who wanted to do a 2-day adventure could stay overnight and it was still easy for those who wanted to do a day-trip to still be included.

Konadog... it's so much fun to get out on these club adventures. I figure the experience should be shared with the club. Delica people are such a cool bunch.

I've go to get on with the video editing so you can see the real fun!

BTW, White Mule (a little inside joke)... thanks to you, I now have a hankerin' for BBQ ribs and a peach for desert...

Cheers!
Ian

[madmazda]

well I'd be in for the next adventure this time I will be in the province.... I hope

[jaggedfish]

Hey Madmazda!
You were missed this time but there will be more times for sure! I did perform a backwards hillclimb in your honour

[madmazda]

Ahhhh Ian your the best.... lol a backwards climb... nice, I wish I was there to see it.... well lets all try and set something up so we can have another picnic as the last one was awesome..... Cheers... Rob

[jessef]

Looks like fun !