Home»All Photographs»2022 Hikes»Hillcrest Mountain 03-26-22

David and I saw three moose on the drive to the trailhead today, along with two bald eagles - not bad for morning scenery.
Upon reaching the Forestry Service Road that leads to the trailhead, we were disheartened to find that the last few kilometers were not maintained in the winter. We drove over the crunchy snow and ice while hoping not to sink. It worked, and soon we were at the pullout and hiking up the ATV road that leads to Hillcrest Mountain. (Footnote - the afternoon temps had rendered the snow much softer, and we came SO close to getting stuck on the way out, but my trusty 4Runner bit in just enough to keep us going at a walking pace, despite the fact that I could feel snow dragging along the floor of the vehicle.)
We hiked up the ATV road which was fine at first because the snow was packed down by old snowmobile tracks. When they ceased, we sank every five or six steps up to our knees - ahh the joys of spring hiking.
A short while after, we veered 90 degrees to our right, left the road and began the steep ascent up Hillcrest Mountain. Dead trees from a burn many years ago added a moody feel to the landscape. The two of us hiked up in silence (no wind - a rarity in this area) and solitude (nobody else was on Hillcrest Mountain today).
When we reached a minor cliffband, we veered to the right and ended up on a steep snow slope. David was champion here, taking the lead and kick-stepping toe-holds so that it was easy for me to follow.
Once on the summit ridge, we had a scenic 1 kilometer walk to the top, with views all around, and still no wind - which is basically like winning a lottery when hiking in the Crowsnest area. I was stoked to get our first summit of 2022.
After taking photographs and looking around a bit, the wind picked up and it clouded over, signaling our time to leave.
We hiked down to a sunny hillside and enjoyed lunch in this quiet, remote area. I was almost expecting to see a bear today, but nay, nothing.
Some wildlife had found me, however. On the drive home, there was a tick crawling up my leg. That's two in the last two hikes - Jeez, statistically, I should be clear of them for a while. When I got home and showered, every bit of belly button fuzz or sock lint that hit the tub bottom was thoroughly examined - I was on high tick alert! Stupid ticks.