Oh, Mount Assiniboine.

Mount Assiniboine.  The Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies.  People come from around the world just to gaze at this prodigious peak and climb it's flanks.  Well, except this year.  No one has yet to climb it because it's still snow bound. But that's another story.

Esthetically, it's beautiful with it's pyramidal shape and plumes of white cloud which cling to it's rocky summit.  It's an ecosystem unto itself, with clouds and mini-storm systems swirling high above.  It's mystical, magical and magnificent.

It's Mount Assiniboine

After my weekend plans fell through, I jumped on a last-minute trip with some of the running friends to enjoy a weekend in the Mount Assiniboine area.  The plan was simple: one day to run in, one day to play and one day to run out.

Seven years ago, on a similar trip - this place had ignited the idea in my mind that it was possible to run, on mountain trails and travel far and wide.  The 27km run in to Mount Assiniboine was my first time visiting this special region, my very first mountain trail run and truly, a life changing weekend.  I've never been the same since.  I haven't stopped exploring, trail running and enjoying the mountains since my first foray in to Assiniboine.

This weekend delivered some nasty weather up, yet again.  Cool temperatures, low cloud coverage, rain, sleet and snow were enjoyed by all on this "summer" weekend.  Fortunately, by the end of Day 2 - the rain stopped, the clouds cleared off and we got some glimpses of grandeur.  When the clouds finally lifted, we managed to get up high, bag a peak and we finally, finally got a glimpse of the mighty Mount Assiniboine.  I smiled so hard my face hurt, enjoyed the company of some great people and ran my little heart out in this incredible playground. 

 Charlie and Allan

 Kids in their Playground

 Charlie warming up after her swim in Lake Magog.  It was maybe 5c.

 Fresh snow.  Mini Blizzard.  Cold.  Wet. Fun.

 Lake Magog, Sunburst Lake, Cerulean Lake, Elizabeth Lake L-R

 Fresh snow on Nub Peak

 Mount Assiniboine makes an appearance

 Heavenly

 Big

 Bigger

 Biggest!

 ...and finally, blue sky and Mount Assiniboine.

 Trail Trash

 

On our last day, the sun came finally came out and we enjoyed a perfect summer's day.  The run out was awesome, a magical tour of Og Lake, Valley of the Rocks, Citadel Pass and Sunshine Meadows.  I enjoyed getting sweaty, feeling the sun on my skin and twice enjoyed that feeling of exhilaration that you only get by jumping in a high alpine lake. 

 Singletrack and Mount Assiniboine

 Everyone Was Happy

 

 There was Great Rejoicing!

...and we all ran happily ever after.

The End.