Now that the Labour Day weekend was over and our gas tank was full, we figured it would be safe to venture out to do one of the more popular long hikes in Jasper National Park. There was likely little point trying to hike the Sulfur Skyline trail near the wildfire, if we were going for the views. Instead, we traveled an hour and 20 minutes down the Icefields Parkway to do the Wilcox Pass/Ridge hike.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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6 thoughts on “Wilcox Ridge Hike – Part 1 -Parking Lot to Red Chairs”
So beautiful! I always “pause for pictures” to catch my breath. I don’t think others have caught on yet. I never like hiking with all those roots or loose rocks, makes for quite a challenge when the elevation is enough already.
Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone, they will never know. Roots and rocks are props to ensure you pick up your feet. Sometimes, I fail the test and they remind me. Yeah, the elevation here is unreal. Hard to believe we were up near 8,000 feet at the end of our hike. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Happy Tuesday. Allan
That is some network of roots. I haven’t seen many red cones in my time. More’s the pity, as they are lovely and provide a nice contrast. I am often guilty of saying you had a great workout, forgetting you were on your e-bikes. This time you surely earned it, looking forward to seeing what came next.
The roots can’t break through the rock, so they spread over the thin layer of soil, helping the trees hang on against the wind. Yes, this hike and climb was a great workout for body and mind. Thanks for coming along Leighton. Now, pick those feet up to clear the roots. Allan
Picture This 
So beautiful! I always “pause for pictures” to catch my breath. I don’t think others have caught on yet. I never like hiking with all those roots or loose rocks, makes for quite a challenge when the elevation is enough already.
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Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone, they will never know. Roots and rocks are props to ensure you pick up your feet. Sometimes, I fail the test and they remind me. Yeah, the elevation here is unreal. Hard to believe we were up near 8,000 feet at the end of our hike. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Happy Tuesday. Allan
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Beautiful hike, Allan. I can see why you’ve walked this trail so many times.
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No 13ers or 14ers here, but there are still some great walks and views. It only gets better as you climb. Thanks for reading and commenting. Allan
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That is some network of roots. I haven’t seen many red cones in my time. More’s the pity, as they are lovely and provide a nice contrast. I am often guilty of saying you had a great workout, forgetting you were on your e-bikes. This time you surely earned it, looking forward to seeing what came next.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The roots can’t break through the rock, so they spread over the thin layer of soil, helping the trees hang on against the wind. Yes, this hike and climb was a great workout for body and mind. Thanks for coming along Leighton. Now, pick those feet up to clear the roots. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person