–submitted by Mija Lee
This was my third trip with the Ramblers and first lead. I’m not sure if everyone has already done Albert Edward, or if it was the last minute posting for a midweek outing with an unknown leader but there were just two of us on the trip.
We headed out from Paradise Meadows around 11 on our first day, skirting Helen MacKenzie lake. We arrived early at Circlet with a pick of great sites and spent the afternoon lounging on the tent platforms in the shade. The next morning we left early to beat the heat and summited around 10:30. We decided to skip the Frink/Castle crag loop due to achy knees and an enticing shady rock outcropping, and swam at the lake upon return to Circlet. The next morning we hiked out via Whiskey Meadows and Battleship. We had great bird sightings, including a family of ptarmigans, swifts, pipits. Camp robbers were active and the summit was swarming with flying ants.
Although I am three times the age of my fellow rambler, our conversation was easy and engaging. I got to ask all kinds of questions about caving, Canadian history, and what it’s like in Manitoba.
During our trip, SARs was actively searching for a hiker that went missing on Albert Edward. The constant helicopter noise was not particularly relaxing and a reminder to put safety first. Thankfully they found the hiker. Thank you Search and Rescue for all you do!!