Assiniboine Post-Operative Parental Party I

It's been quite a week... This trip to Assiniboine has been in the works for months now and just when I thought all the details were sorted out, my appendix had other ideas... So after a quick diagnosis thanks to Heady's skills and a home consult from Dr. Green, I had surgery on Saturday morning. Obviously, we couldn't make the big hike with the rest of the gang but because of the fast pick-up and removal, I felt great (I mean better) on Sunday morning and Heady arranged a chopper to fly us all in to Assiniboine. Post-op day 1 on a helicopter into a stunning mountain paradise wasn't a bad option... doesn't get much better.

So both sets of parents, Heather's aunt Sharon, long lost friend Sonya and I joined the gaggle of hikers and babies who were en route. We had a fantastic time and the experience was well worth the trouble. Our folks were able to experience the beauty of the alpine and I think we got them hooked! I won't distract you with comments on each photo. Take a peak. Thanks to everyone for making the trip so great.

Assiniboine Post-Operative Parental Party II

Carrie and Justin's Wedding

Had a great time back in Ontario for Carrie and Justin's wedding. The weding looked like it could have taken place at some swanky resort in Mexico. Congrats to both of you guys, we're so happy for you. I have posted the video that Heady and I put together to show at their reception. Note to viewers, I had no artistic control over the music. Shania and I still don't see eye to eye!

Testing the Knee

After a long stint of limited mountain time, Heady and I got out to Pocaterra Ridge for a stroll through the alpine. The knee was solid!

Gotta love July in the Rockies.

Snow, flowers, sun, rain, mild exposure... the hike had it all.

Nearing the start of the ridge walk.

It's an absolutely beautiful hike. The route follows the ridge the entire distance.

All smiles.

Still a fair bit of snow in the alpine and the flowers are delayed by a few weeks this year. April pow definitely slows early July hiking.

My personal photographer has returned!

I had to pry Heady away from the flowers to avoid the thunderstorm rolling in.

Great day!

And we go up...

The Kiwi, Janny and myself decided to punish our quads and attempt the Big Sister. There was no messing around with the pitch on this one. Straight up, straight down. No tears too.

Kiwi almost at the plateau.

Still climbing...

Kiwi + Czech + Big Sister = Hardcore

Little bit of a sketchy traverse across the snow. It dropped quite a ways behind us.

Janny admiring his work.

So close...

The views were totally worth the effort. Too bad our 5 mins on the summit were in the rain!

On the way back down.

Really fast down. Karl and I have decided to start a scree runners club. Interested?