D5/6 -- Birdwood Traverse (Commonwealth Pass/Birdwood Lakes/Burstall Pass)

This is going to be a very long hike/scramble. Although there is some easy scrambling and off-trail route finding, it is not - or so I understand - extremely difficult. It is very long and suitable only for diehard hikers.

This trip is described in both Copeland and Daffern (Volume 1). It involves going up one valley, and down another. In between we will cross four passes: Smuts, High Col, Birdwood and Burstall. There will also be a need to cross a marsh and a creek. If we get to Mt. Engadine Lodge by 4ish (doubtful), we will be able to take in the Hiker's Tea. A stop for dinner/snacks in Canmore is also an option.

Distance: 20+ km

Elevation gain: 950 m

Driving Time: 4 hrs (2 each way)

Time on trail: 8 to 10 hours (or more)

Required Equipment:

Hiking boots (no runners) Dress for spring, not summer Headlamp (just in case!) Sunscreen Water Food First aid kit Shoes for a creek crossing (and extra socks) Additional Gear:

• Gaiters

• Camera

• Poles

Costs: Annual memberships are $20. These allow you to attend all CORA trips for free. The Non-Member fee is $5.

Driving and Directions: A short car shuttle will be needed. We will leave from the Mt. Engadine Lodge. To get to the lodge travel west from McMahon Stadium on Hwy 1 to Hwy 40. Take Hwy 40 to the Peter Lougheed Park junction. Turn right just before the winter gates. After 2 km (approx), turn right onto the Smith-Dorrien Trail. We will travel another 22 km to the Burstall Pass Day Use Area parking lot. One car will be left here, and the others 4 km further down the road at the Mt. Shark parking lot. We will depart from Burstall Pass and end the trip at Mt. Engadine Lodge.

Transport: CORA trips start at the trailhead. We meet at the meeting point in Calgary to make organizing trips easier and help ensure we know who's showing up. Please be on time, because we will wait no more than 15 minutes. You may choose to meet us at the trailhead, but please advise us ahead of time.

Trip Etiquette

• We WILL stick together as a group. This is Bear Country.

• This is NOT a race. We will travel at a comfortable pace.

• Where there is doubt about the route, we will discuss the

matter together.

• The CORA Code of Conduct outlines our expectations.