Expression of Interest - Plain of Six Glaciers - Relaxed Pace - Early Start

The forecast for next week is a lot of rain, almost every day, especially in Kananaskis. The Lake Louise area, however, looks much
better! Unfortunately, due to the parking issues, this means a very early start. This is an expression of interest to see how many people can handle the early start!

I am hoping that with all the rain in Calgary
and Kananaskis, the parking and crowding at Lake Louise will be better, since people will assume the weather is also bad at Lske Louise.

Due to the distance, elevation, early start, and parking issues, I will only accept people who have hiked with me before on this hike. No exceptions.

One of my favourite hikes is to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. A beautiful walk along Lake Louise, a gradual climb up the scenic trail to the tea house. Phenomenal views and an iconic summer hike. I like to enjoy lunch at the tea house and continue to do the scrambly bit to do the full Plain of Six Glaciers hike, before heading back down. You must be a strong hikers, comfortable on some loose rock, patient enough to stay with the group at all times. On my hikes, there is no running ahead, you must be able to see me at all times, including on the way down. If you do not agree with this, please do not sign up.

While I am not a morning person, I love this hike enough to get up ridiculously early, once a year! To make this work, I will take either four or eight hikers, we will all meet at Petro Canada at Hwy 1 and 22, at 3:25am, ready to leave at 3:30am sharp. There will be a $35 fee per person, to cover the gas fee and one quarter of the Lake Louise parking fee. This is payable in cash or e-transfer to your driver at the beginning of the hike. If you cancel after noon on Monday, you still owe the $10 toward parking for your driver (unless we are able to fill your spot). I can take three passengers with me in my Jeep from Petro. We will need one more driver who can take three additional passengers, for a total of eight hikers. This way, we will have two cars with four people each, to reduce the number of parking spots we need and to split the parking fee four ways.

Distance: 14.2 km
Elevation: 587m

This will be a long day, please don't make evening plans. I cannot tell you what time will be back in the city.

On this hike, I will take 8 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

The only option for this hike is carpooling from Petro.

Bear spray and good hiking boots are mandatory. Poles are optional, but recommended. Lunch or money for the tea house, snacks, 2-3 litres of water plus electrolytes, poles, layers for changing weather, and personal medications are required. First aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket are recommended in case things don't go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

You will sign in on paper at the hike showing you agree to the waiver. Please have an emergency contact name and number ready to add to the sign in sheet.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.