We were running out of time to access this area so decided to run the 25K loop despite snow on the trail and high winds. It took 5:00-5:50 for everyone to complete the loop but still pretty good for the conditions.

the conditions.

Halloween run... a day that had everything (well three seasons and a chinook plus mud, snow and dry trail). 21K and about 4 hours. Don and Stacey did a shorter out and back on the same trail as us.

Four people from either end and although cool, the trail conditions were great.

I managed to entice Chris Curry and Don Hughes into joining me for a 5.5 hour run in snow, mud and slush. Nice warm day even though not very sunny and fairly calm.

We didn't have to wait too long for the first fall snow (or snow-fall if you prefer). Karen, Don, Katherine, myself, Duke, Lenny, Tessa and Gunde all got to enjoy the winter scenery on our 20K (10K out and back) to the Rickert Pass trail junction. The cold, wet and snow slowed us down a bit so it took about 3:30.

out and back) to the Rickert Pass trail junction. The cold, wet and snow slowed us down a bit so it took about 3:30.

10 of us and four dogs did two out and back runs (Tom Snow and Cox Hill). The shorter group had unpacked and set up the tailgate at Dawson so we just had our party there -unwittingly snubbing 4 non-responders who were waiting for us at Sibbald Lake. Sorry we missed them - but at least they had their own, mini-party on a perfect fall day.

non-responders who were waiting for us at Sibbald Lake. Sorry we missed them - but at least they had their own, mini-party on a perfect fall day.

Five people and five dogs... the formula for success as we had a perfect day for our run to the top of Blackrock Mtn. The descent wasn't quite as smooth as Katherine slipped and had some nasty puncture wounds on her arm. No helicopter was required though just some improvised bandages.

puncture wounds on her arm. No helicopter was required though just some improvised bandages.

Maybe I was jinxed by the date or by trying to do another 100 miler while I still had unfinished business at Lost Soul. Either way, it wasn't my day to complete but I did get some photos and got to celebrate Ben's success. Deb also ran the last 60 miles as his pacer - 7 miles more than me.

celebrate Ben's success. Deb also ran the last 60 miles as his pacer - 7 miles more than me.

An easy 10K recovery/taper loop for the 9 people and 3 dogs. The only hazards were the other trail users - herds of cattle but we had our herding dogs to clear the way.

Start of taper for Wasatch & Lost Soul. We cut back to about 21K - a semi-new loop up Tom Snow and Moose Packers from Station Flats to the Upper Parking lot and down the new Pneuma mountain bike trail which parallels the Moose Fire Road until we hit Sulphur Springs trail to take us back to Station Flats.

which parallels the Moose Fire Road until we hit Sulphur Springs trail to take us back to Station Flats.

A few pictures of some of the Trailtrash racers at the Moose Mtn events.

Everyone wanted to help Katherine taper for the Moose Mtn Marathon so we skipped the planned Threepoint Mtn run and just ran out and back on the Big Elbow to the campground and back. That is about all the daylight time we had anyway.

the daylight time we had anyway.

9 people and 2 dogs did the 20K hike and run from Ribbon Creek to the north day use area. Chris Curry, Blair and Keri left at about 8:10 and Monica, Jamie, Adrian, Frank, Katherine and myself left at 9:20 with Duke and Lenny. A nice cool day that made it easier for us and the dogs so it only took 5:25 and 3:55 for the respective groups.

9:20 with Duke and Lenny. A nice cool day that made it easier for us and the dogs so it only took 5:25 and 3:55 for the respective groups.

11 people and 6 dogs on another perfect evening for a 15K run (7.5K out and back).

A few photos from the inaugural Iron Legs 83K ultra (a loop around Moose from Station Flats).

12 of us hiked and ran to Assiniboine and back; in on Saturday and out on Sunday. Awesome weather and another very special weekend with great friends.

9 people and 2 dogs on a wet, wet night. Two newbies to break in - Mikhail and Megan. See if you can spot the rookies.

Payman, Martin, Jonathon and I did a 50K trek (note the absence of the word "run" though there was some running) from Vista Lake over Guinn Pass, Whistling Pass, Red Earth Pass and Honeymoon Pass. Along the way, we shared a few kms with Carmen, Neasa, Don L and Jaimie who were doing the more traditional 3 Pass Run including Healy Pass and ending at Sunshine. 8 hrs for the 3Passes and 10 hrs for 4 Passes.

Along the way, we shared a few kms with Carmen, Neasa, Don L and Jaimie who were doing the more traditional 3 Pass Run including Healy Pass and ending at Sunshine. 8 hrs for the 3Passes and 10 hrs for 4 Passes.

Six runners, three dogs and 2 cyclists on a hot night for the point-to-point run. Only half of a key-swap was needed as Chris and Denis (cyclists) retrieved the van for us.

Seven people and Duke and Tessa ran the 45K Paradise Pass loop in about 7 hours total time. (Jerome bike 23K - 11.5K out to Romulus campground and back but ran the fun part/the loop with us.) Participants: Alan, Deb, Karen, Katherine, Jerome, Adrian and myself.

Participants: Alan, Deb, Karen, Katherine, Jerome, Adrian and myself.

14 people and 6 dogs one way from Station Flats to Upper Moose Parking lot. A little muddy but sunny and beautiful.

11 of us - 9 people and 2 dogs, did the 35K loop although Iris, Payman and Chris Curry added an extra 2.5-3K and the dogs another 8-10K most likely. The weather held our for our 6 hour run.

The loop to Threepoint Creek with Alan and Duke. Alan ran a fast 5K race in the morning for a warm-up - he heard the best ultra training was with race-tired legs. Still 3:55 to complete the 25K loop is the best time yet.

is the best time yet.

13 of us and 6 dogs beat the Canada crowds by going out early to do Moose Mtn. Met Patrick and Tristan as they were coming back down and met Blair as we were coming back down.

10 people and 2 dogs ran over Skogan Pass to the Alpine Resort parking lot near Dead Man's Flats.. 20K and then 6 and 1 dog continued on 21K on the TransCanada, Heart Creek, Quaite Creek, Jewel Pass trails to the Barrier Dam. 6.5hrs total with lots of breaks.

trails to the Barrier Dam. 6.5hrs total with lots of breaks.

We started off competing for parking and trail space with hordes of mountain bikers but once we got past the saddle we had the trail to ourselves. The bikers probably thought we were a horde too with 17 of us and 3 dogs.

17 of us and 3 dogs.

Day 2 of Iron Legs Training weekend... Dawson to Station Flats - approx. 32K. Jamie, Mairead, Neasa, Melody and Payman ran to the cattle gate by West Bragg where Patrick, Tasha and I set up an aid station. I ran out to meet them and back and Tasha switched off with Jamie for the last 10K to Station Flats.

station. I ran out to meet them and back and Tasha switched off with Jamie for the last 10K to Station Flats.

8 people & 3 dogs took a chance crossing the very high Elbow River to run the Quirk Creek Loop. Most took dips and some swam but we all made the loop even if battered and soggy.

8 people and 3 dogs on the Jumpingpound & Cox Hill to Dawson, 20K route. Still some snow but a perfect day.

11 Trailtrash & a former Trailtrash participated in the 4th Annual Scorched Sole Ultra events at Kelowna. Participants - Chris Coolican, Joanne, Krys , Kate Hamilton, Martin Lambert, Kathy, Nivea, Mairead, Deb Russell, Becky, Jen T. and myself. Everyone finished and did well. Lots of other fun for the weekend as you can tell from the photos.

Mairead, Deb Russell, Becky, Jen T. and myself. Everyone finished and did well. Lots of other fun for the weekend as you can tell from the photos.

Chris, Joanne, Jen, Mairead, Deb and I ran the 25K in very hot conditions. Even semi-injured Chris came 4th overall. Amy ran the 10K winning overall for the women.

Taper 16K before Nipika. Too nice a night to pass up a good trail run. Ben and Deb and Frank and Keri all returned after a long absence to join Mairead, Katherine, Lenny, Chris, Ranger, Duke and myself for the run.

myself for the run.

With a little help from our friends, Mairead, Joanne, Jen, Katherine, Maya, Duke, Blue and I ran the 35K from the Ghost to Banff end in about 5 hours with lots of breaks. Chris, Don and Jerome did an out and back with us at the start while David, Jim and Iris did and out and back with us at the end. Jerome was our super shuttle driver.

out and back with us at the start while David, Jim and Iris did and out and back with us at the end. Jerome was our super shuttle driver.

What better way to celebrate Bernadette's visit from Australia than with an end of winter run. At the same time sending Neasa off on her vacation to places likely warmer.

An easy 16K day with lots of Okotoks folks & one Edmontonian. Trails were generally muddy so good thing they had one more warm day to dry out before the run. About 2 hours to run the Foran Grade and Death Valley loop clockwise vs the usual counterclockwise route. Great barbeque at Gaudet's in Okotoks afterwards. Thanks Wayne and Trish.

Death Valley loop clockwise vs the usual counterclockwise route. Great barbeque at Gaudet's in Okotoks afterwards. Thanks Wayne and Trish.

What if you held a training camp and nobody came.. not a problem as plenty of Trailtrash training for other things. Eight people plus 6 dogs for the morning run and 4 people and 3 dogs for the afternoon run. 20K for each of the two runs. 3-leaf clover for the morning and point-to-point for the afternoon.

afternoon run. 20K for each of the two runs. 3-leaf clover for the morning and point-to-point for the afternoon.

We discovered they were shooting a movie when we went out for our usually quiet Wednesday night run.. but they were just wrapping up so we missed our chance. Katherine and Jerome brought Lenny as a sub. for Maya. We found Chris out on the trail.

sub. for Maya. We found Chris out on the trail.

Well since it was Mother's Day I thought I had better get the kids out of the house so Mother could sleep-in. Christine and I took 3 of the kids out to do the Ole Buck loop and the Deer Ridge Loop. Nice day but glad we went early since parts would be muddy or deep soft snow once things warmed up a bit more.

Nice day but glad we went early since parts would be muddy or deep soft snow once things warmed up a bit more.

Katherine, Maya, Joanne, Mairead, Duke and I attempted another run up Blackrock Mtn but the weather gods said "no" so we turned back short again. As soon as we left, the weather gods were appeased and it was sunny and nice. However, we must have upset or disappointed Maya since she left us as soon as we got back to the parking area. Maya was eventually found by Katherine the next morning - unharmed and wandering in the same area after spending a night alone out there.

it was sunny and nice. However, we must have upset or disappointed Maya since she left us as soon as we got back to the parking area. Maya was eventually found by Katherine the next morning - unharmed and wandering in the same area after spending a night alone out there.

12K recovery run...out and back from Bowness to Bearspaw followed by ice cream at Angels Drive-in attracted a crowd.... 17 people and 6 dogs.

Trailtrash road-trip to Lone Pine via Vegas and Death Valley for the 50K trail race - 31st edition. Fabulous fun for Jen, Joanne, Becky, Chris and myself and we all came home with top-three placing in our categories plus Chris was 2nd overall in the 50K and Becky 2nd place overall female in the 42K.

our categories plus Chris was 2nd overall in the 50K and Becky 2nd place overall female in the 42K.

Chris and I were anticipating a relatively gentle taper run before the Wild West 50K trail race May 2nd. We ended up cutting it short just 5K out and back on Powderface Rd because of 6-8 inches of new, heavy, sticky snow. We joined by Miles, Katherine and Maya along with Duke and Ranger.

new, heavy, sticky snow. We joined by Miles, Katherine and Maya along with Duke and Ranger.

Nivea, Duke, Tessa and I ran 20K from Barrier Dam to Dead Man's Flats over Prairie View, Jewel Pass, Quaite Creek, Heart Creek & the Trans Canada Trail. Meanwhile Don H., David S, Gunde and Conrad did a hike from Dead Man's to Heart Creek. It was over 4 hours for the 20K with the deep, untracked snow and hills.

a hike from Dead Man's to Heart Creek. It was over 4 hours for the 20K with the deep, untracked snow and hills.

Photos from April 15th & 22nd. Semi-spring and Not.. but not necessarily in that order. 1st photos are from Sulphur Springs loop and 2nd set are from Jumpingpound loop.

Chris, Don, Gunde, Jen, Blue, Nivea, Joanne, Duke and I did a 5 hour, 33K loop from West Bragg - up Moose Packers to the Upper Parking lot, down Moose Mtn road, across Sulphur Springs to Station Flats and back on Tom Snow. 7:50AM start made it possible to run on top of the snow for at least some of the deep sections.

and back on Tom Snow. 7:50AM start made it possible to run on top of the snow for at least some of the deep sections.

Neasa, Chris Curry, Duke and I ran up the closed Moose Mtn Road from Hwy 66 to the upper parking lot, then made a loop with some crosscountry following a power line down to the Canyon Creek road out to the Elbow Valley Trail which took us back to the Moose Mtn Road. About 18K in total.

to the Elbow Valley Trail which took us back to the Moose Mtn Road. About 18K in total.

Chris, Don, Gunde, Duke and I did an out and back run from West Bragg to Spruce Woods. The plan was for Don to do about 10K and Chris and I to do 31K. I got tuckered out at 14K so Chris and I ended up doing 28K in 5:15. The pictures will help explain the slow pace.. though I didn't even have energy to take many on the return trip when the snow was soft and we were breaking through constantly.

doing 28K in 5:15. The pictures will help explain the slow pace.. though I didn't even have energy to take many on the return trip when the snow was soft and we were breaking through constantly.

Hard to believe there was so much snow on Tom Snow and even more that it was totally untracked... save for the big bear tracks. Challenging running in knee deep or deeper snow at times. Michele brought out newbie.. Dave to run in shorts with her. Christine was dreaming of her Cancun vacation in two days. The dogs were loving the snow. Even Don Hughes came out to greet us on his bike.

brought out newbie.. Dave to run in shorts with her. Christine was dreaming of her Cancun vacation in two days. The dogs were loving the snow. Even Don Hughes came out to greet us on his bike.

Likely the last snowshoe outing of the year but it was a great one. Martin brought along a newbie... Allison. Melody, Breeze and Julie also joined Tessa, Duke and I.

Chris, Duke, Tessa and I on a little adventure "run" up to the Aylmer Lookout. It was challenging with deep snow on the un-tracked trail but despite taking nearly 5 hours, we did it.

Crazy amount of snow still out there for this time of year but lots of fun and a good Wednesday night workout for Alan, Doone, Sandy, Chris, Duke and myself. Nice and calm and pleasant up on top as well.

well.

16K round trip to Alymer Pass Junction with Neasa, Miles, Tannis, Niklas, Laura, Duke and Ranger. Tailgate lunch at Chateau Miles in Canmore - celebrating Miles 44th birthday on April 1 and Laura and Niklas's engagement.

Niklas's engagement.

Spring is here and time to hit the trails hard to make up for the low mileage during those bitter cold winter months. How about 4 trail-running days in a row? Hope the dogs can handle it. Jumpingpound Loop, Tom Snow, Tom Snow and Powderface-Prairie Creek.

Loop, Tom Snow, Tom Snow and Powderface-Prairie Creek.

10K, 1.5hr run to Dawson and back with a little playing in the snow along the way. Welcome back from your injury Neasa. Also celebrating Alan's PB sub-40 10K this morning at the St. Pats race. Five people and four dogs participating.

people and four dogs participating.

It was still too windy to go up to the top... just a fierce wind above the treeline! However, Jen got to test the off-road and deep-snow capabilities of the Swank Yank - and we were both impressed. We also had a good hard 2.75 hr run/slog/run combo workout and Duke, Ranger and Blue were happy.

also had a good hard 2.75 hr run/slog/run combo workout and Duke, Ranger and Blue were happy.

Donovan's and Duke's initiation to Prairie Mtn. Somehow, Duke seemed to find it easier. The old guys - Ranger and myself, just tried to stay with them. Nice fast descent with coming down in the snow.

Chris and I ran the Deer Ridge loop with Ranger, Duke and Kaylee while Don did a random ski tour of the area with Gunde. A little bit chilly but the fresh snow was nice.

I tried to lead Ben, Chris, Don, Gunde, Duke and Ranger to Hoodoo Hall but we over-shot the turn by a couple Kms so will just have to try again. Challenging trail conditions on this outing so we had a good 4 hour workout anyway.

good 4 hour workout anyway.

Doone, Sandy, Ranger, Tessa, Duke and I ran Prairie Creek to Powderface and out to Dawson while Joanna and Don did an out and back with Gunde and Moxy while waiting to pick us up at the other end. It was tough going in the loose snow even with some marginal packing by snowmobiles so it took us about 4:15 to run the 26-28K approx. Tessa managed to tear her back leg on some barbed wire and required some surgery to stitch her up when we got home.... but you wouldn't guess from the pictures.

was tough going in the loose snow even with some marginal packing by snowmobiles so it took us about 4:15 to run the 26-28K approx. Tessa managed to tear her back leg on some barbed wire and required some surgery to stitch her up when we got home.... but you wouldn't guess from the pictures.

David, Don and I took the 6 dogs (Gunde, Conrad, Tessa, Kaylee, Ranger and Duke) for a little fun in the snow - snowshoeing and skiing on the Commonwealth Creek trail. Avalanche conditions were considerable so we stayed safe and still got in a little over 10K on a beautiful day. We had the trail to ourselves - only met a few people heading out as we finished.

considerable so we stayed safe and still got in a little over 10K on a beautiful day. We had the trail to ourselves - only met a few people heading out as we finished.

Don, Nivea, Jen, Ranger, Duke, Tessa, Gunde, Blue and I did the 28K loop in great spring-like conditions. It did take us about 4 hours so no speed records but an awesome day.

Don and I out with our families (well doggy family) on the Eagle Hill run.

Don, Mairead, Neasa, Duke, Ranger, Tessa, Gunde and I did Powderface Rd to Lusk Pass and Mairead and I broke fresh trail over Lusk Pass while Don and Neasa doubled back to pick us up at Lusk Creek.

Mairead, Don, Ranger, Gunde, Duke, Tessa and I on a beautiful spring preview run. Just over 2 hours spent meandering and exploring a few new trails.

7 people and 3 dogs on various routes. Donovan, Jake and I did the full 21K loop on the Powderface Road and Prarie Creek trail while others went up to the Ridge and back or did the shorter Prairie Link loop. Just under 3 hours for the 21K loop with about 5K of post-holing and untracked trail.

Link loop. Just under 3 hours for the 21K loop with about 5K of post-holing and untracked trail.

Blair, the dogs and I did a little exploratory run to check out the Lusk Pass trail. A little less than half of it was packed by snowshoers and then there was only deer tracks. We only managed about 8-10K in 2 hours due to the snow and blow-down obstacles.

8-10K in 2 hours due to the snow and blow-down obstacles.

Who needs snowshoes? The trail up to the Powderface saddle was nicely packed so Chris Curry, Mairead, Ranger, Duke and I decided it would make for a nice run. It was a great way to escape the wind and get a good trail workout on a fairly chilly day (-23C ambient temp at the start plus serious windchill). 14K round trip.

get a good trail workout on a fairly chilly day (-23C ambient temp at the start plus serious windchill). 14K round trip.

8 people and 4 dogs on the Wolf Creek trail. An out and back that took about 3 hours for 22K thanks to the snowmobile that illegally packed the trail but made for decent running. A remarkably warm and pleasant day to be out there and could easily have stripped down to shorts and a t-shirt.

pleasant day to be out there and could easily have stripped down to shorts and a t-shirt.

Jerome, Katherine, Ranger, Tessa, Duke DeMenace and I snowshoed up to near the pass on French Creek and turned back at the treeline as the wind was fierce and cold above there. Oops.. sorry to Martin who I was supposed to pick up at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

who I was supposed to pick up at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Prairie Creek Loop with just the dogs.

Jen S, Chris, Duke, Tessa and I snowshoed 4.3K into Rummel Lk - just over 2.5 hrs round trip. Met a big crowd (about 10) of later arrivals on our way out including Frank, Keri, Christine V and Don Lee.

Lee.

Run and eat (vs eat and run) starting and ending at Labonte's in Cochrane. Nice 14K loop with some real crosscountry running through the deep snow. About 2 hours for the 7 of us including the photo stops. Delicious lunch Katherine!

stops. Delicious lunch Katherine!

First snowshoe outing of the year and a chilly one with about -24C ambient and about -30 something with the windchill. It did mean that Don, Katherine, Duke, Ranger, Gunde and I had the parking lot and the trails to ourselves for the whole day.. not another sign of anyone. All that fresh snow and no other tracks but our own. We managed to stay out for about 3.5 hours which was enough in those conditions.

and the trails to ourselves for the whole day.. not another sign of anyone. All that fresh snow and no other tracks but our own. We managed to stay out for about 3.5 hours which was enough in those conditions.

Good news...nobody died today although we did leave Chris and Alan for the cougars since they chose to run ahead, ingore the trail junction and take the wrong trail. It gave them motivation to run harder to catch up with Don, Gunde, Chris Curry, Neasa, Katherine, Jerome, Maya, our tour guide - Wayne, Martin, Duke, Tessa and myself. 16.5K and about 2.5hrs of great winter trail running. The drive home was ugly though.

harder to catch up with Don, Gunde, Chris Curry, Neasa, Katherine, Jerome, Maya, our tour guide - Wayne, Martin, Duke, Tessa and myself. 16.5K and about 2.5hrs of great winter trail running. The drive home was ugly though.

Chris, Ranger, Tessa, Duke and I breaking in (indoctrinating) some new recruits - Leah, Jen & Shelley - showing them the joys and fitness benefits of trail running.

Neasa (if that is her real name), Ken (if that is his real name), Skeemo, Duke, Tessa and myself did a 14.5K 2.5 hour run and hike out around the Bearspaw Park lands west of Valley Ridge. We saw some nice deer including a big buck which we may have saved by scaring it away from a Bow hunter. (not sure he should have been hunting within the City anyway - he was in full camo gear back in the trees but didn't escape the dogs attention)

nice deer including a big buck which we may have saved by scaring it away from a Bow hunter. (not sure he should have been hunting within the City anyway - he was in full camo gear back in the trees but didn't escape the dogs attention)

10 of us (6 people and 4 dogs) went out on a new trail to get in one last run in the Sheep River area before the road closes for the winter. Lots of adventure and a little wandering around (orienteering practice) to find the trail which isn't always easy to find/follow. So we got in17-18K and 4 hrs of running but never actually got to Junction Lk. Great day and great fun anyway.

(orienteering practice) to find the trail which isn't always easy to find/follow. So we got in17-18K and 4 hrs of running but never actually got to Junction Lk. Great day and great fun anyway.

Keith and Leslie led Myron, Don, Katherine, Gunde, Tessa, Ranger, Duke, Maya and I on a merry 3:15 of trail running on a figure 8 loop. We had to keep the dogs on leash a lot during the first half since a Park Warden seemed to be stalking us but other than that, it was a great run and even had a nice stream crossing.

since a Park Warden seemed to be stalking us but other than that, it was a great run and even had a nice stream crossing.

14 people and 6 dogs on a new combination over Cox Hill, Jumpingpound Ridge and Lusk Pass. 21K and 3:15 with good conditions and little snow.

11 of us did a 1:45 trail run on the benchlands, out and back from Miles's house and then enjoyed soup, bread, glog and assorted other goodies with plenty of socializing in the comfort of Chez Miles.

We celebrated Peter's 60th with a semi-loop over Powderface Ridge. About 2 hours to run it and a little taste of winter but reasonably good footing. 13 people and 7 dogs in attendance.

Another spectacular day and Jen, Martin, Joanne, Christine, Don, Gunde, Ranger, Blue, Duke and I enjoyed 4 hours of great trail running over the 27K distance. We had a close encounter with a big cow moose and met a large group of mountain bikers as we were coming down.

moose and met a large group of mountain bikers as we were coming down.

Awesome, awesome, awesome... what more can one say when you get this kind of day in November to spend trail running on a great trail with superb company! Leslie and Keith from Banff swapped keys with Jen, Ginny, Amy, Martin and I for the 35K full run. Don and Chris did an out and back to the warden cabin (30K) while Miles did a shorter version. Gunde, Duke and Blue kept us company. Even met Laura & Niklas biking on the trail. About 5 hours with stops and the wading. Regrouped at the Casino at Hwy 40 for supper after to swap cars and clothes back.

Jen, Ginny, Amy, Martin and I for the 35K full run. Don and Chris did an out and back to the warden cabin (30K) while Miles did a shorter version. Gunde, Duke and Blue kept us company. Even met Laura & Niklas biking on the trail. About 5 hours with stops and the wading. Regrouped at the Casino at Hwy 40 for supper after to swap cars and clothes back.

Chris, Jen, Scott, Katherine, Duke, Miya, Tessa, Ranger, Blue and I ran while Jerome mountain biked. Chris and Miya went back from the far end of Upper Elk Lake while the rest of us continued to Petain Falls. About 4:30 for the 30K round trip.

Petain Falls. About 4:30 for the 30K round trip.

Don & Gunde dropped off Katherine, Ranger, Duke and I at the south end of the ridge then drove to the north end and did the shorter version. We caught up to him on the descent from Cox Hill and all finished together at Dawson and then took Don back to get his truck. About 2:40 for the route.

finished together at Dawson and then took Don back to get his truck. About 2:40 for the route.

Julie, Duke, Ranger and I did about a 2 hour run (with a couple train delays) on the north side of the Bearspaw. Nice easy recovery run on a beautiful Thanksgiving morning.

Nicki, Miles, Patrick, Duke and I did semi-loop that started off nice but ended up a little cool and wet. About 34-35K with the extra for the ridge. It took us about 6 hours with a couple snack/lunch stops along the way... closer to 5 hours of moving time.

stops along the way... closer to 5 hours of moving time.

Valley Ridge west run - introduction to Glyn and Brian.

Never get tired of this loop... always something a little different. Finding the washed out bridge downstream... still useable. Ranger finding a skunk at the van at the end of the run. Riding home with Ranger in the van afterwards. Thanks for being so loyal and keeping me company Joanne, Alan and Katherine despite Jim's offer for a ride back with him!

with Ranger in the van afterwards. Thanks for being so loyal and keeping me company Joanne, Alan and Katherine despite Jim's offer for a ride back with him!

A big group of Trailtrash went to Fernie for a trail half-marathon and despite the weather being a little cool and wet, it was another great time.

Just when I was thinking it would be "Trailtrash 3 - the dogs and me", Iris and Martin decided to come along. We had an awesome day as you can see from the photos. Duke was perfect on his second off-leash run... especially considering I've only had him for just over a week now. With the lunch stop it took us 4:40.

off-leash run... especially considering I've only had him for just over a week now. With the lunch stop it took us 4:40.

Darren, Ken, Katherine and I met up with Wayne to do the Loomis Lake run while Don and Trish hiked but that trail was closed because a grizzly had a kill in the area so we went and explored a new trail called the Grass Pass trail. We did a little side trip up Wileman Creek trail as well - which was actually a better trail but Grass Pass had some good elevation gain and views.

trail called the Grass Pass trail. We did a little side trip up Wileman Creek trail as well - which was actually a better trail but Grass Pass had some good elevation gain and views.

Our usual recovery run after the Lost Soul. A great evening for a nice 10K run. Ken, Tasha and I were joined by first timer - Katherine from Cochrane and re-joined by Joanne after a verryyyyy long absence.

absence.

Ken, Chris Coolican, Keri, Frank and myself did the 40K, 3 Pass route as a tune-up training run for the Lost Soul. Cool enough to have frozen hands at times but otherwise pretty great running weather. Heavy overnight rain made the trails pretty wet and messy. Times ranged from 6:40 to plus 8:30.

Heavy overnight rain made the trails pretty wet and messy. Times ranged from 6:40 to plus 8:30.

7 people and 3 dogs piled in the van for a cool but fun evening running up towards Exshaw Pass. We didn't quite make it to the pass - choosing to stick within the daylight running time but made it 14.5K (round trip) in about 2 hours.

14.5K (round trip) in about 2 hours.

Alan, Jamie, Adrian and I did two separate loops totalling 27K. The first 14K were with Don and Stacey on the south Gorge Creek loop and took us 2:15. We then did the north loop of 13K in 1:45. Don discovered that these trails aren't exactly biker friendly but he did a quite a work-out.

discovered that these trails aren't exactly biker friendly but he did a quite a work-out.

Ken, Alan, Tasha and myself along with the 4 dogs, did a leisurely 20K "run" from Ribbon Creek to the Deadman's Flats trailhead. Strangely it took us 4:30 to run and we were still tired by the end. A perfect day though and exceptional for photos. I surprised a nude male sunbather on the top of Mt. Alan.. but sorry ladies no photos. (Enjoy the abundant doggy photos instead.)

perfect day though and exceptional for photos. I surprised a nude male sunbather on the top of Mt. Alan.. but sorry ladies no photos. (Enjoy the abundant doggy photos instead.)

An very quick all-male run (except for the dogs). Jen S. and Don H. assisted with the vehicle shuttle and met us at the end after doing a hike along with Don's wife and Gunde. They were surprised we did it easily in 1:40. For the first time on a Wed night run, we encountered another group of 4 people running the same route.

did it easily in 1:40. For the first time on a Wed night run, we encountered another group of 4 people running the same route.

Some people were confused. Distances ranged from 24K to 45K. But everyone made it home safe and sound under their own power.

So if once around is good, then 2 or 3 is better, right? Nothing like getting used to lots of smaller up and down hills and doing repeated circuits for getting in the Lost Soul mode.

Chris, Jen, Keri, Jamie, myself and our canines did the 18K loop. Keri even had a refreshing dip at the end.

Five Trailtrash (Christine, Ginny, Alan, Adrian and Hugh) went to Lethbridge to run 38K of the Lost Soul course with a couple of the locals (Larry and Norbert) as our guides. Jen S. came along to help provide support at Pavan station and hike with another expectant local... much appreciated Jen. Larry's wife (Mary) also supplied wonderful aid station station goodies for us at Peenaquin)

provide support at Pavan station and hike with another expectant local... much appreciated Jen. Larry's wife (Mary) also supplied wonderful aid station station goodies for us at Peenaquin)

Helena Ultra Runners League (HURL) put on a 50K and 80K ultra with tons of elevation gain and lots of technical sections, mostly single track. Ben, Deb, Gord and I ran the 80K while Ty ran the 50K. Ben was 2nd overall, Deb 2nd for the women and Ty second for women in her race. Small but very friendly race with 35 in the 80K and 40 in the 50K.

Ben was 2nd overall, Deb 2nd for the women and Ty second for women in her race. Small but very friendly race with 35 in the 80K and 40 in the 50K.

5 campers and 5 day-trippers joined up for a run up Mt. Burke. 6K each way, Chris Coolican set a new target for future runners - reaching the look-out in 55 minutes even with re-grouping at 2.5K and doing a 6 hour, 32K run the previous day. Stacey achieved another milestone.. this is a hill she wouldn't have considered feasible a month or two ago.

doing a 6 hour, 32K run the previous day. Stacey achieved another milestone.. this is a hill she wouldn't have considered feasible a month or two ago.

32K and almost 6 hours of running, hiking, bushwhacking and route-finding to get to Sentinel Day-use area from Cataract Creek Campground and back. As usual... no photos of the bushwhacking and unpleasant stuff so as not to discourage future participants. (well we were too busy at the time and needed our hands free anyway)

unpleasant stuff so as not to discourage future participants. (well we were too busy at the time and needed our hands free anyway)

We tried to run the 25K Forget-me-not Ridge and Threepoint Mtn loop on Wednesday but it was too cold and rainy so we just explored the first 3.25K. Then Chris, Ranger, Tessa and I went back on Thursday and completed the loop in 4:01.... starting at 6:50PM and finishing at 10:51 with headlamps. Great night and a fabulous run.

Thursday and completed the loop in 4:01.... starting at 6:50PM and finishing at 10:51 with headlamps. Great night and a fabulous run.

Two groups headed out together - a 24K group doing Numa Pass and a 40K group doing Helmet Falls and Rockwall Pass as a warm-up before Numa Pass. The 40K group took about 7 hours including a little detour/off-trail "short-cut" but we had a great day! Some of the 24K group were still waiting for us back at the parking lot to make sure we made it safely. (Hey, what could go wrong?)

detour/off-trail "short-cut" but we had a great day! Some of the 24K group were still waiting for us back at the parking lot to make sure we made it safely. (Hey, what could go wrong?)

Powderface Ridge semi-loop from Elbow Falls end. Jim, Alan, Deb, Don, Chris Curry in the lead group with Chris Coolican, Ben and myself in the chase group after doing the van shuttle to have it as our pick-up vehicle at the end of Hwy 66. Cool but very good evening for the run with no wind up on top. 1:40-2:00 for the 13K.

pick-up vehicle at the end of Hwy 66. Cool but very good evening for the run with no wind up on top. 1:40-2:00 for the 13K.

Ben, Deb, Jim, Ranger, Tessa and I did the 24K loop - 2445 feet of elevation gain in 3:50 with quite a few breaks. Great day for it!

First Moose visit of 2008 and it turned out to be a very pleasant night despite the threat of thunderstorms and a cold wind on parts of the climb up the last switchbacks. Kaylee and Tessa managed to get lost on the way down but we eventually found them.

get lost on the way down but we eventually found them.

A 21K out and back run on the Big Elbow trail was a nice re-introduction to running for Chris and Hugh. Stacey, Don and Ken were gentle with us.

Chris, Rick and I did a 2 week canoe trip down the William River from Hale Lake, a seldom paddled but wonderfully diverse stretch of river that ends at Lake Athabasca in the far NW corner of Saskatchewan. We then paddled across Thomson Bay and portaged to Canterra Lake where the float plane that had dropped us a Hale Lake, picked us up for the 2 hour return flight to Buffalo Narrows. The 1000 Km drive back to Calgary was a harsh adjustment after not seeing another soul during our 2 weeks of wilderness canoeing.

Saskatchewan. We then paddled across Thomson Bay and portaged to Canterra Lake where the float plane that had dropped us a Hale Lake, picked us up for the 2 hour return flight to Buffalo Narrows. The 1000 Km drive back to Calgary was a harsh adjustment after not seeing another soul during our 2 weeks of wilderness canoeing.

Last Wednesday trail run for two weeks for me and it was a beautiful evening. No birthday celebration as Ken and Holly couldn't make it but we still managed a good tailgate party too.11K total out and back to the Powderface saddle.

back to the Powderface saddle.

Marg Fedyna, Tessa and I ran the 43K loop - decided to do it clockwise as no one else showed up and Marg preferred that direction. It took 5:30 to run with about a 3K section of knee-deep crusty & crystalized snow over the pass. Met some mountain bikers headed up there who were determined to do the loop.

crystalized snow over the pass. Met some mountain bikers headed up there who were determined to do the loop.

13K out and back hike up Cox Hill on the day before Father's Day.

Chris, Gary and I, plus Ranger and Tessa, retraced the steps (mostly) of 4 Edmontonians that did Stage 5 & 6 the prior day. They went a little off course and did about 36K in 8 hours while we went a little off course and did about 31K in 5 hours. The real route would be 30K. This was the sloppiest muddiest run that any of us have ever done and that is a lot of trail running. Certainly a tough 31K with the hills and slick, slippery running.

little off course and did about 31K in 5 hours. The real route would be 30K. This was the sloppiest muddiest run that any of us have ever done and that is a lot of trail running. Certainly a tough 31K with the hills and slick, slippery running.

We decided to do Jumpingpound loop again as a nice easy intro to trailrunning for Christine and a taper for anyone doing the Banff-Jasper Relay. It turned out to be a good choice - even reasonably dry and we had the trail to ourselves. Ginny and Darren just got there in time to join us Chris, Christine, Don myself and the dogs.

and we had the trail to ourselves. Ginny and Darren just got there in time to join us Chris, Christine, Don myself and the dogs.

Ken, Jamie and I ran the 44K trail race while Tasha supervised Kael in his first 3K trail race. Leslie and Keith did the 22K. Most excellent trails for the 22K figure 8 double loop. Definitely would recommend this event to others!! Main sponsors were Crazy Soles store of Invermere and Nipika Lodge.

recommend this event to others!! Main sponsors were Crazy Soles store of Invermere and Nipika Lodge.

15 people and 5 dogs came out for Bernadette's last run before moving to Australia. A perfect evening of muddy trail running and socializing to send her off with a few more good memories. Finally some of her special hugs and reassurances that she will be coming back someday to run with us again.

of her special hugs and reassurances that she will be coming back someday to run with us again.

18K total on great trails from Cougar Creek out to Harvie Heights and back. Nice little taper for Blackfoot.

What a difference a week makes.... from snow and cold to blazing, burning-hot paddling down the Bow.

5 people and 6 dogs on a 14K out and back run that had snow, mud and slush to add a little challenge.

12 of us spent the weekend at Waterton - one run for some and a second for Alan, Ken and I.

Various Wednesday night photos - spring 2008.

Ultra Series Training Camp at Blairmore, AB on the new Sinister Seven Ultra Course. Race Director Andrew Fairborne was our tour guide for most of the weekend with some other local assistants and company. There was a Friday night 3 hour scramble, a 31+K Saturday morning run, another Saturday afternoon run of 14+K and a Sunday morning 16+K run. 20 people was the max for the Saturday morning run.

company. There was a Friday night 3 hour scramble, a 31+K Saturday morning run, another Saturday afternoon run of 14+K and a Sunday morning 16+K run. 20 people was the max for the Saturday morning run.

Jamie, Tasha, Leslie and Hugh went to San Francisco to take on one of the toughest 80K challenges in the Bay area - the Diablo Ultra. It definitely lived up to its name temperatures hitting as high as 90F and 13,340' of elevation gain but was an incredibly well organized and spectacular event. Link to Pacific Coast Trail Runs web site for more details at:http://www.pctrailruns.com/

90F and 13,340' of elevation gain but was an incredibly well organized and spectacular event. Link to Pacific Coast Trail Runs web site for more details at:http://www.pctrailruns.com/

Two trail runs in a day? No problem with a little help from some trail ultra friends. First the Prairie View Loop with an add-on to the Barrier Look-out and then after some lunch, an out and back on the Powderface Road. Gary and Joe from Edmonton joined Tasha, Alan, Don and I.

the Powderface Road. Gary and Joe from Edmonton joined Tasha, Alan, Don and I.

A fun and challenging little jaunt over Mt Baldy Pass that included some heavy slogging through hip-deep snow and took 3:20 to complete the 14K. (Chris was too fast to get in any photos.) Nice 4th birthday celebration for poor Sundae Rich!

birthday celebration for poor Sundae Rich!

30K out and back run along Minnewanka in 3:44. Mostly good running but a few deeper snow sections and icy sections. 4 people and 4 dogs. Don, Sue, Chris, Hugh, Gunde, Ranger, Kaylee and Tessa.

A day late but a beautiful evening to help Bernadette celebrate the start of another year and maybe the last birthday some will get to share with her for 4 years. The Prairie View loop is one of her favorites - especially with the ice and snow to really show the value of the kahtoolas.

favorites - especially with the ice and snow to really show the value of the kahtoolas.

A couple snowshoe outings near Kananaskis Lake and a 28K, 3 hour run around Powderface Road/Prairie Creek Trail loop.

Gary, Marg, Hugh, Ranger and Blue on a new 36.7K, 5:30 point to point run. We added about 4K on two out and back attempts on Ford Creek and Jumpingpound trails where the snow was too deep to run and ended up running the Powderface Road instead. That was still an adequate workout.

ended up running the Powderface Road instead. That was still an adequate workout.

Hard to say if this is really spring but certainly felt like it. Don, Gunde, Ranger, Kaylee, Tessa and I did a 4:40 snowshoe/ski out and back jaunt on Spray Lakes trail on Saturday... sharing the trail at one point with 9 sled dog teams doing the tourist ride thing. Sunday trail run with Gary/Wayne etc.... just over two hours of great running on snowy trails with an odd bit of ice and mud. Runners were - Gary/Wayne, Marg, Christine, Don & myself with canines - Blue, Gunde, Tessa, Kaylee and Ranger. Others went hiking while we ran.

trail at one point with 9 sled dog teams doing the tourist ride thing. Sunday trail run with Gary/Wayne etc.... just over two hours of great running on snowy trails with an odd bit of ice and mud. Runners were - Gary/Wayne, Marg, Christine, Don & myself with canines - Blue, Gunde, Tessa, Kaylee and Ranger. Others went hiking while we ran.

5 of us and 3 dogs re-visited the Canmore Benchlands for a 3 hour 18K run on trails that were a little icy but runnable.

13K run that was "planned" as an out and back snowshoe trek. Turned into a point to point run with Bernadette and Ginny hitchhiking back to get the vehicles from the start. Fabulous day though. (a couple photos tacked on from the Wednesday night Lunar eclipse run up Prairie Mtn)

couple photos tacked on from the Wednesday night Lunar eclipse run up Prairie Mtn)

Don and I took the dogs for a little loop around Upper Kananaskis Lake. A mere 3:35 thanks to not having to break much trail and taking a little short-cut across the first part of the lake. Ginny had helped break the trail the prior weekend but it was suprising how well the snow had covered her tracks.

helped break the trail the prior weekend but it was suprising how well the snow had covered her tracks.

Chris, Bernadette, Don, Kerry, Molly, Gunde, Ranger, Kaylee and myself on a 19K trek that we turned into a loop. Lots of fresh deep trail to break so it took us 5 hours with breaks.

A weekend of playing in the snow... snowshoeing, skiing and running.

Winter camping in Kananaskis.

Burstal Pass. 4 hour tour with Don, Sandi, Frank, Keri, Alan, Christine, Virginia, Ranger and Hugh. Lots of beautiful untracked fresh snow for us. Unfortunately the avalanche hazard was considerable so we stayed away from the top of the pass.

so we stayed away from the top of the pass.

10 people and 2 dogs made our annual 15K excursion into the Ice Cave near Bragg Creek.

A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go.... not really but Melody, Don and I got to see some semi-hunters nabbed by a Park Warden.... shooting out stop signs with a shotgun right beside the parking lot isn't cool. But we spared them the humiliation of taking their pictures.

lot isn't cool. But we spared them the humiliation of taking their pictures.

Julie, Don, Ranger, Gunde and I did a 13K run on the last weekend before the Powderface road closes. Perfect day until the road bit the van....distracted one second - goodbye oil pan. Made it home though trailing an oil slick...wouldn't be Trailtrash without some new trick. Hoping the Previa will be well soon....no carpool parties without that room.

though trailing an oil slick...wouldn't be Trailtrash without some new trick. Hoping the Previa will be well soon....no carpool parties without that room.

3 Calgary runners, 1 Calgary dog and 3 Banff runners completed the 29K loop around Sulphur Mtn only open after Nov.15 due to carnivore study. Chris blazed the trail for us... hence not many photos as he strung out the group. 4:15 for the run.

he strung out the group. 4:15 for the run.

Tough 20K run in the snow with the Okotoks boys.

Beat the snow run....good elevation gain and nice views for the 7 people and 2 dogs. Mostly Banff/Canmore people on this one. Lunch at Miles's in Canmore afterwards. Needed that hot soup after the windchill up at the top of the pass.

windchill up at the top of the pass.

Tasha, Bernadette, Alan and Blair came out for a 19.2K run (Door #1) to help me celebrate my birthday. Another great day, a new trail and treats as well. Thanks gang!

Presented by TTC - Trailtrasher Crosstrainers (and organized by Bernadette). 28.5K of mountain biking along Spray Lake from the Mt Shark parking lot to the Spray Lakes West campground. This was to be followed by canoing/kayaking for 12K back to the start and then an 8.5K run. But as with many Trailtrash events, it didn't go exactly to plan.... not that following a plan or even having a plan really matters as long as there is fun and adventure. We likely need a longer summer day though for the full rally adventure to unfold. The Rally Director says stay tuned for an improved version next year.

followed by canoing/kayaking for 12K back to the start and then an 8.5K run. But as with many Trailtrash events, it didn't go exactly to plan.... not that following a plan or even having a plan really matters as long as there is fun and adventure. We likely need a longer summer day though for the full rally adventure to unfold. The Rally Director says stay tuned for an improved version next year.

Alan, Ken, Bernadette, Hugh, Skeemo and Ranger did a 26K 5+hr exploration run up to Exshaw Pass and back. Definitely a challenging run - especially with some slippery sideslope (snow on top of long grass). We won't claim that it was all runable...but that was partly our route selection which made for a little bit of a loop.

grass). We won't claim that it was all runable...but that was partly our route selection which made for a little bit of a loop.

Perfect fall Sunday running along Spray Lake...14K out and back (28K total).

Wednesday night "save a moose" run.

7 Trailtrash and some Big Rock semi-trash competed in the Lost Soul Ultra trail races in Lethbridge. One 3rd place under 50 age group placing in the 100 Mile(Jamie); First place male overall in the 50K (Chris), First place female overall in the 50K (Bernadette), First place male over-50 in the 50K & 2nd place overall (Adrian). 2 other strong finishers in the 50K (Rich and Alan). One DNF in the 100Mile (Hugh). Gary and Wayne tied for first in the 100Mile +50 age group & 3rd overall.

50K (Chris), First place female overall in the 50K (Bernadette), First place male over-50 in the 50K & 2nd place overall (Adrian). 2 other strong finishers in the 50K (Rich and Alan). One DNF in the 100Mile (Hugh). Gary and Wayne tied for first in the 100Mile +50 age group & 3rd overall.

I'm slipping - not a single doggy photo even though Ranger and Molly were there with us. No wonder Ranger has been depressed. We got to see what Molly is like when she has a day off before a run.

Five human runners - Ken, Jamie, Jen, Chris & Hugh; plus Cosmo, Molly & Skeemo. We ran a 21-26K loop after splitting partway through into two groups. First time on this classic loop to Yoho Lake and Burgess Pass - which proved to be fairly busy but a tough run of about 4.0 hrs with breaks. Chris and I have named the Burgess Pass to Emerald Lake trail "the trail of the 1000 switchbacks"....more nauseating than a ride to Edith Cavell in the back of my van.

Burgess Pass - which proved to be fairly busy but a tough run of about 4.0 hrs with breaks. Chris and I have named the Burgess Pass to Emerald Lake trail "the trail of the 1000 switchbacks"....more nauseating than a ride to Edith Cavell in the back of my van.

70K canoe trip down the Red Deer River.

9 people and 5 dogs on another perfect evening for trail running. Belated birthday celebration for Rich since there wasn't a run the previous Wednesday.

Trailtrash weekend in Jasper. Tonquin Valley was the main event on Friday - 43K, followed by a couple other runs 26K on Saturday and 11K on Sunday. Mixed in were some hikes, some swims, some partying and lots of wholesome dining. Accomodations were at the rustic Mount Edith Cavell Hostel.

and lots of wholesome dining. Accomodations were at the rustic Mount Edith Cavell Hostel.

12 people and two dogs for our re-visit to the three pass epic - no search and rescue this time but not without mishap and bloodshed.

9 people, 6 dogs and one gimp on a run and limp up towards Exshaw Pass. Great new route for the Trailtrash group.

In keeping with our credo of taking trails less traveled, Chris and I spent seven days traveling the original trails of the north - the rivers and lakes. We had fabulous canoeing, camping, berry-picking and fine dining with Chris's Dad, Tom on the Paull and Churchill River circuit.

berry-picking and fine dining with Chris's Dad, Tom on the Paull and Churchill River circuit.

11 people and 5 dogs for a beautiful night of trail running and tailgating. Even the aimless wandering drive out seemed like fun and entertainment. Will miss all the great friends for the next couple weeks as many of us head for other adventures and travels.

weeks as many of us head for other adventures and travels.

Trent, Jamie, Tasha, Kael, Cosmo, Bernadette, Hugh, Ranger and Kaylee on a great weekend camping at Lundbrek Falls, running up the Livingston Range and Gold Creek to Lille ghost town. 4 hours total trek with lots of stops including gooseberry picking. +30-33C scorcher and windy

trek with lots of stops including gooseberry picking. +30-33C scorcher and windy

Introducing some rookies to the Mighty Moose.

A couple of Trailtrashers storm a new ridge...

A loop consisting of Forget-me-not Ridge to Three Point Mtn Trail. 24 kms and 5 hours - several unrunnable but majestic sections: boulder fields along the top and some bushwacking off the mountain peak to link back up to Three Pt. Mtn. Trail

the top and some bushwacking off the mountain peak to link back up to Three Pt. Mtn. Trail

7 Trailtrash did the 38K semi-loop in Kootenay Park, starting at 7:45AM and finishing just after 3:00PM...to about 4:30PM as we eventually split into two groups. About 1700 metres of elevation over 2 passes to add extra challenge.

passes to add extra challenge.

10 people and 5 dogs - sort of; we seemed to keep losing people and dogs along the way. Still a great 19K trail run on a warm evening. (21K for Chris and Terry)

Pre-Powderface warm-up and scouting run for Celine with her trusty escorts.

With the aid of Miles expert navigation with support from Jen S. and pacing and encouragement from Gary, Chris and Jamie, we finally succeeded in completing the 43K loop by going clockwise past Three Isle Lake and back via Turbine Canyon. 8:15 to complete the loop with a number of lunch and photo stops. 6 hrs to Turbine Canyon and 2:15 out through many stretches of snow covered trail.

Isle Lake and back via Turbine Canyon. 8:15 to complete the loop with a number of lunch and photo stops. 6 hrs to Turbine Canyon and 2:15 out through many stretches of snow covered trail.

One of our standard hot weather runs. Good hill, good river crossings and always fun.

Chris, Don, Molly and Hugh. Perfect weather conditions and the trail was in great shape.

Jen, Celine, Molly and I doing a point to point run - with Terry providing shuttle service. Met Iris and Julie along the way.

Alberta Greyhounds - Team 166 (Plus 50 team) - winning that category for the 7th straight year and giving the winning Plus 40 team a run for their money. 7th Place Overall finishing position.

17 Trailtrash (not counting the five dogs) came out to have a last run with Anouk. Lots of mud, chocolate, fresh fruit and laughs.

This is not Lethbridge.... in other words, when it is raining in Calgary, expect a little bit of white stuff in Kananaskis. Even going quite prepared, we were all very wet and frozen by the end of our 2.5hour run into Ribbon Falls and back.

2.5hour run into Ribbon Falls and back.

First time up Yamnuska for most of us. Even with the overcast, the views were worthwhile and it was a tough 2.5 hour, 9K loop even with a few breaks. 900 meters elevation gain.

Day trip down the Bow to Carseland. (Bernadette got an extra day solo and overnight camping with Jamie, Tasha, Kael and Cosmo - near Policeman's Flats.) 47K from Policeman's to Carseland only took 5 hours with lots of stops due to high water flows and good conditions.

hours with lots of stops due to high water flows and good conditions.

Freshly cleared of all the blowdown/deadfall this was a great loop that was mostly dry and very pleasant to run - refreshingly cool after a warm day. 10 people and 4 dogs. Tasha, Bernadette and Chris couldn't get enough and did a second loop.

couldn't get enough and did a second loop.

Trailtrash and friends racing at the Blackfoot Ultra Trail Races just east of Edmonton at Cooking Lake. Participants in the 100K were Gary Glover, Wayne Gaudet, Hugh Magill, Jamie Nott, Miles Tindal and Joanne Livingston; 50K were Rich Cote and Frank Vandongen; 25K were Julie King and Keri Vandongen. Lots of great support provided by Tasha Nott and Alan Lam.

and Joanne Livingston; 50K were Rich Cote and Frank Vandongen; 25K were Julie King and Keri Vandongen. Lots of great support provided by Tasha Nott and Alan Lam.

Alan, Tasha, Hugh, Cosmo, Ranger (and Bernadette - in spirit).

Fish Creek to McKinnon Flats - 32K day trip that took us about 4 hours with a couple lunch stops - fighting a wicked head-wind a lot of the way. Virginia, Alan, Tasha, Bernadette, Chris and Hugh.

My quick trip to San Antonio to meet with lots of great Valero staff. Didn't manage to find any good trails for the Trailtrash gang to run but the night-life along the riverwalk might make up for having to run concrete. Definitely the place for getting acclimatized to heat - 86 F and humid.

having to run concrete. Definitely the place for getting acclimatized to heat - 86 F and humid.

Tom Snow, Packers Trail, Sulphur Springs loop. About 21-22K - 2.5 hours with a little bit of snow.

Walk with Craig Burrows and Joint Advisory Committee to review details of proposed 72 unit development.

7 people and 4 dogs for a 22K from Cochrane Ranch out to Big Hill Springs and back. About 2.5 hours with two stream crossings for and a couple fences for extra stopping excuses.

16 of us had a great weekend at a B&B at Waterton Park - trailtrunning, kayaking, biking, hiking and socializing. We even got in a little volunteer fire-fighting at the end - nothing that we had any hand in starting! Looking forward to more such awesome Trailtrash weekends!

hand in starting! Looking forward to more such awesome Trailtrash weekends!

We split the group with 6 of the guys and all 4 dogs going up Cox Hill in the deep snow and ice while the 3 women and two remaining guys did an out and back on Tom Snow (with no dogs and no camera).

Tasha, Chris, Rich, Bernadette, Hugh, Cosmo, Ranger, Molly & Sundae - a beautiful spring evening grinding the 3K up to the top of Prairie Mtn and sliding back down. We were surprised how much snow was still up there with the good southern exposure.

still up there with the good southern exposure.

Construction of the new Trailtrash HQ and Clubhouse.....opening soon.

Three Big Rock Runners took 8 of us Trailtrash for a 20K ultra training run on the Hogsback loop. An entertaining and fairly challenging 3.5hrs with mostly snowy trail, a little mud and a few hills. Wayne, Gary and Tom (BR), Frank, Keri, Tasha, Jamie, Cosmo, Bernadette, Ranger & Hugh (TT).

Wayne, Gary and Tom (BR), Frank, Keri, Tasha, Jamie, Cosmo, Bernadette, Ranger & Hugh (TT).

Wednesday night run - Men & Dogs only on a night where the weather looked much worse than it turned out to be. Out and back on the closed section of highway west of Elbow Falls with good footing and a fast pace.

fast pace.

First Minnewanka run of 07 - 13K out and back (26K total) in just over 3 hours. Leslie from Banff was kind enough to join us and bring the bear spray. Fortunately we didn't need it as Leslie is not known for spraying accurately but we appreciate the thought. Jamie, Julie, Bernadette, Virginia, Ranger, Cosmo and Hugh made up the rest of the group but Julie missed out on the pictures by running a little shorter and slower. Leslie missed out on the post-run picnic by trusting that we could navigate our way to the right spot after running 26K.

known for spraying accurately but we appreciate the thought. Jamie, Julie, Bernadette, Virginia, Ranger, Cosmo and Hugh made up the rest of the group but Julie missed out on the pictures by running a little shorter and slower. Leslie missed out on the post-run picnic by trusting that we could navigate our way to the right spot after running 26K.

A 16K key swap run in surprisingly snowy conditions. A tale of how two groups - each with 3 people and 3 dogs can run the same trail from opposite ends and manage to miss each other completely and it wasn't even dark! New ways to add fun and adventure to trailrunning.

wasn't even dark! New ways to add fun and adventure to trailrunning.

Various Trails as described.

Bernadette, Kaylee, Ranger and I took Rick Scott - a guest runner from Massachusetts for about a15K loop with a side trip up to the forestry lookout. It was a beautiful afternoon to be skipping work and enjoying the mountain trails. Thanks for the excuse Rick.

and enjoying the mountain trails. Thanks for the excuse Rick.

Bernadette's pre-birthday run. 12K circuit with lots of puddles for the ladies to stay cool.

Don Lee, Alan Lam, Molly Coolican and Hugh Magill on a 12K out and back run up Waiparous Creek. 3 hours of slick, icy, technical running. One big puddle dive by Hugh for bonus points - even though a little frog attack could be blamed.

little frog attack could be blamed.

Steeplechase trail running (aka tree hopping) - Only 4 of us but great fun and not too muddy thanks to the fresh snow. Most of the trail was untracked since the skiers gave up due to the amount of blowdown. We were able to run for 1:30 without headlamps and only the last 35 minutes with lights.

blowdown. We were able to run for 1:30 without headlamps and only the last 35 minutes with lights.

Training weekend with Okotoks and Edmonton Blackfoot Ultra guys.

9K wandering snowshoe in Mt Black Prince area.

Jamie, Tasha, Kael, Hugh, Ranger, Cosmo and Kaylee on our snowshoe outing to Chester Lake and the Elephant rocks.