This time, I dragged my mother to the summit of a mountain. She got the idea some time ago that she just "had to" climb this peak. The peak in question? Ha Ling (formerly known as "Chinaman's Peak") which is one of the mountains overlooking Canmore. Sure, we took some time dawdling in Canmore, looking for a good peak-bagging hat for Mom, but once we were on the trail, it was all business. See, Mom had been training for this event for a few months now. She had to admit that the hills around Red Deer were not as steep or as long as Ha Ling. But with a bit of cajoling and the promise of some premium-quality chocolate, she did it! Mom's first summit. I'm so proud!  

When will the incessant summit-bagging stop, you ask?!? "When my knees give out!" I say. My knees very nearly gave out on this scramble: Mount Rundle. It's a steep slog up the sloping back of the mountain. Unrelenting up up up. Guess that's how you get to the top, but geez! It winded me. Plus it was freakin' cold up at the top! So our celebratory lunch was confined to a few bites of chocolate for form's sake (must have celebratory chocolate) and a hasty retreat to warmer climes. Really, the forecast was for clear skies and 21 degrees (celcius, if you're wondering) which could have made for pleasant picnicking at the summit. Nope! Never trust the peaks. They'll getcha. Especially if you've forgotten to bring gloves & a toque. Dumbass. I left the peak with my extra pair of socks over my numb hands. Bliss. 

For those of you who knew me when I had really long hair - rejoice! It's easy to get it back...just put on a wig! Here I am, portraying one of the founders of the Alpine Club of Canada, Mrs. Elizabeth Parker. I was fortunate enough to garner a ride on a classic steam train through the Rockies to Rogers Pass in July, all the while in disguise as Mrs. Parker. The show has been going over very well. I've performed it at several Alpine Club of Canada functions, including one at Stanley Mitchell Hut where I packed in the costume and props in my backpack & performed by kerosene lamplight, I think that was my favorite so far, since the audience was made up of climbers who had just spent the day on the peaks and were feeling a real emotional attachment to the mountains. We all ended up a little weepy and sentimental. It was beautiful.