Grassi Knob

Dist: 9.1km    Elev: 815m    Summit: 6922'    Time: 4h    Difficulty: 3/5

After three months away from the mountains and eight weeks (already!) of countless cuddles, burps and diaper changes Melinda and I felt it was time to reclaim some balance in our world of self-care and recreation. She encouraged me to schedule a hike over the Christmas holiday and liked the idea of easing in gently with a low-risk half-day outing close to home. Grassi Knob, a small and unpopular peak right outside Canmore, seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I also decided to take advantage of the opportunity to catch up with Byron given the current pandemic social restrictions. 

We started at the trailhead a little later than usual due to morning fatherhood duties but still had plenty of time for this little summit. The route started along the popular Highline trail before departing seemingly randomly (thanks GPS) into the trees and climbing consistently through deep snow all the way to the top. Views were also nonexistent until only a few minutes from the summit, but from up there we were rewarded with an incredible in-your-face perspective of the Three Sisters to the south and Ship's Prow Mountain to the west. Unfortunately we did not stay long as the wind was bitterly cold (and I was starting to miss my two favorite girls back home).

Grassi Knob was definitely a bit of a slog (or "grindy" as Byron put it) but as always it felt great to get outside and enjoy some spectacular scenery and quality conversation with a good friend. 

First views! Three Sisters come into sight. 

Nearing the summit as Ship's Prow towers above.

Summit view of the Three Sisters.

Summit view of Ship's Prow.

"Ship's Prow" - I finally know what to call this haircut!

Great to be back at it!