BOU AVENUE
Mount Rundle
On 14 July 1996, I was puttering about doing errands in Calgary and letting the gorgeous day go to waste when I finally had enough and decided to go out for a late scramble up the main peak of Mount Rundle.  Although this is not the true summit of Mount Rundle (a 2958-metre peak about three kilometres to the southeast on the park boundary bears that distinction), the 2949-metre main peak is the most visible one from the town of Banff and consequently is a popular objective for hikers and climbers.  Starting out at about 3:30 PM, I made good progress on the trail through the trees, but once I climbed above tree line, the heat from the late day sun sapped a lot of energy out of me.  As I kept churning my way up the dry slope, I also realized that I was running short of water.  Luckily, I found some lingering snow patches near the top (I reached it at about 8:00 PM), and that would be enough to sustain me for the rest of the trip.  The descent was uneventful, and I eventually made it back to my car in the dark at about 11:00 PM.

While I had previously hiked alone before, Mount Rundle was my first solo scramble on a big peak.  Psychologically, it was a big step forward for me.
Not the true summit. Sonny stands on top of the  main peak of Mount Rundle.
Alone with his thoughts... Sonny takes a breather while watching the lengthening shadow of Mount Rundle creep across the Canmore corridor.
Twilight's last gleaming... This is the view westward just after sunset.
Some cheap hotel... This is a late night view of the Banff Springs Hotel from near the fairway of the 15th Hole (Banff Springs Golf Course).