On September 26th, 9 SHARP clients ,with 2 volunteers and 2 staff headed out on a 2-night outdoor adventure at William Watson Lodge in Kananaskis country. William Watson Lodge, located on east side of Lower Lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, provides affordable, fully accessible accommodation, to which guests bring their own bedding and food.
Arriving at 3pm on Tuesday, and after getting settled in, the group enjoyed a BBQ, followed by bonfire at the covered fire pit.
On Wednesday morning, after breakfast, a hardy group of 8 hikers embarked on the 4.5km hike to Lower Kananaskis Falls. The weather was perfect and the scenery breathtaking with the Upper Lake as calm as glass. Others stayed at the Lodge and enjoyed the more than 20 km of wheelchair accessible trails. After lunch, a group headed to the Visitor Center to learn about the wildlife and vegetation in the area and a few more embarked on a second hike to Highwood Pass to see the fall colors. That plan was thwarted, because of a recent grizzly bear sighting on the trail. The drive, however, was amazing with the larch trees in full fall-color and a sighting of a herd of mountain sheep. To end the day, a hardy dinner was followed by another bonfire.
Thursday morning was busy as the group packed up, cleaned the cabins and prepared to leave for home. For the end of September, the weather for the two days was perfect with cool crisp mornings and sunny days. A great outdoor experience for everyone. Thank you to the amazing staff for all their time and organizing.