Almost a slot canyon hike... and a cave!

My sister Alison is a zumba instructor, and teaches a class on Thursday before noon. Ruth went with her to the class, so we didn't set off on a hike until after lunch.

Of course there are a ton of different hikes in the mountains near Cochrane, the only drawback is the minimum 45 minute drive to get to them. And of course there are many more (some very spectacular) within a two hour drive.

But we only had the afternoon, so we hopped in the car and headed to the Jura Creek Trail which is one of the closer ones.

The trail actually follows the creek, but I wanted to detour to a cave that was showing on my map. I took the wrong path, but I thought it might lead there anyhow and it didn't. So we had to turn around and go back down and then up another one. Oh well... we needed the exercise!

Heading uphill.

There must be some natives in the area!

Ruth and Alison coming up behind me.

The entrance to the cave.

View from the inside looking out.

There were a couple of small offshoots inside.

I crawled up there, but it didn't go very far.

Then it was down to the actual creek tail.

The beginning is pretty neat... almost like a slot canyon hike.

There are quite a few obstacles along the way.

If the water was much higher, you might get wet feet!

Me, on the Jura Creek Trail.

Ruth and Alison making their way up behind me.

Little waterfall up ahead.

Of course in the spring there would be far too much water and it would be inaccessible. As it was, we made it to one spot that was a bit tough to navigate. I wish someone was videoing us! It was difficult to make my way up alone, then I had to give a hand to the girls to get get up... and getting back down when we came back through wasn't any easier! But, we did it.

Ruth and Alison.

Apparently you can follow the creek bed for about 7 kms.

But we didn't have time to do the whole thing.

Following the creek.

Heading back, there was a view of the cave I had been in.

Making our way back down.

Alison and Ruth.

Alison and Kevin.

Scenery as we made our way to the bottom.

So... a good afternoon hike. Today we are off to do the ridge hike that we put off the other day when it was too windy!

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