This was our first opportunity to enjoy our new proximity to the Rockies from the air. It was a beautiful afternoon. Even the briefer at Edmonton Flight Information Centre commented on how perfect the weather was for flying.

Departing on runway 23, Lethbridge to the north

Firing up our trusty GJYM, we departed from Lethbridge Airport, CYQL, and headed west. We were light, and a 182 has plenty of power, but JYMmie seemed lethargic until we climbed into the somewhat cooler air above. The air was smooth as silk, but the price we paid was poor visibility, made worse by forest fires to the northeast and our heading into the setting sun. We leveled off at 8500’, scowling into the lowering glare.

As we passed the currently unserviceable Pincher Creek Airport, we picked up the VFR route through the mountains. This route essentially follows highway 3 as it winds its way west. Most of the many wind turbines were spinning on the windfarms in the area. Our plan was to fly as far as Sparwood, then head to our turnaround point, Elk Valley, just a few miles further north.

Oldman River Dam at Pincher Creek

Just to the north of Pincher Creek lies the Oldman River Dam. Near Pincher Creek, the Oldman joins with the Crowsnest and the Castle Rivers, continuing east as the Oldman to pass Lethbridge, and then joins the Bow River to become the South Saskatchewan River near Brooks, to the north of Lethbridge. The South Saskatchewan, fortified by the Red Deer River, ultimately joins the North Saskatchewan River, and flows into Lake Winnipeg.

Foothills near Pincher Creek

Further to the west, the seemingly endless flat prairie gives way to the foothills before the mountains. It always amazes me how abrupt the transition between the prairies and the Rockies is. We followed the highway, being careful to keep to the right, trusting that any oncoming traffic would do the same. We were flying using the hemispheric rule, which meant that oncoming traffic should be at least a thousand feet higher or lower, but it pays to be cautious when flying.

Frank Slide

Soon, the deformed face of Turtle Mountain slid into view. In 1903, unsafe mining practices caused 30 million cubic metres to come tumbling down on the town of Frank, killing 76 people in its way. The glare was becoming worse as the sun hung ever lower to the west, but this did not detract from the impressive view, and we wondered aloud at how puny man is in the face of the forces of nature.

North of our track, we could see Crowsnest Mountain, its 9137 ft peak higher than our cruising altitude. Supposedly mistakenly named by the Cree for ravens, this spectacular peak was the subject of a ballad found on the mountain in 1992:

THE BALLAD OF THE UPSIDE-DOWN MOUNTAIN

There’ve been strange tales told, by cavorters bold,
round the campfire late at night.
When cavorting juice, makes the tongue go loose,
and all reason takes a flight.
The Crowsnest Pass has heard many an ass,
spin tall tales about the town.
But the best of all, is the one about how,
the mountain got turned upside-down.
Now I know it seems strange, to those who don’t range,
the mountains the way I do.
But I’ve been there and by God I swear,
that indeed I believe it is true.
Now upside-down is a relative noun,
whose meaning’s not always the same.Crowsnest Mountain
Is not bottom over top, a logical spot,
to end debate on the upside-down claim.
For that’s what’s so on the mountain called Crow,
where tectonic upheaval has reigned.
The Lewis Thrust has ripped the Earth’s crust,
to create the present terrain.
The rocks at the base are the youngest in place,
while the oldest crowd the sky.
Now that’s upside-down so let’s go to town,
and drink beer for as long as you buy.

-A.R. Bradley P.Geol.
(source)

Scenery near Crowsnest Pass

The drama of the terrain was inspiring. We continued west along the highway, and I was constantly on the lookout for suitable emergency landing sites. My conclusion was that these were precious few, other than the winding road below us.

Despite the scenery, the glare made us happy to turn north at Sparwood. The sectional map showed a blasting area just to the right of our flightpath.
Blasting site near Sparwood
We had wondered what this would be, and it was now revealed in all its glory - a massive gravel pit! We made a turn over the Elk Valley Airport, climbing to 9500’ whilst doing so. The return flight was made more spectacular by the lengthening shadows and having the sun now from behind.

Them rocks be sharp!We were humbled by the sheer expanse, the vastness of it all.

Can you see the moon for the bugs?

Crowsnest PassThe Crowsnest Pass was almost in shadow, as we passed over on our magic carpet. We are so privileged to be able partake in this wonderful thing called flight.

On final for runway 05 at CYQL

Too soon, it was all over, and we were planning a straight in approach for runway 05. There were several aircraft conducting training in the circuit, so we landed long and taxied off on the runway not in use, to allow operations to continue.

As we tied Jymmie down, we were quiet and content.

Nature does that to you.

Air time: 1.5 hrs