Ha Ling Peak- Don't Stop Believing

The other weekend some of us decided to hike up one of the mountains in Canmore. It is called Ha Ling Peak (or in other words China Man's Peak). It is said that in 1896 a Chinese man, ie Ha Ling, was bet $50 that he couldn't make it up and down the mountain in 10hours. Ha Ling took up the bet and completed the hike in 5hours. No one believed his story, so he took a group of hikers up the next day and planted a larger flag next to the smaller one he had planted the previous day. Thus, his name will be remembered for a long time!

We decided to hike up the backside of this... (The peak on the right)


Here is a view from the road to the backside of the peak.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but... I'm afraid of heights. In that incomprehensible, debilitating, my legs won't stay straight sort of way. I needed help from this sign we found to get through the last part of the hike!

We started our hike wearing multiple layers, but it really was an intense uphill hike... as you can see.
Mitch (in the pink hat) really needed some water.

Eventually we reached snow. It was as if we had never seen it before!

Looking down from our little path in the snow. My legs still felt strong.

We were all taking a second to take in the view.

Which was amazing!

Then we left the path and started climbing up this... Legs becoming more shaky.

We were almost at the top. There was a lot of snow, it was windy and CHILLY!


Finally.... we arrived.
As you can see, my legs no longer worked and Maddy's facial expression shows how comfortable she is.


However, we were looking down a sheer rock cliff and it was windy! Apparently some people have blown off the top.


Another view off of the edge...


Remember, this is what we were staring down... (The squarish peak on the right)


We took a little break at the top. Obviously I'm reaching for the food...

Maddy comforting herself with her container of fruit.

Ontario!

As you can see, we worked hard on our hair before the hike.

On top of the World!

Everyone got cold quickly, so we headed down fast. Apparently, running/sliding down shale is a cool this to do here. My response, less so!

It's amazing how quickly you gain elevation here! I love it! Today we went on a road ride to castle mountain. We saw about 6 elk, one black bear, and reached 71km/h. Awesome!!

This week was a really hard week and we are all feeling the hard days. Or at least I know my legs are. Here are a few videos my trainer took. Thanks Matt Jordan!

Cleans... and I wasn't sure what punching the bar meant... Typical


Front Squat


Trap-bar Jump Squat


Today, we have another strength workout, so I better get biking up to the gym. This will get me through the hard sets...


You're kiddin' me! I love it!