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Grotto Mountain in 3 hours 59 minutes round trip on the ACC trail including one food/liquid/rest stop and the photo shoot at the summit.
It took me 1:59 to gain the ridge and that is just over 1000 meters according to my topographic map. I think I did the 900 meters to the top of East End of Rundle in 1:28 but it was a cooler day. Then the total ballooned to 2:28 when I arrived at the main summit of Grotto Mountain.
I had to stop once just before the ridge to sit down, eat some dates, drink some water and get un-dizzy. The afternoon heat was brutal.
Sound fast? Not Olympian but I did have to run near the bottom to get it done in under 4 hours.
The going was hot on the way up; I had a late start. This was my second time up this mountain, this time to get pictures so you can see for yourself what a nice view it is.
Some of my friends just shake their head as if I'm a bit whacko for going so fast but I kind of enjoy it. They like the runners high too but are just not willing to go far as I to get it.
However it is perhaps a bit risky to push too hard and also one can relax better over the long run if extreme sport is toned down a bit. I may slow down soon as I have read that stress makes neurons sensitive. In essence what I'm doing here is abusing the mountain like a drug. It has a potentiating effect on your neurons and makes them hyper-sensitive. I'm sensitive enough already dam it!
If your a guy and you get off on this type of thing, get a girl friend. FAST!
Otherwise just lay in your bed at night alone and twitching like a big twitchy neuron!
On the way up Grotto Mountain I had a nice opportunity to photograph a Dall Sheep. I should really get a better camera with built in zoom though.
The ACC trail starts form you guessed it, the ACC hut in Canmore. The way is a very dusty and worn in trail. At the top, the view is panoramic.
On the way back down I took a tumble while running down a steep section that was ruble on top of slab. The feet aren't well connected to the ground on sections like this.
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The dust stuck to my sweaty body making me look like a coal miner. What fun!
I then continued with my mad descent.
Near the bottom I started to run harder so as to keep my total time under 4:00 hours. When I got back to the car I was satisfied, content and wet.
P.S. I didn't see any caves or moose bones on this go round.
Later!
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
George Bernard Shaw
1856-1950, Irish-born British Dramatist
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