cir·cum·am·bu·late
/ˌsərkəmˈambyəlāt/
verb
walk all the way around (something)
Every year, thousands of pilgrims of several religions circumambulate Mount Kailash in Tibet, as a holy ritual believed to bring good fortune.
We did our own version of circumambulation by circling around Yamnuska, a popular climbing, hiking and scrambling destination West of Calgary.
The rising sun catches the South face of Yamnuska
The East face of the mountain resembles a solid block
More features become visible as you keep climbing towards the East
Yamnuska North face – Once we dropped into the shadow side of the mountain, it bec
ame apparent how cold it really was
ame apparent how cold it really wasA glimpse of the West face, we needed to keep going South-West to reach the col in between Yamnuska and Old Goat Mountain
Climbing towards the col on the West side, craving to reach the sun
Finally at the col, and in the sun! We dove into the trees, out of the wind, and had some lunch (everything bagels with bacon, salami, prosciutto, spinach and Gouda cheese)
Looking North-East, along the flat face of the mountain
Coming down the giant scree field underneath the South face
Gentle trail through the aspens to conclude the circumambulation
If circumambulation appeases the spirits that live on the mountain, perhaps we have earned some good fortune today. If not, we still had a great day, and came home a little less encumbered by our daily worries.