Chapter 02 - Herding Sheep

Travel Directions:
From Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy), take Exit 161A “Bragg Creek Rd / Hwy 22.” Go south on Hwy 22 approximately 17.4 km to the 4-way stop in Bragg Creek. (Do not follow the Bragg Creek West sign.) Turn left at the 4-way stop (continue on Hwy 22) and go 3.4 km to the “T” intersection of Hwy 22 and Hwy 66. Turn right (west) onto Hwy 66 and go approximately 13.9 km to Moose Mountain Road. Turn right (north) onto Moose Mountain Road and follow it 7.0 km to the well-marked trailhead. The trail begins in the trees at the green vehicle barrier, located on the south side of the parking area. The site is about 0.4 km beyond the tree line to the southwest (downhill and to the left). (Note: Moose Mountain Road is unmarked; it is just west of the “Paddy’s Flat” sign on Hwy 66.)

The Moose Mountain summit is 7.1 km from the parking area and trailhead, gaining 477 m (1,150') in elevation. Allowing time to explore filming locations, budget a total of 4 to 5 hours for a rewarding hike to and from the vast Moose Mountain meadows, where several sheep herding scenes were filmed. Mornings generally provide the most reliable weather conditions. See:

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/trails/moosemtn.htm

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/trails/moose_prairie.htm

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/outdoor.htm

The hike to the meadows is a moderately strenuous ascent. Though no filming took place above the meadows, the adventurous may wish to keep climbing to the summit using a series of switchbacks leading to a fire lookout station. Budget approximately 50 minutes for the final ascent, along slippery shale surfaces.

Remarks:
Jack, denied the chance to make his own fire by Joe Aguirre’s rules, feels drawn to the distant spot where Ennis is portrayed as an isolated fire in the vast, empty night. Of Brokeback’s many poignant metaphors, this one, which works as well on the screen as it does on the printed page, is among the most powerful and most cherished.

Important:
Vehicle access to the trailhead and parking area is subject to seasonal closure, usually opening in mid-May and closing after Canadian Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October). Note: For intermediate and experienced hikers. Wear hiking boots. Take ample water and protective gear. Never leave valuables in a car at trailheads. Use caution; bear activity is common in this area, and in all mountain locations. See:

http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fw/bears/safety.html

Always consult park wardens and take appropriate precautions.

Quotation:
“Jack, in his dark camp, saw Ennis as night fire, a red spark on the huge black mass of mountain.” [1]

[1] Brokeback Mountain - Story to Screenplay by Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana (Scribner) ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-9416-4, page 4.

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DVD capture

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