Via Welsh Lakes.
Ref: Aaron Cameron and Matt Gunn's Hikes
around
Invermere & the Columbia River Valley.
From the back of Middle Welsh Lake, 354074, work your way through the
boulder field towards Antrim's north-west slopes. Gain the main gully
via snow or scree, it easily leads to the upper north-east
facing slopes. Pick a line aiming for the blocky summit ridge and
follow to the top. |
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A rough road leads
to the upper trailhead, 1705 m. |
| Scramble: RT 3.0; 2.0 up. We
planned a backpacking weekend with the dogs, they love camping
and sniffing a new area. Going to Middle Welsh Lake at this
time of the year is quite ambitious as there is still a lot of snow at
that elevation (2200 m.), don't do it folks! Before reaching the lower
lake, we started post-holing under the weight of the heavy packs. The
dogs were doing well, so we continued around the lakeshore and then
through the trees. After the painful stretch to the middle lake, we
found an area clear of snow and started enjoying the very warm
afternoon. The mountain scenery and tranquility surrounding us was
delicious; especially with our hounds coiled up sleeping. The following
day, I left at 6 AM hoping the snow would be stiffer with last night's
clear sky. It was but I still punched through in the boulder field
beyond the lake. Once on the steepening slopes, climbing was quick with
the crampons. I managed to go off route but still found the ascent
gully with minimal fuss. Above the gully, the summit is not far. On top
of this lofty summit, the view is spectacular in all directions. Even
with the smoky sky I could see beyond the Bugaboos. Coming down was
fast and straightforward; I did not miss the intended route and soon
was back with the pack. We took time putting our things away,
enjoying this bluebird day. Our return was better with less weight, a
better route and good spirits. We put shorts on after the snowline and
casually continued to the truck. |
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Lovely pond along
the trail. |
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Lots of softening
snow. |
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Finally arrived near
the back of Middle Welsh Lake. |
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A bit soggy but it
will do! Notice three dogs sleeping. |
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The moon is rising
next to Antrim and Leitrim Peaks. |
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The ascent to the
gully from the boulder field. |
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North Star comes
into view as the sun rises. |
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Upper slopes to the
summit. |
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At the top of the
gully, Middle and Lower Welsh Lakes below. |
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Leitrim Peak from
the top. |
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Looking south-west
towards Killarney Peak. |
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All four lakes still
snowbound. |
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Above Upper Welsh
Lake tower Mount Alpha Centauri (left) and North Star Peak (center). |
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Close up view of the
Bugaboos. Left to right: Howser Spire, Pigeon Spire, Snowpatch Spire
and Bugaboo Spire. |
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Heading back down
along the ridge. |
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Looking back at the
last bit. |
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Entering the gully,
North star and Carmarthen on the right. |
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Straightforward
gully. |
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I can see Fab and
the hounds on the shoreline. |
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Antrim and Leitrim
from the shoreline. |
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Yahoo, another great
scramble! |
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It's not over 'till
it's over... |
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to home page |
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