| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies |
|
 |
|
|
We head towards the
Beatrice/Ball cirque. |
| Scramble: RT
4.5; 2.25 up (from bivy). When Fab and I visited the area in 2000 to
ascend Mount Ball, we didn't give Beatrice a second glance. Through the years,
I realized we should have included it; the
effort is so minimal. Back then, we were also unaware a
moderate
scramble up Stanley Peak existed. With that in mind, I now had a good
reason to come back up Haffner Creek to redeem myself. We planned to
scramble up Beatrice on the second day before heading out. We started
hiking by 7 AM. Fab had a heel spur to pamper so he sprawled out on the
rock below and watched. The ascent on the hard snow was pleasant and
led to the ascent gully rapidly. Water was flowing a little; I promptly
got across the wet ledge and carefully started climbing the following
steep section. Thereafter, the blocky terrain easily leads to the
summit. I only stayed long enough to take pictures and eat a cookie. I
was happy to have settled the score! I followed the west ridge
to the alternate descent. From the saddle, the gully is obvious. The
remaining snow was rock hard, I was glad to have my crampons to
continue down the steep snow. Lower down, I noticed how much more water
was flowing from the ascent gully; I remember getting drenched coming
down from Mount Ball (2000). The descent was quick, I sat down with Fab
and ate breakfast enjoying this scenic area. The glacier-carved rock is
very neat, walking on it is delightful. We meandered back to our gear
and packed up. The return to the car would be long and hot... We
ventured down Haffner Creek in good humor, taking a couple of breaks
along the way. It took us the same time to return, 5 hours... |
|
 |
|
A neat lounging area. |
|
 |
|
|
The "sitting man" we
spotted 11 years ago, still sitting. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Beatrice Peak. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Nearing the ascent
gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Up and across the
ledge quickly but still got wet. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking down from
above the ledge, quite steep. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Typical terrain
along the way. |
|
|
 |
|
|
No obstacles, just a
plod up. |
|
|
 |
|
|
At the top with
Mount Ball in my face! Finally, I redeemed myself. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The summit cairn and
Stanley Peak in the background. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Storm Mountain to
the north-east. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The "Ten Peaks" in the distance. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Heading down the
west ridge towards the alternate descent. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Aiming for the
saddle below. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The way down stands
out. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Nice continuous
gully. Unfortunately for me, the snow is rock hard. |
|
|
 |
|
|
A look up about
midway. |
|
|
 |
|
|
By now, the
waterfall in the access gully is flowing quite hard. |
|
|
 |
|
|
A short distance
from the glacier-carved rock. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Walking on the karst
pavement is very special, reminds us of Castle Mountain. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Fab stretches out
the prayer flag, indeed this is a magical place. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Water coming out of
the ground and disappearing shortly after. |
|
|
 |
|
|
All packed up and
ready to head down Haffner Creek. |
| Back
to home page |
|
|