| Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies. |
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The objective is
attained by circling around to the back side. |
| Scramble: RT
10.0; 5.5 up. How to make a long
trip longer!
First, go when there's lots of snow. Second, make sure there's no
overnight freeze and a tropical high. Third, never mind
bringing
snowshoes. Collectively, these factors translate into huge effort. To
reach the objective, determination and perseverance were necessary. The
way
is straightforward, following the creek bed to the ascent ridge. Beyond
the
flats and the first drainage, we hiked on dry patches as much as possible,
then firm snow. We saw the big cairns indicating the summer trail but we
continued along the creek bed. The last kilometer and a half to the
tarn was tough.
We wondered if we would even make it. Uncertain but in good
spirits, we proceeded. I sank ankle deep while Fab often punched
down to mid thigh. We paced ourselves, not taking many breaks on the
way in. The snow was going to soften up quickly so we were focused on the
prize! We were glad to see the barren ascent ridge! Once
on rock, the remaining ascent was nice. I was in disbelief that
we would be granted this one after all. We stayed at the top for a
while then headed down. Backtracking in our footsteps required graceful
stepping to
stay on top. We were pleased with how little effort it took to return as
we both expected much post-holing. We even saw the slushy water push
forward onto the snow in the creek bed. What a rush, amazing!!! |
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Travelling on the
gravel flats. |
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We head in the
drainage and follow the creek bed. |
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The drainage narrows
for a short section. |
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Further along the
creek bed.
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There is still lots
of snow at the first junction. |
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Looking back at the
upper drainage. |
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The ascent ridge is
in sight, yeah! |
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We forego the tarn
and aim straight for the ridge. |
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We're finally on
firm ground.
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The tarn is still
under snow so we can't see its deep blue colour.
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Final stretch. |
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A look at the
approach. |
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The East Peak behind
the summit cairn. |
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Western view. |
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Southern view. |
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Water flowing where
there was none this morning.
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The slushy water
pushes its way atop the snow.
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| Back
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