| Ref: Bob
Spirko's Road not taken |
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Sunny start to the day. |
| Scramble: RT
8.0; 5.0 up. After a cool, wet month of May, we're looking forward to
the "dog days" of summer. The forecast improved through the week
enabling us to have an unexpectedly warm and dry outing. This trip is
straightforward. We enjoyed the trail and the feeling of openness due
to
the lack of foliage in the trees. The "stone sofa" indicates the ascent
gully; a break there is a must since 1000 meters of height gain remain!
The climb is steady and pleasant, no bushwhacking. We used our snowshoes but only
to traverse to the saddle preceding the final slope; we stayed
above the snow on the way down. The last stretch on snow was good and we
saw lots of goat tracks. At the top, the view is great. The sheer faces
of the mountains along the Rockwall Trail are impressive. Floe Lake is
hidden from the top but seems snowbound for a while longer. The clouds were rolling-in and we
thought we heard thunder...no wait, it's an avalanche off Foster. On the way
down, although the sky was now overcast, I couldn't help to be thankful
for the mild temperature. Another very good day out in the mountains. |
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A multitude of
seedlings thrive after the recent forest fire.
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Crossing Vermilion
River.
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Nice trail and
unhindered view through the sticks.
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The comfortable
stone sofa at the base of the ascent gully.
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The gully looks
straightforward.
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Hiking on the flat
shale is pleasant.
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We stayed closer to
the bluffs (climber's right) on the way down.
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The gully is indeed
relentless but still quite enjoyable.
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Numa ahead, we
traversed on snowshoes to the saddle.
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Last stretch.
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Looking back nearing
the summit ridge.
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A couple of minutes
away!
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Self-timed summit
picture.
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Looking north-east,
Mount Ball on the left.
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A black and white of
Foster Peak.
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At ease on the
summit, we took a good break.
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Coming down is quick! |
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We decided to stay
above the snow.
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Crouched in a burnt
tree.
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| Back
to home page |
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