| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies |
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Nearing the end of
the interpretive trail. |
| Scramble:
RT 6.0; 2.75 up. The clear, warm
weather persists and the mountain tops are still free of snow. We
decided to return to Highwood Pass for another exciting scramble on a
tall peak. Mount Rae is very similar to its neighbor, Storm Mountain.
The hike into the cirque is short and delightful. Climbing to the col
is rendered easier using the rock strata, from there the "super
highway" is in sight. We followed it to the summit ridge, which at
first isn't difficult. Near the top, it narrows and appears blocky. We
descended and traversed on the easier left hand side to regain the last
bit of summit ridge. Yeah, on a peak again with perfect conditions and
great company. This lofty summit stands above the surrounding
mountains, boasting the best views all around. Fab managed to convince
me to descend the summit ridge instead of opting for the lower
traverse. It definitely pushed me above my comfort zone; I carried on
very slowly and focused on keeping calm. With Fab's support, I made it
back on safer ground. The descent to the cirque is fast. We
sat near the waterfall at the end of the trail and watched other groups
of hikers. Such a nice september day, we didn't want to return to the
car! |
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Impressive uplifted
rock strata towards Arethusa. |
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Heading in the
cirque, the pinnacle is in sight. |
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Rock strata assists
the ascent to the col. |
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Rock for a steady
climb, scree for a speedy descent! |
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From the col, the
summit is not that far away. |
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Along the
well-trodden trail. |
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Looking back at the
super highway. |
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The summit ridge
narrows. |
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The easier traverse
on the left hand side. |
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The last stretch to
the top. |
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North-eastern view past
the quartet of Glasgow, Cornwall, Outlaw and Banded. |
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At the top, looking
west. |
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In line: Mounts
Arethusa, Storm and Mist Mountain. |
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Heading down the
summit ridge. |
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A section where I
can take my hands off. |
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Almost back to safer
ground. |
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At the flake, we
rejoined the super highway. |
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Lovely meadows and
delicate flora. |
| Back to home page |
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