Ref: Steven's Peak-Bagging Journey
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On my way to Illal Meadows.
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Hike: RT 4.0; 1.0 up from the tarn (approach is about 3 hrs up, 2 hrs down). Another fine late summer weekend forecast
lured me back to Illal Meadows. On this visit, I planned to ascend
Carry Peak. This objective gets overlooked by scramblers that set their
eyes on the more popular trio: Coquihalla, Jim Kelly, and Illal.
Although Carry Peak was my main goal, I wanted to include an ascent of
Illal Mountain because I had bypassed it on my last outing to the
meadows. The side trip is a short hike with minimal height gain; it
made sense for me to go in the afternoon after hiking the approach. It
took me a bit longer than expected to reach the tarn at the base of Jim Kelly
with a heavy backpack; however, I still had plenty of time to mosey to
Illal Mountain. It was shocking to see how low the tarn's water level
had gotten over the dry summer months. I set camp at the same spot I
used with Milan 2 months ago. After emptying most of the gear from my
pack, I located the well-trodden path and followed it through the
meadows; the mellow hiking was delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the
fall colours and unseasonably warm weather. As I meandered, I often
stopped to peer over Coquihalla's northern aspect, scrutinizing the
terrain leading to Carry Peak's connecting ridge; a ClubTread trip
report using that way exists. Anyway, I reached the
tarn at the foot of Illal Mountain in good time. It was surprising to see its water level; unlike the tarn next to Jim Kelly,
it seemed unaffected by the extended period of drought. I ascended the
summit without difficulty; there was still a skiff of snow in shaded
areas reminding me that snowfall is just around the corner. I hung out
at the top long enough to be granted an appearance from a
shaggy mountain goat. I quickly grabbed my camera to get some pictures
of him prancing away. I felt very privileged; it was my first time
seeing a mountain goat since moving away from the Rockies, and they're
one of my favorite animals! Following that exciting moment, I lollygagged back to my gear and set up my
tent. I had dinner enjoying a fine sunset, after which the temperature
dropped quickly. I retired to my tent with plenty of time to anticipate
tomorrow's long hike to Carry Peak and get a good long sleep.
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Jim Kelly Peak comes into view.
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My camp site at the foot of Jim Kelly Peak.
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The water level of the tarn is reduced tremendously.
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The ground cover exhibits vibrant fall colours.
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The northern aspect of Coquihalla Mountain grants an easy traverse to the westmost north ridge.
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Enjoying delightful hiking through the alpine meadows.
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Carry Peak appears at the far end of Coquihalla Mountain's south-western ridge.
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Illal Mountain is a short distance away.
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Reaching the tarn at the foot of Illal Mountain.
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Starting the brief ascent to the summit.
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Beautiful colours.
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Straightforward climb.
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The summit cairn.
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Jim Kelly Peak to the south.
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To the west, Portia Peak is in the foreground of the taller peaks east of Harrison Lake.
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Needle and Markhor Peaks with the Anderson River Group behind them.
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The south-western view includes the Cheam Range beyond Carry Peak.
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I'm lucky to catch sight of a mountain goat.
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Following the goat down a short gully.
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This tarn seems minimally affected by the extended drought.
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Back at my campsite.
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