Ref: Steven's
Peak-Bagging Journey
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The
start of the trail follows an old road.
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Hike:
RT 5.0; 3.0 up. July Mountain is a delightful outing with fabulous
views. It
grants a good trail and a lovely lake in the sub-alpine, cradled by
numerous snow slopes. Additionally, there are a couple of tarns on the
ascent ridge. This objective appeared
to be a good
choice for the month of July. We decided to stay the night at the lake
to spend some time by the water during this warm weather. The only
thing we
didn't expect was the incredible hoard of mosquitoes. We reached the
lake in the late afternoon, just in time for the sunset. We had to wear
our
hoodies despite the warm temperature to protect ourselves from the
mosquitoes.
Following a quick swim and dinner, we retired to our tents for respite
from the pesky pests. The next
day, we packed our gear before climbing the mountain. We practiced
using the alpine axe on the snow slopes as we ascended to the summit
ridge. Travel on the broad ridge is pleasantly easy. After cooling off
by one of the snowbound tarns, we carried on to the summit. We
stayed atop the mountain for a while to enjoy the view and some snacks;
then, we casually
backtracked to our packs. Following a quick dip in the lake, we resumed
our descent. The mosquitoes didn't seem as bad on the way down, maybe
because we were travelling faster. We hung out the rest of the day by
the
river; that was a great way to wrap up a nice summer weekend.
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The
path skirts a boulder field.
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Higher
up, the objective comes into view.
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The
far side of Drum Lake is still in the sun.
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The
shallow clear water is irresistable but quite cold.
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Enjoying the
sunset on a mound above the lake.
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Setting
up camp and eating with our hoodies, there's hoards of mosquitoes.
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The next
morning, we're ready for a jaunt up July Mountain.
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Climbing
a snow slope to the summit ridge.
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Learning
how to use an alpine axe.
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Gaining
the summit ridge.
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Pleasant
hiking on the broad ridge.
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A lovely snowbound tarn precedes the summit.
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Trying to
break the edge of the ice with rocks.
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From
the tarn, it's a short distance to the summit.
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Summit cairn.
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Looking
north with Drum Lake below.
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View
south.
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South-western
view.
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Juliet
Peak dominates the west-north-western view.
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The Anderson River Group beyond the ascent ridge.
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Heading down.
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Practicing
self-arresting.
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Back at the
lake.
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Resuming our
descent to the trailhead.
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Nearing
the old road. |
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to home page |
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