ATTEMPTS:
Throughout the summer, we talked about Probity; we set aside a couple of weekends for summit bids; however, access proved challenging on this objective. On our first try, we drove Perry River FSR and got a flat tire 50 kilometers in; ill-prepared to continue, we pulled the plug after using our spare tire. On the second attempt, we drove the Perry River FSR once more. We went around the far end of the Anstey Range and hooked onto the Gorge FSR; shortly after, we located our access road. That service road tightly choked with alder posed a problem with Milan's company truck. With dusk fast approaching, we decided to forgo Probity Peak and drive to Revelstoke to ascend McCrae Peak. In doing so, we concluded that the Gorge FSR is a good road and far more direct. Milan and the kids went for an additional reconnaissance trip to assess the status of the overgrown road. They drove to the road and hiked it; they spent time moving large rocks and cutting bigger branches. They figured that the road surface is appropriate for travel if one doesn't mind getting their vehicle scraped by very tight alder. With that in mind, on our 4th attempt, we drove my older F150.
4th ATTEMPT:
On this first fall weekend, the weather was stellar; it was perfect for another (and hopefully final) attempt at this elusive peak. We drove to the alder-choked access road and crawled to the landslide that bars the road; we saved 2.5 kilometers of unpleasant hiking. From there, we continued another 2 kilometers on the road before bushwhacking steep terrain to the west ridge. We hiked through shrubs and lots of deadfall; progress was slow, this was the worst part of the trip. Once on the ridge, conditions didn't improve right away. We trudged on, expecting the terrain ahead to be worth the effort. Higher up, as the ridge got broader, the nasty terrain gave way to open meadows and ponds. We continued with a rejuvenated spirit; after 4 hours of hiking, we set up our camp on a small island. While Milan put up the tent, I assembled the stove to make soup; that's when I realized we had the wrong pump for his stove. Milan wasn't concerned; he set some stones to build a cooker. It worked wonderfully, and we had water boiling in no time! Our campsite was magical; we enjoyed the sunset and the last rays reflecting off the water.
SUMMIT DAY:
We woke up with the sun, boiled water for breakfast, and got going. There wasn't a cloud, and the temperature rose quickly. We travelled light, enjoying the delightful open landscape with abundant mosses and ponds. We gained height gently until we reached the ridge leading to the bedrock plateau. Enthusiasm filled us when we caught a glimpse of Probity and its glacier; the upper terrain left us in awe. The barren landscape is a testament to a glacial era; rocks strewn everywhere, sitting on polished bedrock. Flat rocks seemed placed in the vibrant green mosses; no landscaper could mimic these arrangements. Tarns, tarns, and more tarns of all shapes and sizes with translucent colours of greens and blues; who wouldn't want to spend days here? We regretted not having more time to lollygag. After dipping down a rift, we made our way onto the glacier. The gentle ascent on firm snow granted easy travel. Higher up, crevasses interrupted the uniform ice; we spent much time peering into them and taking pictures. A skiff of snow blanketed the ice, which made it possible to discern fresh grizzly tracks, mom and cub, no more than a day old. There were also wolf paw prints. And there it was, the top of our elusive summit, Probity Peak. We relished the feat, the view, and the weather; all were perfect. Unfortunately, we couldn't linger as we had to return to the truck; hopefully before dark. Following a satisfying break, we started our descent. Not far from the top, Milan noticed newly formed wolf tracks that crossed our path; it would have been lovely to see him. We backtracked to our camp with only half an hour over our estimated allowed time. We packed up our stuff and resumed our descent. All too soon, we were back in the chaotic deadfall and shrubs. We negotiated the steep terrain as dusk fell upon us. Thankfully, we reached the road before dark and only had to use the headlamps for the last 15 minutes before arriving at the truck. The drive out in the alders with the headlights shining on the foliage was neat; I can't say I've ever done that before. This outing was outstanding despite the hardship of getting to the upper terrain. The remarkable landscape is unique and beautiful; this objective ranks amongst my favorites, and it is the best trip I've experienced since I moved out of the Rockies. It is worth mentioning that Milan said he would continue his quest to find better access to the bedrock plateau. If he finds a better approach, I'll edit this page!
