| Ref: Bob
Spirko's Road not taken |
|
 |
|
|
The ascent drainage
from the popular Skoki Trail. |
| Scramble: RT 7.5; 4.5 up. This
is a great alternate
route; it is direct and eliminates height loss. Although the route is
straightforward, it was useful to familiarize ourselves with the upper
terrain. We made our way up and around the rockbands which led us to
the ascent gully. Several lines naturally funnel into this gully; we
stayed climber's right of a buttress. Once on the ridge, the summit
block and cairn are in sight. The break on the west side was easier
than we expected: a couple of hands-on moves up a short crack. Our
summit stay was pleasant even if the low clouds prevented us from
enjoying the taller peaks. We came back down the same way and hopped
onto our bikes for a 10 minute blitz back down! A gold star goes to Bob
for this route. |
|
 |
|
We stayed climber's
right the whole way, no brush. |
|
 |
|
|
Soon, it thins out. |
|
|
 |
|
|
This is enjoyable
hiking. |
|
|
 |
|
|
A flat area
offers a great spot to contemplate the rest of the route. We aimed
climber's right of the buttress. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The ascent follows
the easiest way up, around rockbands. |
|
|
 |
|
|
We circumvented
around these bands and aimed for the ascent gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Typical terrain
above the rockbands. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The way becomes
obvious as you proceed. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The ridge ahead,
left of center. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Ascent gully from
just below the ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Reboubt Lake from
the sheer east side of the ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The summit block,
the break is on the west side. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Fab on the ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The break we
followed up the summit block. |
|
|
 |
|
|
At the top. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking back at the
top of the ascent gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking south-east
towards Pulsatilla (center) and Protection Mountains. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The break from the
cairn.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Lake Louise. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Back at treeline the
sun starts to come out. |
| Back
to home page |
|
|