| Ref:
Alan Kane's Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
|
 |
|
|
At the Little Elbow recreation
area. |
| Scramble:
RT 9.75; 5.5 up. We finally decided to drive all the way to the Little
Elbow recreation area and try out Mount Remus; we brought the bikes,
our
runners for fording and a short rope for the crux. I knew that two
pitons exist above the chimney; if Fab felt like scrambling the
crux,
he could belay me up. We arrived at the parking lot early and started
on the bikes; it was the first ride of the season! When we got to the
big blue bridge, we realized it was missing. The water wasn't deep, we
put on our
runners and curled up our pants while two hunters on bikes cheered us
on from the other side. The crossing was fine, even with the
bikes in the water alongside. After pushing up a hill, we rode to the
second ford of the day and left the bikes behind. The ford was brief,
we placed our runners to dry in the sun and continued
towards
the ascent drainage. We spotted the broad orange gully right away; we
ascended it using the more stable grey rock climber's right. Once on
the
ridge, we hiked towards the summit block and crux chimney. Following a
couple of awkward moves, Fab reached the top of the chimney; he rigged
the rope and threw me down an end. I started climbing with enthusiasm;
on
belay, I was able to commit and enjoy the short technical stint. At the
summit, we took a break to soak in the
view, moving down a bit for some shelter.
Although clouds moved in, this was a fine day to enjoy.
We rappelled using the tattered webbing from the existing anchor.
At the broad orange gully, we aimed for the looser orange rock for a
fast descent. Some straightforward backtracking got us to the bikes for
a cruisy return to the truck. I liked Mount Remus, it had a little of
everything! |
|
 |
|
A section of the trail is washed
out. |
|
 |
|
The big blue bridge is gone. |
|
 |
|
|
Mount Remus across the Little
Elbow River. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Easy ford across the river. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Ascending on a crude trail along
the drainage. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The broad orange gully is
noticeable from far. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Higher up, grey rock climber's
right grants better footing. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Gaining the summit ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking back. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Summit block. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Aiming for the hidden chimney
(center). |
|
|
 |
|
|
At the chimney. |
|
|
 |
|
|
A couple of awkward moves are
required to overcome a chokestone.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Top of the crux, where the pitons
are. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Short walk to the summit. |
|
|
 |
|
|
View north towards Mount
Fullerton. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Mount Glasgow to the south. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Summit pose with Mount Romulus in
the background. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Leaving the gusty top. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Rappelling. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Pleasant trekking along the
summit ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Backtracking to the orange gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Finding loose rubble for a quick
easy way down. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Back at the crossing in decent
time. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Nice team work! |
| Back to home page |
|
|