| Ref: Soistheman's
Digital Diary
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Cresting on the approach ridge.
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Scramble:
RT 14.0 (includes Patterson's Peak); 6.0 up. I really
wanted to ascend both Serendipity and Patterson's Peaks, I knew this
day trip would be a long one. I wasn't sure if it would be
possible to do both as snow was starting to accumulate even in
the Front Ranges. I figured that if there was several of us trenching
through the snow,
we had a better chance. I sent out invites, sadly Jay couldn't
join but Charles and Pawel were keen to give this one a try. We met
early morning along highway 40 at the base of the climb. It was still
dark when we started hiking up the grassy slope. As we proceeded
towards the rocky outcrops, the slope got exceedingly steep; I knew
this would bite on the descent... Luckily, the ground wasn't frozen
rock solid and it was still possible to get good purchase. We gained
visibility as we neared the rocky features, we went climber's left and
found an easy
way up onto the treed ridge crest. The snow was shallow, we
worked our way along the ridge while discussing what should and
shouldn't count on summit logs; it was nice to hear another climber's
point of view. As we travelled further along the ridge, the snow
increased but remained manageable. Distracted by great conversation, we overshot Serendipity's
approach ridge by a short
distance; good thing Pawel was quick to notice.
We simply beelined to the right ridge from our
location instead of backtracking, a sidehilling traverse in deeper snow
ensued. Once on the proper ridge with the open slopes, we carried on to
treeline. The terrain that lay ahead was slightly
complex with snow. Progress slowed as we
carefully worked our way towards Serendipity. Some sections over slabs
were tricky and more snow cover would have rendered the ascent
dangerous due to avalanche hazard as we couldn't always stick to the
ridge crest. We managed the ascent without crampons despite considering
putting them on at some point. The wind was chilling but it was quite
satisfying to reach the summit. We discussed continuing to Patterson's Peak, Pawel was obviously ready to
go on and so was I but Charles expressed doubt; he decided to turn
around. He insured us that he was fine travelling back solo. Knowing that Charles has a good head on his
shoulder, that he's well equipped and that we would be following
behind, I agreed with this arrangement. We didn't stay on the summit
long after that, Charles backtracked along the summit ridge while Pawel
and I dipped down to a shallow saddle before sidehilling to Patterson's
connecting ridge.
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Mount MacLaren, Mounts Strachan and Muir (L to R).
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Serendipity Peak is dwarfed by surrounding mountains.
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Serendipity's west ridge.
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The open slopes grant pleasant hiking.
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Pyriform S5 is the highest point between Head and Trap Creeks.
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Following the ridge crest.
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There's an equestrian camp below, we can see horses and hear people.
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Mist Mountain on the left.
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Reaching treeline.
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Looking back.
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Mount Muir (far left), Mount McPhail (left of center) and Mount Bishop (right of center).
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Above treeline, the terrain becomes slightly complex with snow.
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Sticking to the ridge proper whenever possible.
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Variable snow depth.
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Some sections would be hazardous with significant snow.
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Nearing the summit ridge.
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Looking back again.
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Mount Head to the south.
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The second objective of the day, Patterson's Peak.
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Pyriform S5 to the north.
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Charles and Pawel at the top.
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Continue
on to Patterson's Peak
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| Back to home page |
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