Townsend, Mount GR:232684

elevation: 2,820 m.	height gain: 1,520 m.
area: Canmore,AB	map 82 O/3
2016-Apr-17

Ref: Clubtread.com
		Cougar Creek early morning.
Scramble: RT 13.5; 7.0 up. Mount Townsend is an exciting scramble that offers fine views over some of Canmore's landmarks. It's remote location and tedious 11 kilometer approach over boulders in Cougar Creek deters most traffic. Jamie's trip report was timely as I was searching for an objective in the dry Front Ranges, our local mountains west of the Divide are still quite snowbound. I knew I was capable of hiking 30 kilometers but I wasn't sure about doing that entire distance on loose, mountainous terrain. Barely 5 months post ACL surgery, this outing would be a true test for me! Well, I am a keen determined individual and decided it was worth the try; if I could pull that off, I was good to go on most objectives. Charles met us at the trailhead, we hadn't seen him for a long time. We also agreed to hook up with Raff on the trail. I hiked the creekbed slowly and methodically, I had to favore my healing liguament and learn to trust my knee again. Once joined with Raff and Wietse, we continued to the base of the mountain. The ascent looked steep and the upper slabs even steeper. I was questionning my decision to tackle this outing when I started climbing the loose terrain; how would I come down safely? Somewhat stubborn, I figured I best focus on the ascent and deal with the descent when it comes... maybe not the best way to go but as I'm here writing about it, it's a moot point! The climb got better as we reached higher grounds, loose scree and talus lead way to firmer terrain on a ridge feature interupted by a short scramble and slabs. Although the sections are somewhat exposed, they remained manageable in the moderate range. We reached the upper mountain in good spirits, the weather was perfect. We traversed at the base of the headwall and moved toward the final slabs. A weakness is easily followed to more scree and the summit ridge. My hiking partners were quite impressed with my ascent, so was I but I knew better to cheer when only half way... the toughest was yet to come, the descent! After a good stay at the top, we started heading down. I suggested to the others to just go ahead and not wait but Raff decided to hang back until I reached the creekbed. Down from the mountain, we regrouped with Charles and Wietse before they carried on. Fab and I stayed back, I took my boots and my brace off. I also traded pants for shorts, it sure felt like summer. Following another fine break, I was ready to resume the long and tedious return back to the car!
		Still a long ways away from our objective...

		Tedious hiking in the creekbed.

		After 11 kilometers in the creekbed, Mount Townsend comes into view (far right of center).

		Loose and steep at first.

		Following a prominent rib.

		Circumvented a drop off; this is also the crux.

		Nearing the upper mountain.

		Steep slabs on the prominent rib.

		Ascending the slabs.

		Traversing below the headwall.

		Staying near the rockwall.

		A short scramble leads to the upper scree slopes and slabs.

		Aiming for the weakness in the slab visible on the right.

		A scree traverse constitutes the weakness in the slab.

		Summit ridge, with striking Mount Fable south of us.

		All smiles at the top of my first "real scramble" post ACL surgery!!! Picture courtesy of Raff.

		Looking down our route.

		Eastern view toward the Prairies.

		Summit possee: Wietse, Raff in yellow, Fabrice flashing a peace sign and Charlotz!!!

		Yours truly.

		Heading down.

		Using the weakness through the upper slab.

		Short scramble to the traverse below the headwall.

		Easy traverse back to the prominent rib.

		South-western view with Cougar Peak on the right.

		Back on the prominent rib.

		Negotiating the steep slabs.

		Not that bad, good fun!!! Picture courtesy of Raff.

		Nearing the moderately exposed crux.

		Climbing the crux. Picture courtesy of Raff.

		Making our way back down to the creekbed.

		Very warm afternoon returning in the Cougar Creek drainage.

		Three Sisters on the left as we finally reach the trailhead!
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