Mountain heights:
2382 m, 2375 m
Elevation gain:
approx. 1800 m (ie. way too much!)
Ascent time:
5:20
Traverse time to other stuff:
1:15
Descent time:
3:55
Solo scramble.
Kevin Barton and I had first
attempted this peak in April
of 2006.
The south ridge was a “no-go” and time restrictions
had precluded another route
attempt on the same trip. Since then Bob Spirko had found a good route
via the northeast
side of the peak and he had also explored the canyon
that splits of the south side of the peak. 
This second route was the
one I was
interested in. Coincidentally Rick Collier had confirmed this as a
viable
scramble route three days earlier (perhaps that was the reason I picked
this
trip for the day).
As expected, the long approach was
just that – long! And not
particularly scenic or inspiring either. I stayed on cutlines or trails
to
avoid too much bushwhacking, making the route more circuitous, but
easier in
the long run. 
Three hours into the trip the scenery finally began to
improve as
I started up the canyon. The water level was pretty low, which made it
possible
to negotiate a couple of very small steps in the canyon. With a high
water
level this route would be far more challenging.
About half way up, a more significant
cliff-band (probably
the location the “David Thompson Motor Inn” ice
climb in Joe Josephson’s Waterfall
Ice) reared up and I went to
the left. Instead of traversing back into the drainage, I just kept
going up
(seemed easier) until I reached the ridge between
The best plan of attack, at this point, would have been to head west to the unnamed peaks, traverse east over to Association, and then use Bob’s northeast route for descent. Instead, I immediately went east to the summit of Association. Thankfully, the summit view was pretty decent, as the ascent had been quite arduous and uninspiring.
After a short stay I decided I just wanted to be back in my car, with my bag of Sour Cream and Onion potato chips, box of Fruit Crème cookies, King size Mars Bar, and a can of Red Tangerine Fanta (all the major food groups). A traverse to the summit of End Mountain had already been ruled out, after Raff's valiant efforts earlier in the year. I was just about to head down Bob’s northeast route when I concluded that nothing less than an eight billion dollar bribe would ever bring me back to Association, so I had better check out those unnamed peaks to the west now, or forever hold my peace.
The traverse over to “Other Stuff” (GR294706) turned out to be the most interesting and enjoyable pat of the day. The ridgewalk was easy, except for a fairly short, but exposed section before the summit. As well, the scenery was very pleasant, especially all the steep walls and unnamed peaks to the west and northwest.
For descent, I used the wide gully just northeast of “Other Stuff”. That part was easy and quick. The hike back to Old Fort Creek was also easy, but not quick, as was the slog back up to the shoulder of Yamnuska – hopefully the last time I will ever have to do that.
The east side of Yamnuska
The ascent canyon
Approaching the ridge; "Other Stuff" to the left
Same as above
The ridge to the left; thankfully the other side of the ridge is wide and relatively flat
Association Peak
The summit view to the north
The traverse to Other Stuff
More scenery along the traverse
Looking back to Association (left)
Looking back along the traverse; End Mountain is just right of centre
The view to the south from Other Stuff
Orient Point
Unnamed peaks to the northwest
Same as above; lots of steep faces to explore (not to imply that I'm about to do that!)
Scenery on the way down
Looking up at the easy descent route
Looking back at Association