Bobac Mountain






 
Watermelon Peak
(Doug and Luigi)






  
 
September 10, 2023
 
My stats:
 
Mountain height:                    3088 m
Elevation gain:                        approximately 2000 m
Ascent time:                           6:30
Exploration and descent time: 6:25
 
Doug and Luigi’s stats:
 
Mountain heights:                                       3088 m, 3094 m
Total elevation gain:                                    2850 m
Ascent time to Bobac:                                 6:30
Traverse time to Watermelon and descent: approximately 10 hours


Scrambling with Doug Lutz and Luigi Ferragamo. 
 
I cannot emphasize enough about how much I enjoyed this trip, primarily because of the two humans who were with me; the outrageously stunning scenery and views were but a pleasant afterthought (a very, very, very pleasant afterthought, though!).

Having done Watermelon Peak and then finding out that many people enjoyed the view from nearby Bobac more than Watermelon, Bobac was immediately catapulted to a place near the top of my to do list. I was elated when Doug agreed to accompany me – he had done neither and would probably attempt both Bobac and Watermelon. I so much enjoy Doug’s company and thought-provoking, engaging conversation. His expertise and experience in the mountains are valuable assets to anyone he hikes with. As an added bonus a third would be joining the party – the cousin of my former boss (school principal extraordinaire, Frank Durante), Mr. Luigi Ferragamo. I knew very little about Luigi except he was an accomplished hiker/scrambler. And any friend of Frank’s is a friend of mine!

Luigi graciously volunteered to drive and by 6:40 am we were all gearing up at the Helen Lake trailhead. (Note that Doug had just completed ascents of Mount Cline and Owen Peak less than 24 hours earlier). Terrific conversation and amazing reflections in Helen Lake were highlights of the first part of the trip. The great discussion continued down into the adjacent valley and then all the way up to gorgeous Lake Alice. Three route options were evident from the lake - Vern’s, Geoff’s, and a third unknown route. We took the wrong one! Or did we?

Agreeing that the unknown route would intercept the second at some point, we set forth, ascending a surprisingly stable boulder field north of the scree slopes that comprised the second route. We arrived at the top of the field to some bad news. Or did we? Our route did not intercept the second and the terrain ahead looked dicey at best and impassable at worst. I suggested we return to the lake to try the second route. However, Doug’s keen mountain intuition and terrain knowledge were about to turn a failure into a resounding success.
 
Doug suggested a route up a steep headwall and then a sharp turn towards the ridge. We could see the headwall but the terrain up to the ridge was hidden. Nevertheless, we all agreed it was worth a try. In short, his route was fantastic! Encountering minimum scree and rubble, some awesome hands-on scrambling on solid rock, and then a short trek up a totally hidden scree slope, that granted great access to the ridge, we were soon on easy terrain below the summit. Doug’s path had avoided all the scree and rubble tribulations we had heard were common to the other routes. All that remained was a longish but easy plod to the summit, again on solid rock. We were to later find out that this was essentially Rick Collier’s route described on Bivouac.
 
As well as, once again, being blown away by Doug’s uncanny mountain sense, I was also delighted to get to know Luigi throughout the ascent – an extremely modest, humble, introspect and thoughtful man of excellent character – must run in the Durante/Ferragamo genes! (plus, he’s fit as heck and could hike circles around me!)
 
Back to the trip and the moment of truth. How would the summit view compare to that of slightly higher Watermelon Peak? Definitely better, but primarily because of six stunning lakes directly below the summit, each sporting its own unique hue. Between the three of us we must have taken over a hundred photos of the stunning bodies of water! We all thoroughly enjoyed a long summit stay, absorbing the views and reliving and laughing about the ups and downs of our ascent.
 
Descending our ascent route made little sense and so we followed the obvious line down towards a small glacier, south of our line. This was a terrific descent route, with decent surfable scree underfoot. Past the glacier, the route back down to Lake Alice was obvious. We took a short break here to discuss options. Doug was hungry for Watermelon, I was hungry for a comfortable bed to lie in, what about Luigi? As stated, Luigi is insanely fit and so energy levels were not an issue for him. I was delighted when he opted to join Doug for Watermelon – not because I didn’t enjoy their company, but because conditions and circumstances were perfect for an attempt, and they may each have regretted not taking advantage of that. I told them to take their time as likely I would return very slowly, spending some time at Lake Alice, and possibly doing some exploration. We had spotted a few tarns on a high bench, northwest of Cirque Peak that could potentially be accessed.
 
We parted ways, each going down a different side of the ridge and I made my way down to the lake. Recalling the very tiresome return trip Raff and I had when we did Watermelon, I decided against stopping at the lake or doing any exploration, and just continued the descent. However (there’s always a “however”!), those tarns started calling as I reached the Dolomite Creek valley bottom and a feasible route to gain the bench that didn’t involve a huge elevation loss suddenly appeared. The route would involve ascending alongside a couple of waterfalls/cascades – talk about adding a carrot (cake) to the end of the stick – game on!
 
I thought the tarns would be the highlight of this part of the day, but the waterfalls were equally interesting and thrilling to be alongside. Gaining the bench, I visited each tarn and then continued heading southeast, in the hopes I could avoid losing a significant amount of elevation, back to the Dolomite Creek valley. Nearing the end of the bench I should have committed to going up to a higher bench or down to a lower one. Instead, I stubbornly continued side-sloping ugly, steep rubble, amassing more frustration than progress!
 
Eventually I was able to find easier terrain and took a slightly different route back to the highpoint above Helen Lake. The remainder of the descent was straightforward, and I arrived at the parking lot at 8:30 pm, just as darkness set in. Luigi had given me his car key, so I was able to wait for he and Doug in the comfort and warmth of his vehicle; good thing, as the temperature plummeted over the next 3.5 hours.
 
Doug and Luigi returned around midnight, having successfully reached the summit of Watermelon Peak. They reported the summit view from Watermelon to be quite inferior to that of Bobac, though the lateness of the day and position of the Sun may have had something to do with that.     
 
I can’t rage enough about this trip and as frequently alluded to it was the company that made it so memorable. Given that I do the majority of my trips solo and care only about the views and scenery, that’s a fairly strong statement! Thanks a million Doug and Luigi!

You would think my hiking partners had coordinated their wardrobes: Luigi with the neon green backpack and blue top layer, Doug with the neon green top layer and blue backpack!



Early morning view of Andromache, Little Hector, and Mount Hector (photo by Doug)




The Sun's rays hit the lengthy ridge of Crowfoot Mountain



Now in the Helen Lake valley. Cirque Peak near the right.



The trail is obvious!



Cirque Peak reflected in Helen Lake



Same as above with a couple of sketchy-looking dudes (photo by Doug)



And again with only one sketchy-looking dude (photo by Luigi)



Looking back to Helen Lake



Same as above with way more of the view



The Three Amigos - this is how we felt at this point of the day (photo by Doug)



Luigi checks out Cirque Peak and its beautiful colors



Super interesting terrain as we start the descent to Lake Katherine and the Dolomite Creek valley



Someone else has gone that way (photo by Doug)



Comparing our hand sizes to the bear paw prints. It was a BIG animal! (photo by Luigi)



Apparently the sketchy-looking dudes have no fear of an animal that could separate their heads from their necks with a single swipe of the paw! (photo by Doug)



Part of the descent and still lots of elevation to lose



Lake Katherine and the imposing form of Dolomite Peak



Bow Peak, the tip of Mount Daly, and some of Crowfoot Mountain (perhaps Bowcrow Peak) reflected in Lake Katherine (photo by Doug)



A narrow land bridge allows easy passage past the lake



Cirque Peak's reflection is interrupted by a thin layer of ice on the lake - here comes fall!



Close-up of Cirque's strikingly folded southeast side



This tarn below the north ridge of Dolomite has dried-up considerably



Doug leads us further down into the valley



The impressive northeast side of Dolomite Peak (photo by Doug)



Following Dolomite Creek downstream



A prominent outlier north of Cirque Peak



Same as above with Doug



Now heading up, towards Lake Alice (photo by Doug)



 The bench I would later explore is behind Luigi and Doug



Where there is flowing water, there will be long exposure photos!



Luigi negotiates the creek (photo by Doug)



It's easier to stay well left of the creek, but what fun would that be?!


   
You'll miss all this


    
Same as above



Lake Alice - a stunning body of water in stunning surroundings



Doug leads us around the lake (photo by Luigi)



I'm lagging behind as usual



Doug reaches the north end of the lake first (photo by Doug)



Short break here



We are off again and looking for a route up



I ended up coming down the ramp at the far left, Luigi and Doug came down the one in the centre, en route to Watermelon, and we all went up near the right side



Our route would go up the centre, but we stuck to the boulder field to the right for better footing (photo by Doug)



Part of the stable boulder field we ascended



Almost at the top of the field. Watermelon is the second peak from the left.



The discouraging view from the top of the boulders. This is how we felt at this point.

The summit of Bobac is just left of centre but the terrain between looks improbable. Fortunately, Doug suggested a potential route up the headwall in the centre and then an unseen ramp at the left. And it worked wonderfully! (photo by Doug)



Approaching the headwall (photo by Doug)



Same as above with a little green



Doug leads the ascent of the headwall



Making good progress



Doug watches Luigi and me ascend the route (photo by Doug)



Easier terrain above the headwall



There is it - the easy scree ramp Doug predicted would lead us to the ridge (photo by Doug)



There is some steep terrain to get to the ridge



On the ridge and excited that the summit is within reach



The rock was solid and terrific to walk up  (photo by Doug)



The boys take the lead again



I'm catching my breath while enjoying views to the southeast



Watermelon is looking scrumptious from here!



View to the southeast also includes Cataract Peak (left) and a scenic tarn below Quartzite Peak



The pointed peak in the centre is the outlier of Watermelon that you see throughout the approach. You can just see the tarns I would visit later, near the upper right (photo by Doug).



Doug and Luigi are already at the top.....



....and gawking at this view on the east side (photo by Doug)



Final few steps for the slow-poke (photo by Doug)



Luigi and I appear to be entranced by something (photo by Doug)



It was the view of the six lakes below, each a different colour (photo by Luigi)



Close-up of Cataract



Mount Baker



The view to the northwest features Forbes, Howse, White Pyramid, and Chephren



Mount Murchison and its many towers



A northwest outlier of Bobac


    
A couple of the summit entries (photo by Doug)



The Amigos at the top. We didn't feel like this but it's one of my favourite scenes! (self-timed photo by Doug)



Another of the hundred or so photos we took of the lakes



We took turns trying to photograph ourselves with the lakes and without the photographer's shadow. It was hard!



Luigi's turn (photo by Luigi)



Doug got a good one of Luigi (photo by Doug)



Our summit entry (photo by Luigi)



Pano to the south



Pano to the north and east



Starting down



And aiming for the small glacier to the southwest



Still mesmerized by the view to the northwest



The outlier of Bobac looks like a separate peak in itself



Doug's view of me and Luigi descending the scree. Great route down, but would be a laborious one going up (photo by Doug)



Traversing over to a weakness



Doug has found a little shortcut to reach the glacier



Luigi follows



Cool slabs of the outlier



Gaining the glacier



Luigi and the colourful slopes of Bobac



Doug crosses the edge of the innocuous glacier



Luigi and I follow (photo by Doug)



Even small glaciers are so beautiful and so interesting



Leaving the glacier and heading for the descent gullies back to Lake Alice



There's the one I would go down
 


Luigi and Lake Alice



Looking back at where we came from



Me and the lake (photo by Doug)



Short break to discuss options



Doug and Luigi in the huddle. Doug is calling, "I-Right 26 Power", but Luigi thinks, "Wing T 69 Bootleg Left" will provide a more aesthetic route. In the end they settled for, "Let's just get to the top".



Good scree to start with



Doug and Luigi are off for Watermelon - yummy!


My exploration and descent


The descent gully was super interesting



With tons of cool rock and great views towards Lake Alice



Looking back up



And again, with some water



Back at Lake Alice



Another round of long exposure photos of the Lake Alice drainage



Looking west towards the bench and Cirque Peak











I took a slightly different route down to the valley bottom. Dolomite Peak in the distance.



I considered going up this outlier of Watermelon, but it would have required a significant elevation gain and looked relentlessly steep



Pano of the whole area



The alternate route boasted some beautiful scenery



Looking back to outliers of both Bobac (left) and Watermelon



The point where I decided to go to the bench and the tarns. The route traverses over to the waterfalls and then follows them up to the hanging valley.



Approaching the waterfalls



Round 3!



And it's a good one!



Except that one



Back on track



The summit of Bobac (second from the right) is now visible again



And so are innumerable cascades



Views towards Bobac are going to be show-stoppers for the next little while



Back to the waterfalls



My favourite of the lot



Almost to the hanging valley



Arrived. Cirque Peak just right of centre.



Bobac, Watermelon, and their many outliers



Following a glacial-melt stream



Bobac again



Still following, but eventually the stream goes in the wrong direction



I did briefly consider going over to the outlier at the far left but came to my senses!



One of the tarns



Another two



A third



OXO Peak  - a challenging ascent, with insane rockfall danger. This is how I felt while descending it (at 3:15).



The Watermelon outlier - glad I didn't try that one either



Dolomite (right) and its northeast outlier



OXO and Dolomite



After an excruciatingly long bout of side-sloping nasty rubble I'm finally on easy terrain with a great view of Dolomite and Lake Katherine



Back to that interesting canyon-like landscape



The geological differences between OXO and Dolomite are quite evident



Dolomite only



The descending Sun lights up the landscape in beautiful hues



Couldn't get enough of this scene



Back to the highpoint above Helen Lake



The Helen Lake reflection view at the end of the day looks remarkably similar to that seen in the morning, except the Sun is lighting up the opposite side



Hector and company look very different in the evening



Mountain shadows rising on Dolomite - time to make haste!



Seeing Bow Peak indicates it's all downhill from here to the end


Doug and Luigi's Watermelon Adventure (all photos by Doug, unless otherwise noted)


From near where we parted ways, looking down their descent route



Still descending



Luigi on easier terrain



Almost down to the valley



Up they go



On the ridge



Success!!!



Fantastic view of Mount Hector (photo by Luigi)



OXO at the far left



Luigi takes a well-deserved break



View towards Lake Alice



View to the northeast, but Watermelon is already casting its long shadow



The edge of the glacier on Watermelon



Some fun stemming for Luigi in the boulder field at the bottom of Watermelon

The End

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