Mount Kent II

Mount Kent – October 21, 2006

Mountain height:           2635 m
Elevation gain:              950 m
Ascent time:                  3:30
Descent time:                2:45

Scrambling with Dan and Brad.

Almost two years ago to the day (Oct. 23, 2004), Mark and I ascended the south end of Kent Ridge in very snowy conditions, and then made our way north to what we thought was the true summit of Mount Kent. Since I really couldn’t think of anything else to do, this appeared to be a good opportunity to confirm that we really did summit the rather nondescript looking mountain. I was more than happy to have Dan and his brother-in-law, Brad (on his first scramble), along for the trip.

The three of us agreed to attempt a direct route to the summit, via one of numerous drainages running down the west face of the mountain. The route Mark and I had completed, while enjoyable, was also very long and we thought a steeper and more direct route might offer some decent hands-on scrambling. The route was terrific right from the start, as we ascended the drainage, enjoying some easy slab scrambling along the way. The entire valley was shrouded in thick clouds, but higher up, we turned around to see that we were actually rising above the low-lying clouds and suddenly a stunning view of snow-plastered Mount Black Prince filled the western panorama. The view to the west continued to improve exponentially, as we gained elevation and the forecast of snow flurries never did materialize. All three of us were ecstatic at the unexpected great scenery.

Soon, the drainage forked and though there appeared to be easier routes up to the left or right, Dan suggested we go straight up the middle. Great decision, Dan! The moderate scrambling here, up grippy slabs, was fantastic. Higher up, the terrain became steeper and the slabs, not so grippy. Dan took an interesting detour up and alongside an impressive outcrop of rock and had to jump down a small rockband, when his route became too dangerous.

At one point, a group of four mountain goats released a huge volley of rocks down the gully we were ascending. Luckily all three of us were at either side of the gully, at that point. We continued up, sometimes on the slabs and sometimes alongside them. Soon, the slabs gave way to scree, but the ridge was only a short distance away.

While the view to the west had been fantastic throughout the ascent, we didn’t see anything to the east until we reached the ridge. That view was equally spectacular, with the entire Opal Range stretched up and down the valley. Mount Kent’s puny elevation at 2635 m, is not much to write home about, however, its strategic location, sandwiched between the Opal Range and the British Military Group, is certainly noteworthy and one of its best features.

From the ridge, the summit was only a few minutes away and we plodded up to it in great spirits. Looking south along the ridge, we could see that the point Mark and I reached two years ago was only a few hundred metres away, but it was not the true summit. A relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable summit stay amid superb surroundings followed. Unfortunately, a rather ominous and obstinate cloud blocked the sun for our stay, but we were just happy that it wasn’t overcast and snowing. Though dwarfed by nearby Mount French , the beautifully aesthetic contours of Mount Smith-Dorrien were particularly eye-catching.

Brad did remarkably well for his ascent. Some of the terrain was fairly steep and he didn’t have any problems on a few sections of mildly exposed slab scrambling. As well, he persisted to the summit even when he became tired (I certainly remember how I felt physically after my first scramble – it’s a miracle I went back for more!). Dan was all energy throughout the ascent and took other routes several times to seek out more challenging terrain.

For descent, we avoided the slabs by traversing around them on grassy slopes to the south. Getting back down to the drainage was tedious at times, but never difficult and hiking back down the drainage was again enjoyable and scenic. A terrific ascent with terrific company.