Mount Kent III

Mount Kent II – September 15, 2007

Mountain height:           2635 m
Elevation gain:               950 m
Ascent time:                  3:30
Descent time:                2:40

Scrambling with Talking Dog and Mark.

Not a scramble with a talking dog, but one with Talking Dog – the rock band I’m a member of. The idea of doing a “band” scramble was that of bass player, musician extraordinaire David Sparks. Completing the line-up were un-freakin-belieavable drummer, creative genius Miles Krowicki and Jeff …….. a resident of Ramsey. Mark, former member of now defunct Shark Sandwich also tagged along. This was a first scramble for David, Miles and Jeff and diminutive Mount Kent seemed like a good choice. The ascent is relativity short, has a good dose of hands-on scrambling on surprisingly solid rock, and the summit sports a fine panorama.

Ascending the drainage, Miles scrambled up many of the smooth slabs of water-worn rock with surprising speed and ease – he’s definitely a natural at scrambling. Soon we reached the main ascent slabs and decided to take a short food break. I have to admit one of the best aspects of taking along those new to scrambling is that invariably they bring with them an over abundance of food – most of it well-prepared and delicious. As Mark and I started on our obligatory and very plain cheese sandwich, Dave was pulling out strawberries, grapes, and several other goodies that made the break more like a fine dining experience. Being the classy guy he is, Dave shared his feast with all.

With full stomachs we started up the main slabs. Watching the reaction of different people to there first hands-on scrambling experience is always interesting. I was a little nervous that this scramble was a little too much for a first trip, but Miles, Jeff, and Dave took to the rock without hesitation, enjoying some fine scrambling on good rock. As we gained elevation and the slabs became a little more serious, we moved to the left side, where an escape to easier terrain was possible. That is, all of us except Miles. He chose to stay in the middle of a seemingly easy slab that became very difficult at the top. Suddenly, the slab was dangerously steep, smooth, and devoid of handholds. The grip on Miles new boots was not enough to hold him and we all watched in horror as his feet began to slide and suddenly he was whizzing down the 5 metre slab. Amazingly, Miles was able to maintain an upright position and basically surfed down until the ledge at the bottom abruptly halted his progress and he wiped out. He picked himself up and completely unfazed, continued the ascent.

Nearing the summit ridge, we stayed over to the right instead of heading straight o the summit. Again, the rock here was excellent and all had the opportunity to scramble up a short but steep band that was closer to difficult scrambling than the moderate rating of the trip. Gaining the ridge, the scenery really opened up to the east and the terrific drop over the east face of Kent impressed the entire group. We reached the summit shortly after, each group member in great spirits. I was very impressed with Jeff, Dave, and Miles. They tackled some fairly challenging terrain, and completed the ascent in fine style. In addition, they were outstanding company and we joked and laughed throughout the trip. By the time we reached the top we had come up with several alternate names for our band, including “Fondling My Plums” and “800-Foot Turd” (inside jokes that I won’t bother trying to explain). Also, the colours were amazing throughout the trip - not only the changing colours of autumn, but a plethora (I love using that word, a la “The Three Amigos”) of multi-coloured clothing worn by the band. All made for very colourful scenery.

The summit stay was very rewarding as Dave whipped out an entire Deli’s worth of food from his backpack and Miles magically produced a flask of Crown Royal. We stayed a while, taking in the wonderful summit panorama, clear skies, and the mild weather (and the Crown Royal).

For descent, we took an alternate route to the north. At first this was a pleasant alternative to the other alternate descent route to the south. Arriving at a col, we chose to be adventurous and continue down a drainage to the north. This wasn’t so good, as it entailed a fair amount of bushwhacking alongside a creek. Still, it wasn’t all that bad either and although the Boys were tired upon arriving back at the car, no one was screaming for a new set of lungs or pair of legs (at least not out loud anyway). Overall, a terrific day out with three incredibly classy guys and a resident of Ramsey (Jeff knows I’m just kidding. You’re The Man, buddy!).