Ridge at GR302358, between Limestone Mountain and The Wedge – April 16, 2005

Mountain height:    2,321 m (7,613 ft)
Elevation gain:       750 m 
Ascent time:          2:05
Descent time:        2:00

Solo scramble.

Attaining the west end of the ridge emanating from the west side The Wedge, was not as enjoyable as my ascent of Limestone Mountain three weeks earlier. The ridge itself, however, proved to be enjoyable enough to make this a worthwhile, if not terribly challenging trip.

After failing to find a scramble route from Limestone Mountain to the col between it and the ridge, on my previous trip, I chose to ascend the gully to the east of Limestone. Once in the gully, the ascent was a just simple and somewhat tedious grind to the col. From there, getting to the ridge was an equally tedious proposition, on annoying rubble and slabs.

Thankfully, the ridge more than made up for the less than inspiring ascent to get there. Corniced, narrow, with a deadly drop-off on the northeast side and fair exposure on the southwest side, and backdropped by the beautiful form of The Wedge, traversing the ridge was most enjoyable (and very slow!). I went as far I could before increasing amounts of snow and exposure made travel quite precarious. I eventually reached a fairly exposed snow–covered section, but chickened out (or came to my senses… depending on ones perspective) when I felt uneasy about the stability of the snow.

I spent another hour exploring the southwest side of the ridge, looking for an alternate route to further my progress towards The Wedge, but again arrived at some difficult sections that I didn’t feel comfortable about attempting alone. Though not a stellar weather day, it did clear a little later in the day and so I returned to the ridge to take some photos.

On descent, I took a minor detour, to again try to find a route connecting the ridge and Limestone Mountain . One break in the cliffband looked feasible, however it was choked with snow and, once again, an attempted ascent exceeded my comfort level and I backed off. Overall, an enjoyable, interesting, and easy day out.              

Below the ridge, looking towards The Wedge

On the ridge

Looking back along the ridge, to the northwest; South and North Kidd at the left, Wedge Pond below, to the right

More of the ridge and The Wedge

Limestone Mountain in the foreground; The Fortress and company behind

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