Little Galatea III
November 30, 2019
Mountain height: 2675 m
Elevation gain: 900 m
Ascent time: 3:40
Descent time: 2:10
Snowshoeing with Matt Clay.
I had no idea what to do in the mountains, several days before this
trip, but knew I was going to get out because of the forecasted perfect
weather. As luck would have it, I unexpectedly received an email from Matthew
Clay asking if I would be interested in joining him for a trip. I have known
Matt via email for several years but never met him in person. He has always and
very generously shared numerous photos with me for my guidebooks. I was
delighted to finally get a chance to meet him. 
Because I had to be back on Calgary by 3 pm, we chose Little Galatea as
an objective. I had been to the summit twice before (both in perfect weather
conditions) and had subsequently put the ascent on the list of “Trips I could
do once a year until I die”. Though the ascent can be quite the “bear” on
snowshoes, views above treeline are magnificent and even better at the
summit.
We made good time to the point on the Rummel Lake Trail where you leave
it and head off into the trees towards the objective. The bad news was that
there was no sign that anyone had been this way so far this year. The even worse
news was that trail-breaking from this point to the ridge was excruciating!
I’ve done my share of forging a new trail through deep, unconsolidated snow
over the years and this was some of the most grueling trail-breaking I’ve ever
encountered. There was some good news for me, however. Matt is in amazing
physical condition and generously and without hesitation took on the bulk of
the trail-breaking duties. I brought up the rear for much of the ascent to the ridge
at a heavy-breathing, sloth-like pace!
The ridge was mercifully quite wind-blown and we were able to trade
snowshoes for microspikes. It was also relatively easy to ascend, save one
narrow section, where some extra caution was required, and one steep section,
where some extra quadricep work was required. As expected the summit panorama
was superb. Rarely, if ever, have I reached the summit of the same mountain in
perfect weather three times and all in the same season. And yet that view was
equally satisfying each and every time. Matt also was very impressed with the
view.
After a lengthy summit stay, enjoying not only the amazing view, but
also the shockingly mild temperatures and no wind, we started down. Though the
descent is easy, and therefore very fast, it’s a hard one to run down because
of the dramatic views down the northeast side of the peak. There are plenty of
photo ops and we both took them all, including one of a big chunk of cornice
that broke off the ridge right as we were walking by and not more than a metre
away – we both audibly gasped!
Once away from the scenic ridge, a more expedient descent followed and
we were back in no time.
An outstanding day with a super cool snowshoeing partner – hopefully the
first of many trips with Dr. Clay!
Click HERE is see Matt’s report.
The horseshoe of Tent Ridge - one of my favourites, summer or winter
Beautiful morning colours over Spray Lake
Mount Nestor doesn't quite make it onto my "favourites" list but it sure did provide a few memorable experiences (I, II, III, IV, V)
Matt breaks trail up steep and deep snow
We missed the alpenglow, but when the Sun did rise on the mountains across the valley, it was spectacular
Mountains of the Commonwealth Creek valley, including Commonwelath Ridge, Pig's Back, Mount Birdwood, Mount Smuts, and The Fist
Mount Sir Douglas and company join in at the left
Matt clears treeline
The stunning view to the west (photo by Matt)
Exhausting travel (photo by Matt)
More slogging (photo by Matt)
Matt leads the ridge
I follow, with a stunning view of the Spray Lakes area behind (photo by Matt)
Stellar weather, stunning views, and great company - couldn't ask for anything more!
Matt tackles the crux of the trip. It's only a few steps, but a slip would have potentially terrible consequences
Matt is past the crux and now facing the steepest section of the ridge in front
Celebrating atop "Littler Galatea" (photo by Matt)
Approaching the steep section
Atop the steep section (photo by Matt)
Matt follows
Matt takes the final few steps to the summit
Success!
Smuts
Assiniboine
Cone (just left of centre)
Fortune, Fortulent and Turbulent (snowy peak near the right)
The Tower
Chester
Matt and The Tower
Thankfully Matt also loves to take in the views and capture them on "film"
(never thought that word would become obsolete in regards to
photography!)
Close-up of Smuts and The Fist
Close-up of Birdwood and company
Had to get another shot of the trail-breaking hero of the day at the summit
Starting down
My kind of winter scenery
The
descent of Little Galatea is usually more scenic than the ascent, as
the Sun is now in a more favourable position in the sky.
As such, I have to stop frequently to photograph it
So does Matt (photo by Matt)
Good view of why slipping down the northeast side of the ridge would be REALLY bad!
This view confirms the above statement
We are staying back from the cornice but shortly after there was a big cornice failure right by us
The section of missing cornice is left of Matt
Looking down to see if the cornice debris is visible far below - it wasn't (photo by Matt)
Surprisingly, we encountered another traveler on the mountain - it's Ephraim Roberts (photo by Matt)
Ephraim descends "Littler Galatea"
Close-up of Assiniboine
Close-up of Eon Mountain - that's a favourite!
Close-up of Cone
Close-up of Turbulent
Ephraim is going up, Matt is coming down
Matt on the crux again
We could call this "Even Littler Galatea"! (photo by Matt)
Back at our snowshoes
Watching Ephraim continue his ascent
Sections of the descent were super easy given the steep grade and deep snow
Admiring the terrific views, even low down on the Rummel Lake Trail (photo by Matt)
The End
