Little Lougheed IV
May
7, 2016
Scrambling
with Nicole.
Little
Lougheed is without question one of my favourite “go-to” routes in the Rockies
– a short, but super interesting approach, an interesting boulder field to
negotiate or bypass via a scenic ridge, great views throughout, a wicked summit
panorama, and options to extend the trip if you want. A big thank you to Bob
Spirko and Dinah Kruze for pioneering this route, way back in 2001.
Nicole
joined me on a perfect weather day with no wind. This led is some terrific
views of parts of Old Goat Mountain and Mount Nestor reflected in Spray Lake –
a somewhat rare occurrence. We bypassed the boulder field in favour of the
ridge. I didn’t know it at the time, but it seems this decision would result in
the new cover of the 3rd Edition of More Scrambles (a huge shout out here to Chyla Cardinal, who
is the layout designer at RMB Books and always does masterful work). And also
to the model, Nicole Lisafeld (actually an amazing high school math teacher,
who also does masterful work – teaching, as
well as modelling!)
The summit view was as engrossing as ever and an alternate descent route that provided more great rock scenery was a perfect way to end a perfect day.
Little Lougheed between the first peak of Mount Lougheed (left) and the true summit of Mount Lougheed (right)
The approach includes this stunning section of stream and moss
Same as above
Shark Mountain reflected in Spray Lake
Nicole on the ridge. This photo will be part of the cover of the new More Scrambles book (May, 2017 - fingers crossed!)
(apologies for the shameless plug!!)
Mount Sparrowhawk. A large group of us watched a massive cornice failure and resulting avalanche here, in January of 2006
Spray Lake is surprisingly low and surprisingly calm
The difficult scrambling route up the first peak of Mount Lougheed goes up this valley and then up and over to the summit at the left
The view gets better
Nicole at the summit
The comprehensive view of Spray Lake and the surrounding mountains (and Nicole at the right)
Same as above, without the hot girl!
Looking down the alternate descent route and Spencer Creek
Nicole descends the route. Thankfully, a very easy path down lies to the right (out of the photo)
The alluring first peak of Lougheed
More of the descent
A little rubble before finding the great trail up Spencer Creek
