Mount Logan attempt II (GNP)

August 7-8, 2010                     

Scrambling with Raff and Allan.

Mark and I first attempted this magnificent mountain two months earlier. That trip, though of epic length (as a day trip), was scenic to the nth degree, providing a totally unforgettable experience. Raff, Allan, and I hoped breaking the trip into two days would guarantee not only success in reaching the summit, but also returning to the car without feeling like we had each just given birth to septuplets. We also picked this location because it was the only area in the Rockies with a good weather forecast for both Saturday and Sunday.

To make a long story short, we hiked into Gunsight Lake in pretty decent weather conditions on the Saturday, woke up Sunday to cloudy skies that turned into very rainy skies as we approached the base of Mount Logan, and at that point we bailed on the trip. Even in the dismal weather the scenery en route to the peak was phenomenal and so different from what Mark and I experienced in June. However, the summit of Logan was in and then out of the clouds. We could have made the summit, but unanimously agreed that reaching the top in whiteout conditions would defeat the entire purpose of the trip – an unimpeded 360^o  view. 

Disappointed and getting wetter by the second, we turned around. It was a very good decision, as the rain continued to worsen and we were all drenched by the time we arrived back at Gunsight Lake. Thankfully the rain stopped for the depressing hike back to Allan’s car.     

Attempt #3 coming soon……(or maybe later).    

Alan trying the sabotage the bridge while Raff crosses

Mount Logan

Interesting early morning light on the ascent day

The envrions of the Blackfoot Glacier, looking very different from our June attempt

Alan looks for a place to cross one of numerous waterways along the route

Still hope that the skies may clear

Raff strides across another watercourse; the tiered landscape here was very cool

More interesting terrain

Citadel Mountain behind a pleasant waterfall

Alan and Raff use the remnant snow to make travel easier

Retreat

Taking a different route back to check out more of the incredible landsacape; Mount Reynolds to the right

Alan checks out a small lake

Raff does the same

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