Mountain height: 2,975 m (9,758 ft)
Elevation gain: 1,250 m (we made it about halfway up)
Roundtrip time: approx.
Scrambling with Mark.
Not much to tell here: the only difference between this trip and last years February attempt via the same route (south ridge – not Kane’s scramble route), was a significant west wind that, along with temperatures in the minus twenties, made the ascent absolutely bone-chilling. We arrived at the steeper section (where we roped-up last year), to find the terrain covered in snow and therefore much more challenging to ascend. In the frigid temperatures, putting on crampons and then climbing on fairly exposed terrain wearing thick mitts did not appeal to us in the least. Even if we had been able to get past the steep section, the severe wind-chill would have repelled us soon after. Nevertheless, the terrific scenery and clear sky made the excursion worthwhile anyway.
Gaining the south ridge; the Kane scramble route ascends the gully at the far left
The view of Spray Lake and mountains to the south is spectacular throughout
Beautiful sky and snow along the way
Approaching the steeper section of the ridge
On the ridge, with Mount Buller behind
Another look to the south
Near the bottom again, showing the Kane route up the gully in the centre
Crossing Spray Lake, with Nestor behind