Mount Norquay- August
26, 2005
Mountain height: 2,522 m (8,274 ft)
Elevation gain: 1,000 m
Ascent time: 3:05
Descent time: 1:40
Scrambling with Kevin.
In several respects, Mount Norquay
could be deemed the perfect scramble:
- short, with no approach
- no bushwhacking or scree-bashing
- lots of hands on scrambling on solid rock
- some difficult scrambling, some exposure (but not too much of
either!)
- great scenery on and around the mountain
- a terrific summit panorama
- several optional descent routes, including at least two that
avoid having to downclimb the difficult sections
That, basically, describes our experience
on this diminutive but exciting mountain.
Attaining the east summit was definitely
the most exciting and challenging part of the trip. Some difficult scrambling
took us to the ridge and the crux – a ramp followed by a very short, but
vertical climb to the ridge. The crux was only one or two moves and the high
quality rock made for some very enjoyable scrambling.
From the east summit, the higher west
summit was easily gained and the trip from one to the other had some great
scenery. The perfect weather and recent dusting of snow on some of the
surrounding peaks certainly helped.
For the descent, we decided to avoid the
crux (and unnecessary elevation gains and losses) by traversing easy slopes on
the west side of the ridge. Judging by the trail, we were not the first to take
this route (actually, I later found out that Sonny Bou also chose this easy
alternative – what’s that they say about great minds?!). We also avoided all of
the steep and more exposed scrambling from the ridge to the chairlift terminal,
by descending the gully Kane recommends in his description. The entire descent
was remarkably fast and easy ending a terrific day.
A highly recommended trip that can be
completed in far less time than Kane’s minimum time.
