Mount Rhondda
April 26, 2008
Mountain height: 3015 m
Elevation gain: 1100 m
Ascent time: 8:40
Descent time: 4:40
Snowshoe mountaineering with Mark.
I’m sure a ski ascent of Mount Rhondda
is a sweet, smooth sail. On snowshoes, however, it was a soul-sucking, slog!
Actually, I think even those on skis might have been cursing the snow
conditions on this given day.
We made it to the Bow Hut in 2.5 hours and
took an extended break, due to severe sweating! Though the air temperature at
the parking lot and in the canyon was very cold, it increased dramatically on
the final ascent to the hut. We arrived at the hut depleted and sweating
profusely….and we were not the only ones. Just as we were about to leave, an
individual of unknown identity, burst into the hut and asked which one of us
was “Andrew”. I pled guilty to the charge, at which point the man identified
himself as none other than fellow RMBer, Kevin Papke. It certainly was a pleasure to finally Kevin
and also to surprisingly find out that his daughter attends the school in which
I teach.
Kevin wasn’t the only RMBer to arrive at
the hut. Right on his heels, in walked Bill Kerr, and T.J. Neault, both
sweating like the rest of us. Kevin, Bill and T.J. were on their way to Mount Gordon.
After some pleasant conversation, Mark and I left, as we were expecting a very
long day. Again, we were ready to depart when along came Raff (the Pole), and
Vitto. Their objectives were far more ambitious: Mount
Gordon and/or Mount Thompson
and Mistaya. We agreed that if our paths crossed during the day, we would
attempt Thompson together.
Finally, on our way up the Wapta Icefield,
we right away encountered two problems: the excessive heat was draining and
also was causing the snow to melt and ball up on our snowshoe crampons. This
made travel slow and very strenuous. Kevin, Bill, and T.J. passed us only a
short distance above the hut, while our troubles continued. Fortunately, a
reasonably cold, west wind picked up, as we gained the Icefield, in essence
resolving both our issues. The ascent should have been easy from this point on.
It was not! About 20 cm of fresh and very
unsupportive snow covered the glacier. Trail breaking was slow and extremely
arduous. At some points, we were barely covering 500 metres of horizontal
distance each hour – now that’s slow!! Travel up the steeper slopes of Rhondda’s southeast ridge was even more exhausting, with
about 30-40 cm of penetration on each step, even with the snowshoes. During this time, we observed Kevin, Bill,
T.J., Raff and Vitto not only complete their ascents of Mountain Gordon, but
also come down too.
Gaining the ridge on Rhondda
was sheer relief and sheer wonderment. The view was absolutely incredible and
only improved as we snowshoed the final kilometre to the summit. The panorama
was magnificent in all directions, but Mounts Collie and Ayesha to the west
were particularly beautiful. The Presidents, both half in shadow, were the also
one of many highlights.
The descent was easy, taking about half the
time as the ascent, but still the last hour was mind-numbing, as we passed hour
13 of the trip. From near the top of the southeast ridge, we did see two
individuals setting up camp near the base of Mount Thompson
and surmised it was Raff and Vitto. Unfortunately, there was no way we were in
any physical condition to even make it to their camp, let alone attempt Mount Thompson.
We headed directly for the Bow Hut for another break before completing a very
long and tiring day.
An excellent trip with a huge reward at the
summit – as Raff would probably say, “13 plus hours of good quality suffering!”
The classic crossing of frozen Bow Lake
The view of Portal Peak (left) and Mount Thompson is one we will never tire of
High above the approach canyon, looking back to Portal, Thompson, Jimmy Simpson and Jimmy Junior
The Bow Hut approach is in sublime surroundings
Vast snowfields below magnificent vertical walls of rock
Getting close to the Hut
In the Hut
Greeting Raff and Vitto as they arrive at the Hut
Kevin, Bill and T.J. heading up the Wapta Icefield
My turn to head up
From this angle Mount St. Nicholas is perhaps one of the most photogenic mountains in the Rockies.
A member of the Kevin, Bill, T.J. trio is just visible.
Mount Rhondda dead ahead. Unfortunately this is a very, very foreshortened view!
Mark and I take turns leading the way
Up and up and up......
Why this was one of the most physically taxing ascents we had ever done.
Sinking deep into the snow, even with snowshoes. Mark led most of this section
I get the easier job of following in his tracks.....
.... but was still beaten into submission at the top (didn't move from this position for a good 15 minutes!)
At least the view of the northwest side of Mount Collie is fantastic. Mont des Poilus behind and to the left
Somewhat recovered (but still with my head down) we continue the ascent
The Presidents (distant centre) were also the object of many long stares and lots of photos
The Presidents again. The famous Goodsirs are barely visible in the distant left
The southwest side of Rhondda itself is pretty awe-inspiring too
And very steep!
No getting too close to the edge here
Ayesha Peak is another stunningly beautiful mountain on the Icefield
Getting closer to the summit. The Wapta Icefield is now stretched out behind us.
The two peaks of Mount Olive are fairly prominent
Another great viewpoint
Almost there. The massive peak behind is the north peak of Mount Rhondda, more commonly referred to as Mount Habel
Success!
A section of Peyto Lake can be seen from the summit
Mark takes in the splendor
Can't get enough of The Presidents
A well deserved and long break at the summit
Starting the long trip home
Last time for The Presidents!
Breaking a new trail is often preferable when descending steep slopes with snowshoes
Thompson and Portal look great from here too
But St. Nicholas looks better!
The End