Wasootch Peak II

  

April 16, 2009
 
Mountain height:        2352 m
Elevation gain:            914 m
Ascent time:               3:00
Descent time:             2:05                
 
Scrambling with Nicole and Michelle.

I definitely need to be more careful about the terminology I use regarding mountain trips. When Michelle, Nicole, and I agreed to hook up for a “hike” I’m sure they were expecting a relatively flat walk through forest and not a mountain “scramble” with almost a kilometre of elevation gain and in winter conditions. Regardless of my absent-mindedness in choice of words, both my colleagues (Nicole teaches Math and Michelle teaches Biology) seemed quite eager to try Wasootch Peak, upon arriving at the base of the mountain.
 
The mountain was holding a great deal more snow than expected. This was going to be a concern because Nicole was wearing runners. Again, she was more than willing to try and so off we went. We made good progress up to the treeline and despite the lack of decent traction offered by her shoes, Nicole pushed on without a whimper. To my delight, both were impressed by the scenery and views. I was also quite stunned at the beauty of the surroundings with a fresh layer of snow. You’d think after 13 hours on the snow-plastered slopes of Mount Wilson 24 hours earlier, I’d be craving some dry ground. Apparently not – views on and around the peak were outstanding.
 
Once bare rock appeared we moved onto it as opposed to using the snow-covered trail. Both Michelle and Nicole scrambled up the rock effortlessly – natural scramblers! At one point we left the trail again for a section of more serious hands-on scrambling. Thinking it looked pretty straightforward we sent Nicole up first. Michelle followed with ease. To my surprise, upon ascending their route, I found the terrain to be far more than “easy” scrambling and definitely fell into the category of “difficult” with some exposure near the top – very impressive for one's first scramble.
 
Though time was becoming a concern, the continually improving views and some beautiful rock and snow scenery seemed to motivate all three of us towards the summit. Michelle led the final push to the summit and what a fine experience it was. The view in all directions was outstanding – far better than what Mark and I experienced on our April 9, 2005 ascent. The snow-plastered forms of Tiara Peak and the GR’s of Upper Canyon Creek were quite startling for this time of the year, as was “Kananaskis Peak” to the south. My companions were equally mesmerized by the view. And I was certainly impressed with their achievement. In its present condition, this was not at all an easy first scramble. Well done Michelle and Nicole!
 
Getting down was going to be tougher for Nicole. Yet again she stepped up to the plate and made it down in fine form. Yes, there were several wipe-outs, but they were all accompanied by laughter (usually a good sign, unless you’re a sadistic and heartless prick!)
 
A big thanks to Michelle and Nicole for their awesome company and congratulations to them both on completing their first scramble - hopefully the first of many.

One of the first open views of the trip



Michelle leaves the trail for some hands-on scrambling



Nicole is up for the challenge also



Nice rest place



Michelle, again picks a line off the beaten path
 


Heading around the left side



Nicole spots a good scrambling route through the difficulties



Nicole takes the lead



Michelle folows



Back on the standard route



One of Nicole's many wipeouts



Summit in sight



Not sure what they are looking at. Maybe a Yeti?!



She's down again



On the move again



Kananaskis Peak



A steep, snowy grind to the summit ridge



Michelle is almost there



Sweet, summit success!



The Dream Team at the top



Same as above



View down to Wasootch Tower



Following the ridge south leads to Kananaskis Peak, Old Baldy Mountain, and Mount McDougall



Very snowy to the east



Time to leave



The Nakiska Ski Hill, Wind Mountain, and the three peaks of Mount Lougheed



Awesome travel to start the descent...



...followed by one epic wipeout after another!



Nicole stops to admire the view (or recovery from all the falls!)



Near the end of an awesome trip with awesome friends

The End

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