Yarrow Ridge V
reconnaissance
  
 
March 29, 2020
 
Solo scramble.
 
I’ve come to realize that my recent fascination (obsession) with Yarrow Ridge is because of the multitude of potential routes to the top, all with amazing rock scenery. The short approach to these routes doesn’t hurt either!
 
The purpose of this trip was to explore the drainage and area west of the ascent route I had completed with Matt and Sandra. Yet again, the weather was not forecast to cooperate and so I was content simply to explore the area, without a summit attempt.
 
I didn’t quite make to it the drainage, as the lure of some interesting looking rock upslope was too much to resist. The curved fins of colourful rock were quite impressive and would have rose to the level of spectacular under clear blue skies.
 
This pattern of distraction continued and before I knew it, I was high above the drainage I was supposed to be in. No matter – there appeared an easy route down into the drainage, at which point I simply followed it up to the south ridge. Although the summit was not too far off, cloudy weather and a relentless wind that rivaled anything I’d ever experienced in the Castle was enough to turn me around and go back down into the drainage.
 
The best part of the day followed, as I descended the terrain I originally intended to ascend. Here, the rock was outstanding and wonderfully varied. This was definitely some of the coolest rock I’d ever seen (shades of my Loaf Mountain recon.!). Although the weather was far from foul, this rock demanded the full brunt of the Sun to reveal its full beauty – a return trip on a perfect weather day was going to be mandatory.
 
After spending a huge amount of time exploring this awesome area, I enjoyed an easy and pleasant stroll back to the start, already picking out some potential days to return.
 
An unexpectedly great day out.

Nice colourful Sunrise, but as the saying goes, "Red sky at night, shepard's delight. Red Sky in the morning, shepard's warning."



Hiking the wide trail/cutline once again



The Sunrise gets even more dramatic



Yarrow Ridge



The drainage I was aiming for is between the two ridges at the centre and right of centre



The first distraction



Up close



The curved fins of rock



Making my way up to the second distraction



Not bad either!











Looking down the snowy drainage I intended to ascend



Going up here was also an option....



.... but I decided to make my way down to the drainage



Another potential route up the mountain.... maybe next time



In the drainage and heading up



I took the right fork here, but then traversed over to the left much higher up



Looking down the route I came up



Traversing over to the south ridge



View of Mount Yarrow from the ridge. The wind and cold here were intense.



Back down



Looking for the a route down through the rock on the east side of the drainage



Found one near this very cool rock band



Another cool rock band above the other cool rock band











Looking up to the rock that probably would look sensational with the Sun shining on it and clear skies behind











Traversing below the rock bands towards the drainage



Very small frozen waterfall in the drainage



Another splendid example of terrific Castle rock
 


Regrettably leaving the area



It may not look like much from lower down, but this area was one of the most impressive I've ever seen in the Castle



Passing by the other interesting area and the ascent route used on previous trips



One of the cooler example of rock folding I've seen
Close-up






As usual, the last look at the objective

The End

LOG