Mount Birdwood attempt III – August 12, 2007
Scrambling with Mark.
Low energy levels on both our parts, too much snow on the route (any snow at all is too much on this route), and most importantly a vicious west wind – all the ingredients for our third failed attempt at reaching the top of this beautiful mountain. We backed down before the climbing started.
On the approach
trail; Commonwealth Peak
(left), Pig's Tail (immediately left of
Birdwood), and Birdwood
(right); from this angle it's hard to believe that
Pig's Tail is about 50 vertical metres higher than Commonwealth
Looking longingly at Birdwood
The south ridge of Smuts doesn't look so formidable from this angle
Now it looks
formidable! The Birdwood Lakes, "Smutwood Peak"
(just left of centre), and Mount Smuts (right)
Looking to the northwest
Another longing look at Birdwood as we leave