Cloudy Ridge IV
Unfortunately, the wind was at its worse for this part of the day. As such, we spent very little time on the ridge proper, opting for the lines of least resistance on either side of it. Once again, the troops managed all the challenging sections with ease and before we knew it the summit block was upon us. I used to think the crux of Cloudy Ridge was a very short but exposed jaunt across a ledge before going around to the north side of the summit block. However, in retrospect it’s the steep climb right before the summit. Extreme care is required when descending this section.
 
The big question of the day was now going to be how windy would it be at the top? On our first trip in 2006, Mark and I had endured gale force winds throughout the ascent, to arrive at a completely windless summit. We then descended in those same gale force winds, surmising the orientation and shape of the summit block must in some way divert the winds away from the top. Although Ryan, Jill, and I didn’t we have completely calm conditions, the wind was significantly less voracious than what we had battled throughout the ascent. Here, the three of us did take an extended break to enjoy our third summit of the day and more wonderful views of Waterton Park.   
 
Descending Cloudy unfolded with predictable ease and of course the hike out via Red Rock Canyon was predictably breath-taking! We reached the Red Rock Canyon parking lot about 12.5 hours after leaving the Lost Horse Creek lot.
 
Besides the wind, an exceptional day with two wonderful friends. I can’t rave enough about the scenic treasures and the wild variety of terrain along this incredible loop route. Highly recommended for all scramblers looking for a real adventure.



Leaving Dundy. The summit of Cloudy Ridge is just right of centre.



The traverse alternates between easy ridgewalking...



...and more challenging terrain. We had to back up here and find a route down and around this drop-off (photo by Ryan).



Back on the ridge with that drop-off behind us



Lots of ups and downs along the way, but nothing too strenuous



Approaching an important highpoint on the ridge



Dodging more tricky terrain by staying below the ridge



Surprisingly we did most of the detours on the west side of the ridge, instead of the more wind sheltered east side



One of the more interesting sections







Back on the ridge again



Here come the troops (although I may give them my lecture on wearing bright coloured clothing!)



At the important highpoint, with Cloudy and Cloudy Junior both looking very inviting




The summit block, but it's still some distance away



Lots of beautiful red argillite between the highpoint and the summit block







The yellow backpack is a good start!



Looking over to Cloudowan Peak



The red rock gives way to lichen-covered dark rock



Cloudy Ridge Junior from one angle...



Easy scrambling on the solid rock



... and from a slightly different angle



Opps! I led Jill astray here, forgetting that the ridge ends in a drop-off and must be circumvented on the left side



Good thing the bypass route is lichen heaven!











On the other side of the narrow and exposed ledge (photo by Ryan)



Jill gets ready to traverse the narrow ledge (photo by Ryan)



Ryan goes first



Jill follows



Dungarvan (left) looks so far away now



Ryan takes the last few steps to the summit



Cairn on summit #3



Last time with the fractions! (photo by Jill)



Congratulations on a Waterton triple-header Jill and Ryan!



View north



West



South



Almost all of the route from Dungarvan to Cloudy is visible here



Cloudowan Peak at the far left and Cloudowan Northeast in the centre



Another valley, north of Cloudy, with very challenging access. Mount Roche in the distant centre.



Going back over the ledge (photo by Ryan)



Ryan does the same



Bit of a downclimb through the cool rock



That cool rock







The Alston's are camouflaged on the ridge again



We decided to side-slope here, to intercept the descent line instead of sticking to the ridge and gaining the next highpoint



The highpoint that we skipped on descent and much of that side-sloping route



There's still lots of cool rock scenery to enjoy



And some steep terrain to negotiate...



...then more gentle terrain (photo by Ryan)



On the descent ridge. Cloudy at the left and the highpoint to its right. Dungarvan and Dundy are also visible.



The descent ridge at the left, Anderson Peak in the centre



There are a couple of scrambly sections to negotiate on descent, but otherwise it's just steep hiking



Like that (photo by Ryan)



And this



While easy, the descent is not devoid of great rock scenery



Case in point







Another step to downclimb



The infamous limestone band



We definitely had the clearest skies of the day on descent - but the wind didn't let up until we got down to Red Rock Canyon



More cool rock







One of the most stunning rock bands of the entire trip



Close-up



Followed by one of the coolest scenes



A very different perspective of Dundy. I tried to get up the peak from the right many years ago but failed.



I call this peak Dundy Junior and it has become one of my go-to routes in Waterton



Mount Blakiston always looks glorious



Dundy again



When I said steep hiking I meant it! It's actually steeper than it looks here (photo by Ryan).



In Red Rock Canyon and ready to enjoy some of the best scenery Waterton has to offer







The only section of deadfall we encountered



Amazing colours from here to the end























The east end of Mount Blakiston



Jill and I chose to keep our feet dry for this section



Ryan took a different approach. Click HERE to see.



No staying dry here







Nearing the end



The final few steps in the canyon before reaching the parking lot.
What a fantastic day with two fantastic people. Thank you so much, Jill and Ryan!

The End

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