Cegnfs and Mount Murray – July 17, 2005

Mountain height:
                Cegnfs:                     2,809 m (9,214 ft)
                Murray:                      3,023 m (9,915 ft)

Elevation gain:
                To Cegnfs:                approx. 850 m
                Cegnfs to Murray:     -137 m, +345 m

Ascent time:  
                To Cegnfs:                3:25
                Cegnfs to Murray:     1:15

Descent time:                            2:45

Solo scramble.

Determined to avoid the route-finding problems that seem to be common on this trip, I studied the map, made some waypoints on my GPS, and read and re-read the route description. Well….. it seems that determination and 90 cents won’t even get you a litre of gas these days! I still not sure if I had route-finding problems, but it did take me almost 3.5 hours of tedious bushwhacking and scree slogging to finally reach the summit of Cegnfs...and then I still had Mount Murray to do.

Upon reaching Cegnfs, I had pretty much given up on an attempt of Murray , due to do a number of factors: 1. the summit promised a spectacular view and the sky was generally cloudy; 2. I was quite tired and didn’t want to do myself in, given that Kevin and I were planning on attempts of two 11,000ers within the following four days; 3. but most importantly, I didn’t want to miss Sunday dinner at Mum’s (6 days of bachelor cooking is all any man should have to endure!). Nevertheless, I thought it worthwhile to at least descend to the Cegnfs/Murray col to check out the ascent. Of course, when I got to the col, I thought it would be worthwhile to at least start to ascent to check out the terrain, and of course, by the time I decided I was done for the day, I just happened to be at the top! Actually, the ascent from Cegnfs to Murray was far easier than the ascent from the parking lot to the summit of Cegnfs, taking only about one third the time and considerably less energy.

The summit view should be reserved for clear days. Unfortunately, the cloud ceiling was relatively low, hiding giants such as nearby Sir Douglas and Assiniboine . However, the views towards Birdwood and company, and Chester and co. were fantastic. I was surprised to receive some company at the summit. I was just leaving as a young man arrived. He quickly caught up to me on descent and zoomed by, thankfully showing me a much better descent route. This may have been the best part of the day, as I arrived at the cirque directly below Mount Murray and then followed a gorgeous stream back to French Creek. If you can stomach the endless scree and rubble, this is a worthwhile day, simply for the interesting scenery and terrific summit panorama.   

Grassy slopes on the south side of Mount Burstall

Part of Mount French (left) and Mount Robertson (right)

Mount Robertson (left) and Mount Sir Douglas (right)

Mount Murray, seen from the slopes of Cegnfs

Birdwood ( far left) and company, from the summit of Murray

Interesting rock scenery of the summit block

Cegnfs (foreground) and the Chester group behind

Mount Murray

The scenic stream and Mount Murray (far right)  

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