Pincher Ridge IV
August 5, 2018

 
Mountain height:  2423 m
Elevation gain:     880 m 

Ascent time:        2:30
Descent time:     1:55
 
Solo scramble.
 
Having put off an ascent of Pincher Ridge via the descent route in favour of the northeast ridge of Drywood Mountain (in May of 2017 and again in August of 2018), it was time to give the mountain another go. This peak is one you shouldn’t go near unless the skies are going to be clear – not because it is a difficult mountain, but simply because Pincher is one of the more colourful peaks in the already outrageously colourful Castle area.
 
And so with a mainly sunny forecast in hand, I hopped on my bike to do the approximately 4 km approach. Disappointingly, the Sun was not to be seen, but the day was young and I was optimistic for clearer skies. To make a long story short, the sunny forecast never did materialize and in fact it rained through much of the ascent. I was actually happy to arrive at the summit with completely overcast skies, but no rain – a significant departure from the whiny, scowling demeanor I usually take on when the forecast says sunny and there is nothing but clouds! 
 
For descent I decided to see if a direct route south down to the gas road was possible, with the hopes of perhaps avoiding the bush of the ascent route. Not only was it possible but I found a very cool gully (difficult but not desperate downclimbing) route down to the scree slopes below, where decent scree-surfable  and bush-free slopes awaited – definitely the highlight of the day. There also appeared to be a very easy route down had I continued down the ridge, instead of descending the gully.
 
Disappointing weather, but the alternate descent route made up for it on a nostalgic (see Pincher I, II, and III) return to Pincher Ridge.



So much for sunny skies



Looking over to the South Peak of Pincher Ridge



The Centre Peak makes its appearance



The summit of Pincher Ridge at the right. The clear delineation of rock layers on this mountain is extraordinary



The always picturesque Windsor Mountain (left) and Castle Peak



Looking down the north side of the mountain where Mark and I tried to get ascend on a snowy January Day



Another colourful beaut of The Castle - Prairie Bluff


Victoria Peak doesn't look so colourful on this dreary day



Looking down the exciting east ridge of Pincher


Closer look at Prairie Bluff


Closer look at Castle Peak


Looking down the striking south side of Pincher. Drywood 's northeast ridge  is visible  in the background.




Last look to the west



More striking, colourful layers of rock




The gully I descended


The gully lies between these two buttresses


Looking up the descent route


Same as above

Click HERE to see Part II of the trilogy

The End
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