This trip was originally announced as "The Big Sister" but changed to the easier Mt Lawrence Grassi due to Sunday's snow. Snow was visible on the Big Sister and other peaks to the south, but negligble on Lawrence Grassi.

After we all fitted into Bill’s new Subaru, we started from the deserted Goat Creek parking lot at 8.45am. It was about +3c but negligible wind. After 25 minutes along the canal, we found Kane’s ascent route well marked by a big cairn, turned left and started upwards. With several clothing adjustments, we were soon out of the trees where we had to put clothes back on because of the cool breeze.

Wallace and Damian discuss politics while sizing up the upper slabs of Mt Lawrence Grassi

A steady ascent over some gravel strewn slabs and suddenly we emerged at the main peak with huge cairn and summit register. Bill and I immediately headed over to the auxiliary peak, but there is a short 3 metre exposed connecting ridge which neither of us fancied so we retreated to join the others for an early 11.45am lunch.


Mel and Wallace on the short connecting ridge between the 2 peaks of Mt Lawrence Grassi

David near second lower peak of Mt Lawrence Grassi

David, Wallace, Damian and Mel enjoy lunch on Mt Lawrence Grassi

Although a cool +5c, we had good views over Canmore and towards Grotto, Lady Macdonald etc.

When clouds appeared to the south, we quickly signed the register and headed down. I found the slabs near the top more difficult to descend than ascend but easier than a Kane moderate or RMRA SC6 (in my opinion).

Wallace and David scramble down the summit block of Mt Lawrence Grassi

Descent of slabby ridge on Mt Lawrence Grassi

Despite a few snow pellets, we were back at the car by 2.15pm (5.5 hours round trip), surely a record early completion time for a day trip for me. With a stop at the Dairy Queen or Beamers in Canmore, we were back in Calgary by 4.00pm. A good but cool day out in the company of Mel, Bill, Damian and Wallace from c&s David. Stats; 8 km, 1000m, 5.5 hours.

As a footnote, we took helmets and ice–axes, but did not come close to using either, though axes would have been handy if there was snow. I would rate the main Lawrence Grassi peak as RMRA SC5, but the lower auxiliary peak (about 30 metres horizontal) as RMRA SC7.This harder peak is definitely lower (believe me) and not described by Kane. David.