This was a new trip for half of the group. We left the cars at 9:00am and started up the first steep slope to the ridge crest which we followed on a well trodden trail until the bottom of the summit block. At this point the speedsters surged ahead and were soon out of sight. We regrouped for lunch on the summit of the small knob at the end of the plateau. By now it was 12:00pm and dark clouds were moving in.

The weather started out cloudless but a slight shower started on schedule at 1:00pm as predicted by the weather algorithm. By then we were descending the plateau. Rain gear came off as we headed into the trees on the ascent ridge.

We were back at the cars by 3:00pm. Stats based on one gps: 9kms, 930m elevation.

It was a very enjoyable day with wonderful companions and always a pleasure to introduce folks to a demanding hike they haven’t done before.

Participants: Yolande(c/s),Gary,Susan,Nardi,Cathy,Donna,Peter,Deborah,Kate,Jozef. (plus Chip who joined us at the parking lot)

Ascending the scramble section up to the plateau

group on summit of knob at end of plateau

View down ascent ridge before the clouds moved in

View from ascent ridge across to Fortress ski resort