We started our ascent of Black Brett from the Bourgeau Lake parking lot just before 8:00 am. We followed the trail to Bourgeau Lake, then continued on towards Harvey Pass until reaching the second lake above Bourgeau Lake, where we turned right (north) towards Black Brett. To gain the ridge that leads to the summit we chose to ascend a ramp with a huge boulder in it (see photo below), which proved to be steep but mostly on good solid ground, with minimal loose scree. Once we arrived at the crest of this ridge, the next challenge was to scramble up loose, steep slopes that lead to the summit ridge; this proved to be the crux of the scramble. Once we were on the summit ridge we encountered mostly solid rock, which led easily to the summit. It was almost perfectly calm on the summit, and on this warm sunny day we were in no hurry to leave. The summit views were somewhat obscured by smoke, which slowly moved in throughout the day. Eventually we decided to head down, but for the descent we chose to stay on the beautiful long horseshoe ridge that can be followed on good solid footing all the way back to Harvey Pass, where we picked up the well travelled trail that leads back to Bourgeau Lake and the parking lot, where we arrived just after 6:00 pm.

This was a new trip for all but one of us, with only Bill having done it previously, in September 2008. Many thanks to Sebastiaan, Sim,Bill,Damian,Pam,John,Toshiko, for being such companionable and such competent fellow scramblers, from scribe Jack. And a very special thank you to Coordinator Sebastiaan for suggesting and coordinating this very enjoyable scramble.

Total Distance: 23.2 km
Total Elevation Gain: 1560 m
Total Time: 10.25 hours

On our way up, just after leaving the trail to Harvey Pass. We ascended the ramp with the massive boulder in it, just above the second, smaller rock band. The summit is just out of view to the right.

Looking at Black Brett from near Harvey Pass. The summit is the third bump to the left of the far right end of the ridge.

Approaching the ridge crest; summit is out of view to the right.

On the ridge below the summit, about to start scrambling up through the crux.

Toshiko scrambling up through the crux just below the summit ridge.

Beginning the descent from the summit; Mount Bourgeau in the background.

Toshiko, Pam, and Sebastiaan descending through the crux just below the summit ridge.

Looking west from the lovely ridge that leads back to Harvey Pass; Mount Ball in the background.

Part of a herd of about twenty sheep; Bourgeau Lake in the background.