Mount Lorette - from Lorrette Ponds
Lorette-Other hikers in the area
Above the col, the worst scree was encountered approaching the 1st nub on the ridge. After that it was nice scrambling on the ridge up to the summit for noon (3:15 to summit with a few breaks).
Lorette-Another section of ridge
Lorette-Another section of ridge
On our way up, we met 2 solo scramblers returning down, and a climbing pair. This left the summit for us to enjoy for an hour, under calm & now sunny skies.
Lorette-Nice views to Canmore if your can ignore the foreground
We had great views all around and to Skogan Peak. Skogan looks quite daunting, so we gave "congrats" to Team Kevin for their Aug 23 trip.
Heading down at 1pm we stuck mostly to the ridge. There is a definite non-scramble route on the west side of the ridge which avoids most all the pleasure of the ridge top.
Back at the col, Norman took the time to make a small seat. While it was nothing like the couch on Mt Baldy, we were still envious.
Lorette-Norman relaxing at the col
Then back down the "endless gully", somehow it seamed shorter on the way up. At one regroup stop, we could see the infamous "gap" on the climbers route in perfect profile.
Lorette-looking up to the "gap" on Lorette's climber's route
We followed the descent trail as long as possible before bushwhacking back down to the river to soothe our aching toes. This route came in at 8km. So that saves 4 km x 2 of bike/walk along the powerline trail. This is a reasonable saving when water levels are low (we were just above knee deep).
Lorette-A cure for aching feet
Thanks to Norman, Gary, Evan for a fun day, Gerald (c/s) I finally got a trip minimum for a Kananaskis River crossing trip!
Participants: Norman, Gerald, Evan, Gary