High five to the troopers for earning their bushwhacking certificate on a character building trip. Thrashing around in a mature forest took longer than expected but we came out of it in one piece. We plunged into the day by fording a knee deep Smuts Creek and had a good visual of our ridge sitting under a bright morning sun.
Ricardo crossing the creek.
Following a trail we veered to the left, perhaps too soon, and thumped around in the trees searching for the ridge proper. It was confusing as we contoured left, crossed several cut blocks and overgrown logging roads. Mosquitos were very thick and we applied several coats of bug spray to thwart the critters, I inhaled a few into my throat. Eventually we came across a faint trail that led us through a meadow of larches and onto the shoulder of Commonwealth Ridge.
Inge and Ricardo on the shoulder of Commonwealth Ridge.
Christine G and Yolande approach the ridge.
Heading toward the north summit.
It was straightforward to the North summit and it was here we decided to remain and chill out, happy to be out of the bush. Views of the Robertson Glacier were spectacular and we could see Mud, Hogarth and Burstall Lakes below.
Troopers on the north summit, where we decided to lunch.
Christine M admiring the view.
Mud and Hogarth Lakes below Mt Chester.
A tranquil Commonwealth Lake, where we took a break.
The descent to Commonwealth Lake was steep and there was much avalanche debris near the valley bottom. Approximately 15 minutes past the lake is a large cairn, new to the area, perhaps indicating an easier way up to the ridge. We arrived back at the car around 5:30 p.m. and had put in a full day. Thank you Yolande, Inge, Ricardo and Christine G for rockin’ it with me and making it a great day in the mountains. Yours truly, Christine M c/s/p.
