When we arrived at the Wasootch parking lot around 9.00am, it was crowded with aspiring climbers. The weather looking very promising with clear blue skies which remained all day. We were soon puffing up the steep trail onto the broad ridge where we encountered patches of frozen snow. These were all easily circumvented and we continued along the ridge with occasional breaks to Gillean Daffern's usual high spot


Head out up Wasootch Ridge (Lorette, Skogan/Schlee, Mary Barcley in background)

. Here, Jeannette and David chose to take the easier low southern trail while the rest of the group continued along the ridge. We met at the summit for lunch around 1.00pm. Very little wind, sun and excellent views of Mt Baldy, Belmore Brown, Tiara, Mt Mcdougal and even the Lougheeds


Group at summit of Wasootch Ridge (McDougal and Old Baldy in background)

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When full (except for one who forgot his lunch somewhere on the ridge) and after a brief discussion, we returned the way we had come.

Ramblers returning along Wasootch Ridge

Half of the group were now in shorts. We found the missing lunch. The scramble crux (SC6) is a 3 metre notch in the ridge. A downclimb when ascending. Brief, but challenging and a short rope could be useful. There is even an old piton above for an anchor.


Two ways to do the crux of Wasootch Ridge (SC6 at left SC7 at right)

Returning at the crux of Wasootch Ridge

With several breaks we returned to the cars just after 5.00pm, a full 8 hour day for the 14km and 900 metre elevation gain trip. It felt like summer had finally arrived, but ample snow remains on most peaks. Nakiska even looked skiable high up. Participants Jeannette, Francis, John, Gilles, Damian, Chau, Carl photos, David c & s.