The weather forecast was a little worrying with a 60% chance of thunder storms but we decided to stick with the original plan, and if conditions deteriorated there was always the option of quickly descending from the ridge on the west side.  We hiked from south to north and had a shuttle vehicle parked at Little Highwood Pass; not only were the views better in this direction but the elevation gain was 280m less.  We set off from the Highwood Pass promptly at 9:30 am in brilliant sunshine.  Trail conditions were generally dry although a little braided for the first half hour until we exited the trees.  There was still the odd snow patch in some places but alpine flowers were beginning to appear, and any slopes with a southerly expose were very colourful.  As we crossed the alpine meadows below the ridge a wave of excitement passed through the group as we watched a large mother grizzly feeding with two cubs playing around her.  She was about 500 m from us and not aware of our presence, so we continued on while keeping a close eye on her movements.  The ridge itself was an easy, enjoyable hike, and the weather remained warm and sunny with a few cumulus clouds.  The last 250m of the trail has a small creek crossing which was a little confusing due to cairns which appeared be in wrong place.  Best to follow the right-hand side of the creek until reaching a log jam with some convenient tree trunks that span the creek.  We arrived at the shuttle vehicle at about 3:15 pm, a travel time of 5 hours and 40 min  The total distance travelled was 11.2 km with a total elevation gain of 807m (2648 ft) and a total descent of 1086 m (3563 ft).  Thanks to Evan, Bruce, Jeannette, Manfred and Margaret.  John C/S

Pocaterra Ridge Heading into the alpine meadows

 

Pocaterra Ridge The Team

 

Pocaterra Ridge Can you see the mother grizzly with two cubs in the centre of this picture?

 

Pocaterra Ridge Zooming in on the grizzly family.

 

Pocaterra Ridge View south from high point.

 

Pocaterra Ridge Manfred & Jeanette

 

Pocaterra Ridge View north along ridge.

 

Pocaterra Ridge GPS track

 

Pocaterra Ridge Route profile