The weatherman cooperated with a day of mixed sun and clouds on Mount Burstall.


Mount Burstall from the col

The combination of the previous week of wet weather and the diagonal boot prints put in by a party one hour ahead of us, made the climb up the scree to the col quite reasonable. After gaining the upper ridge we crossed the exposed ledges which lead to the diagonal crack.


Scrambling up the diagonal crack

We waited at the base of the crack until the group ahead of us had finished descending the crack. The diagonal crack led to the crux of the scramble, a 25 metre exposed section on the upper ridge.


Damian and Inge approaching the summit cairn

After navigating this section, it was only a short distance to the summit cairn. The summit provided great views of the French, Burstall and Smith Dorrien Valleys and of the French and Robertson Glaciers.


Inge, Jack and Kevin on the summit of Mount Burstall

The Smith Dorrien from the summit of Burstall

Damian on the summit with the French and Robertson Glaciers in the background

Down climbing the upper 25 metre exposed section required great attention, as a slip would have been likely terminal.


Inge descending the diagonal crack

Traversing back across the exposed ledges

A quick descent of the diagonal crack brought the group back to the ledges. It was an uneventful descent back down to the col. We enjoyed a great scree run down from the col. We were back at the Burstall parking lot by 3 pm. Thanks to Inge, Jack and Damian for joining me Kevin (S/C) on a short day in K country. Total elevation gain 875 m, total distance 7 km and total time 5.25 hours