Participants: David, Jeannette, Clifton, Annie, Meng.

Not being satisfied with just making one mountain pass, we bagged two, (South) Buller and North Buller.

Our adventure started just past the turqoise bowl where the creek cascades into a rock bowl.

At the intersection to Buller and North Buller, we went right following the trail to Buller.

Heading to (South) Buller at the intersection of Buller and North Buller.

We had a lesson in identifying fir tree cones and needles. Fir needles are "flat and friendly" and spruce are "square and pokey (or was it sharp?).

Fir tree cones proudly sitting upright.

The climb up the rocky headwall to Buller Pass was exhilerating and sweaty.

Rocky headwall up to (South) Buller Pass.

The view of Ribbon Lake and Quinn Pass, though beautiful was, unfortunately, obscured by the smoky conditions.

Then came the route finding between the passes. A cairn on a large rock kept us high and led us to the faint trail through the grassy slope. On the talus slope, we stayed high and with keen eyes and an app, found the final faint trail that brought us to North Buller Pass.

Making the circuit counter clockwise between (South) Buller and North Buller Pass.

Lunch at North Buller pass with a welcome brisk breeze, then down the very steep powdery dirt slope and out on the North Buller Trail.

These Ramblers took the challenges of heat and smoke in stride and had a great day!

North Buller Pass - Ramblers (minus Clifton) on our way home from a long day.