Piggy Plus - Burstall col Off-Trail hike on 26-Sep-2023

Fall colours where at their very best and quite spectacular on the drive out. The weather forecast was calling for a mix of sun and cloud with the occasional shower, but this did not reflect the significant changes we experience as we approached the continental divide. It was surprisingly warm at 8C as we headed off up the trail with some light rain, however, low cloud obscured many peaks to our west. The larches at treeline where a brilliant yellow, but there wasn’t much let-up in the rain as we ascended, which as accompanied by the occasional shower of ice pellets. After a very brief discussion, it was decided to abandon our quest for the Piggy Plus col due to the low cloud, and instead head for a viewpoint of the Robertson Glacier. A brief break on the rain allowed us to have lunch before heading down. Despite rain, it was good to get out. Thanks to all for joining me. Total distance 12.8 km with a cumulative elevation gain of 595m. Participants: Bill,Terry,David,John,Margo,Ed,Jozef. John c/s

Larches at treeline.

View of Piggy Plus col.

Commmonwealth Peak in the clouds

Traversing below Piggy Plus.

View looking east.

Members of the team looking a little damp.

View heading down.

Team photo