70th Anniversary return to Yamnuska Traverse Scramble on 11-May-2024

The first laugh of the day was arriving at the trailhead. I had posted "an 8am start to avoid being above other hikers". When we arrived, the parking lot was full! We learned later this might be because of the trail scheduled to close May 14th for blasting operations https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/bow-valley-wpp/advisories/

The trail up to Raven's End was mostly dry and I think we all were finding it unusually hot! Getting through the notch was actually easier with the snow, as there were firm steps all the way through. The backside, as expected, still had quite a bit of snow as well, and after the first snow traverse, we opted to head up the the ridge where there was more rock and less snow, and we enjoyed some fun spring scrambling. The area past the chains was a bit trickier, with a mix of snow, ice and rock.

Once on the summit, we enjoyed our lunch and the views and headed down, following the new trail, vs. the scree slope trail, unanimously agreeing that the scree run was no longer worth our time. Things got hot once again as we descended so we were happy to arrive at the Alda-mobile to shed clothes and relax as she kindly drove the carpoolers all back to our cars.

Being newish to the club, I was happy to share my day in celebration of the 70th anniversary with this group of strong and confident scramblers, but mostly happy to have joined so I can spend many more in the years to come.

Thanks for a great day to: Bill,David,Alda,Jack,Vi,Diane,Maryse and special thanks to Bill for almost all of the photos.

Arriving on the backside, looking at our route ahead

Heading up to the ridgeline

Arriving at the chain section

Tricky section just past the chains

One member took a small slip, which put him in a precaurious place, but thanks to a solo scrambler right behind him on the trail, only minor injuries occurred.

70 years and still smiling

Pam