Tent Ridge Horseshoe 154311, 146308 loop Scramble on 15-Jun-2017

Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's up the snow we go. 
Looking down at the gully we ascended. We were fortunate the snow became supportive no longer had to posthole.
Looking down at the gully we ascended. We were fortunate the snow became supportive no longer had to posthole.

After leaving the cars the first part of the trail up Tent Ridge was fine; that is, until we reached the snow, which luckily was hard packed. 

Still afloat on the snow as we approach the ridge.
Still afloat on the snow as we approach the ridge.

Clifton, Bruce and Bill took turns punching steps for the rest of us.  It was however, slow going.  We finally gained the first highest point on the ridge

On the first peak
On the first peak

 

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which was windy and cold. 

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 We managed to crouch down amongst some rocks for lunch before continuing up to the final peak

Bill on the highest point
Bill on the highest point

 where, thanks to Susan we shared happy birthday snacks for Christine. The weather and conditions were similar to last year; however, on descending,

Descending the ridge
Descending the ridge

we had to stay high above the trail in order to avoid the snow. Bill gave us a lesson in birding and identified the call of the Varied Thrush and Swainson's Thrush. Thanks to Bill, I now know the three characteristics of orchids, but I am not telling... Glacier lilies were just coming out. There was quite a lot of blowdown which made travel slow, finally we reached the cars at 5 pm. It will be quite awhile before this trip will be snow free. The collective humour of Susan, Bill, Yoko, Bill, Christine, Clifton, Bruce, Janice made the trip a whole lot of fun.  Thanks to Bruce, Bill and Christine Mc for the pics.

Christine

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