An on time group had us leaving the Little Highwood parking trailhead lot a little before 9:30 am amidst a few groups car shuttling for the Pocaterra ridge traverse. I had not done this one but Bill and Sim had. I also did n't bring the book from the left coast (my excuse for lack of preparation: I thought the route looked straightforward from David's Trip report and this short one would have lots of travel). I was fortunate to also have Bill and Sim along as it turned out. As I have often found Bill quickly found us a trail in the bush. I found it steep though! A bit of a break at the col and Sim, cooling off, wanted to get going. Sim lead us up the scramble route in fine style. I found, fairly low down on the route, an exposed traverse the crux, for me.

What I think is the crux exposed traverse on Gap Mountain

The rest of the route to the summit was good moderate scrambling with some spicier bits to keep it interesting! A few of Bill's photos show the terrain:



Toshiko leading the way up Gap Mountain

Sim leading the way up Gap Mountain

The summit views, as advertised, were well worthwhile despite some cloud touching the higher peaks.

Summit Gap mountain Sim and the rear Bill, then Toshiko and front Simon

Mount Wintour from Gap Mountain

The descent of the scramble bit was not much faster than the ascent as a few spots required care. At the col, rather than take our ascent trail, we decided to try the "black / shale / coal scree" into the drainage which worked well I think to get us back to the trailhead a little after 2:00 pm. Thanks to Sim,Bill,Simon and Toshiko from c/s John for patience and showing this slow west coast wimp what Rocky Mountain scrambling is all about on an enjoyable day! Special thanks to Bill for most of the photos.

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