Alan Kane's descriptor, "your routefinding ability will largely dictate just how much fun or fear you'll experience," could not have been more accurate. There was certainly a good deal of both throughout this exciting scramble.

Though the bushwhacking to the saddle was not terribly difficult, it did take us a good deal longer than I expected. From the saddle, we tried to determine the best route to ridge. This section is the most difficult part of the scramble and we wanted to take the safest possible route. The ascent started out well, but very quickly we were on very steep, downsloping terrain. We roped up and ascended with caution. The slope was consistently steep all the way to the ridge and as mentioned, we experienced some "fun" and we experienced some "fear".

We were pretty happy (and relieved) to eventually reach the ridge, where we immediately started the exposed ridgewalk to the summit. Actually, the exposure was not a big concern and although we stuck to the ridge throughout, it would have been easier (but not as fun!) to ascend scree slopes just below the ridge. One short upclimb, that was exposed, loose, and very steep, caused a little anxiety for both of us, however, since there was an easier route for descent, it didn't faze me that much.

The summit view was terrific. The fact that I had seen much the same view from Mounts Tyrwhitt and Pocaterra two days earlier, did not detract from it in the least (only the enormous number of bugs and horseflies swarming around us did that!). Mount Joffre and the Petain Glacier really stood out in the panorama. We stayed for a long time at the summit, enjoying a clear sky and the beautiful surrounding environment.

For the descent, we decided to traverse below the ridge to avoid some of the more exposed sections. Back at the top of the ascent gully, we started to descend. Again, we moved slowly and tried to minimize the risk-taking. About halfway down, we were able to find an easier descent route to our left, avoiding a couple of the dangerous sections we had ascended on the way up. Making our way onto the scree slope further south, the remainder of the descent was thankfully easy and stress-free. From the saddle to the car we followed a stream most of the way. It was a little longer but more scenic than bushwhacking. Overall, a great scramble. 

Mark ascending some "fun" terrain on ascent

At the top of the ascent gully; the summit is behind me to the left

Ascending a steep pinnacle along the summit ridge

At the summit