03.12.2011
Whole 4 weekends without hiking and just recovering from a cold: this was the trip to “ease” Evgeny and I into the snowshoeing season :). We joined Alastair for a trip to Duffey Peak, meeting at 4:30 am at St. David’s and heading off to Pemberton.
Parked on the curb of Duffey Lake Road and hiked straight up the treed mountain side, jumping deadfall and climbing around bluffs. A gain of a 1000 m in 2 kms meant a very steep grade, and we were at times treadmilling in the snow and at times happy to be on a supportive crust. Five hours later, we were at the base of Duffey NW1. Some in the group decided on this as their turn-around point, while the rest continued. The NW face we were about to climb was the steepest portion of the trip: snowshoes went off, and some of us added crampons to the gear, thinking it would be a nightmare if the snow was as powdery as in a few other places. We were lucky: the snow, although light, was quite settled on this face and held well.
Topping out, I decided to consider NW1 as my destination for the day and wandered leisurely around the summit with fellow hikers who arrived at the same idea, while Alastair’s group hurriedly headed off to Duffey Peak. The weather couldn’t be better: warm sun was shining on us from the skies, with temps barely below zero and little wind. According to time stamps on my pictures, we spent nearly an hour on the summit: unprecedented for winter travel, at least in my books! Glancing every once in a while towards Duffey Peak, we marvelled at fast progress of Alastair’s group. A relaxed hike back down with multiple sunset pictures on the way :).
Headed off to Pemberton’s MacDonald’s and waited to re-group with others and re-arrange the rides. Great sunny day in the long-missed mountains and a good reminder that unfortunately, good summer shape goes fast. Thanks to Alastair for organizing and the rest of the group for company and conversations!
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