Ingredients for today were steep ridges followed by some more steep ridges.
Coming into the weekend I was a bit stuck on where to go thanks to the low snow levels around the place. After a look at the weather I knew it was going to be fine (albeit another windy affair).
I talked to Charlie (work mate, not dog) to see if he had any recommendations, of which he came back with Purple Hill (1680m) and Mt St Bernard (1518m). After a quick look at the topo map and search to see if you needed land access, my bag was packed.
It was an early start arriving at Lake Pearson at 7:30am and walking 10 minutes later.
Initial thoughts looking up the hill as I meandered around the lake edge was; what the hell am I thinking? This thing looked steep! I’m a sucker for a bit of discomfort and a grinding climb, but damn…
Progress was good however, having the head down, bum up approach made for some good elevation covered early on. It wasn’t long until the first snack break on a nice knob on the ridge.
The ridge didn’t get any easier and the more elevation climbed the colder the temp got and the winds got stronger. Nearing the top, I got to see the jagged rock formations that were the last 300m before the peak. Fortunately, there was a route through the rocks which wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Making it to the top I took the mandatory photo before dropping down on the leeward side of the mountain for another quick break and to suss out what my route will be across to Mt St Bernard.
The way across was awesome. I had a wicked scree slope to bounce my way down before a short walk across a plateau to grab the next peak.
Finding a place to rest was my next challenge. The Nor’west winds were are strong as ever on the exposed open tops. I found a small pocket to sit down and have lunch in but it did nothing to really stop the wind. Lunch was short lived, with my body temperature starting to really cool off and I wanted to get moving again before having to put another layer on.
The climb back to Purple Hill was slightly arduous with the ground being so soft but I made good time. Another short break then I was heading back down the ridge.
I saw on my way up that to the left of the ridge I ascended, there was a nice open face that had pockets of scree runs going down it. So I did what any normal person would do and found the most fun way off the hill!
And fun it was! About a 1/4 of the way down I found a small creek bed which had been eroded over the years. It now had the best mix of dirt and rock for me to bounce the entire way down the hill. From 1400m to 650m in a matter of 20 minutes. Epic.
With the swampy walk back to the car my legs were starting to feel a little tired so it was a welcomed feeling to sit down, take off my boots and have a bite to eat.
Another two ticked off.
#12 Purple Hill – 1680m, 13.80km, 5 Hours 15 Minutes
#13 Mt St Bernard – 1518m, 13.80km, 5 Hours 15 Minutes
With snow melting here’s hoping for a few more peaks to select from next week!
Cam.