Jocelyn Timmermans

Feb 132 min read

Iago

Feb. 12, 2024 -- Coquihalla

Stats: 12.1 km / 750m gain / 1758m high / 4:40 hours MT

What a perfect day! It exceeded our expectations. The forecast called for cloud till noon. We had sun the entire day. And for the first time this winter, we snowshoed in 14" of freshly fallen powder snow! Plus the temperatures were comfy and there was no wind. It had snowed all night. Hats off to those in front who broke trail, namely Al & Denise & Sue.

Yak from the parking lot / restrooms by exit 217 off of Hwy. 5.

The first hour of the route involved just a mellow ascent.

Uh oh. Danny's straps broke. Thanks to Iraj who tied it together which stayed firm for the whole excursion. At times like these, one realizes how well equipped most of the members are. Duct tape, knives, rope and Sue even had scissors!

Not far past the pictursque mini-waterfall, the slope began to climb.

Pic 2: At the meadowns we got our first glimpse of our destination.

Great Bear Mt. is a close neighbour to Iago.

After the meadows is where you must be careful that you don't take the route up to Zupjok. We got slightly and briefly off course in the forest.

Leaving the meadows and heading for the ridge.

The ridge of Alpaca, Vicuna & Guanaco Mts -- north.

northwest

On the open ridge, destination in sight.

This was the steepest part of the climb.

Mt. Markhor & The Needle -- south.

Thar, Nak & Yak Ridge -- east.

The final stretch.

Group shot: me, Iraj, Lonja, Sonia, Sheri, Denise, Al, Herb and in front are Irene + Sue.

Missing from this photo is Danny who decided to stay a bit lower down. Just when we started heading down, we ran into him. He was so close to the top so Sheri went back up with him.