March 9 - 13 km / 750m cumulative gain / 1730m high / 5 hours MT / snowshoed
It was around -4C at the #217 exit off of the Coquihalla restrooms. But about 20 minutes after leaving the parking lot we were already peeling layers off.
Pic 1) The first hour the route had a gradual grade 2) Yak at our back 3) the concrete bunker was almost buried 4) marshmellow 5) looking back 6) diamonds in the snow
A large group was camping out by the meadows. From there we could see Iago and Great Bear Peaks.
Keeping a close eye on our GPSs. About 15 minutes up the Zupjok snow trail after crossing the meadow, is where we'd gotten lost on two prior hikes. Thanks to my All Trails app, we found the correct route. We did have to break trail for a bit but soon found a snowshoe trail leading us to the ridge.
1) our destination in sight 2) the Needle across the hwy 3) NW on Serna, Gemse & Reh 4) Yak
group shot: me, Cal, Don, Gary, Sue, Brian, Claudine, Judy & Terry
1) south on the Needle + North Cascades 2)west 3) Gamuza, Steinbok, Ibex, Chamois, Serna, Gense & Reh Peaks 4) the Zupjok Ridge with Alpaca, Vicuna + Guanaco Peaks and then Yak to the right
Heading back down on snowshoes takes half the time as going up. And its more fun.
1) goofy guys 2) Gary gets a snow-face 3) Cal tries hard to get a snow-face too 4) It just doesn't work. Perhaps a lack of hair?? And its very chilly.
Looking back at Iago Peak.
pic 1) Judy standing on top of the tree pic 2) the Needle
Afterwards we all went to the Blue Moose in Hope for goodies & gab.
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