2016-08-05 Mt Rae
First ones in the Parking lot..
Leon as we pass through Ptarmigan Cirque on route to Mt. Rae.
Ptarmigan Cirque is an interpretive loop and a nice short hike in the Highwood valley.
The pointy rock in the upper left. is the ridge that leads to the summit. We still need to walk to the back of the cirque and make a left around the ridge.
Looking back. Highwood ridge on the right is above where we parked.. Soon the sun will enter our valley.
Our destination at this point is the low part of the ridge. It get's reasonably steep before we gain the ridge
Sun starts to crest the ridge
The summit ridge is above Leon's head there.. the angle of the ridge extends away towards the summit.
Just reaching the start of the rock ribs that will lead us to the col
Looking back from where we came as we continue up to the col
Leon climbs up on the ribs, which is easier than climbing up on the loose dirt/rocky terrain below. Plus, it's more fun.
Another look back, views are starting to open up.
On the col between Ptarmigan Cirque and the Rae Glacier valley.
Various paths cross the scree slope. most all of them looked like they would get you to the upper summit ridge.
Leon and the Rae Glacier.. which I've read is the eastern most glacier in the Rocky Mountains
Leon balancing on a small rock fin, Thousands of feet above the valley. Kananaskis lakes in the distance.. I didn't get an angle where you can really see just what he's standing on, but it would have given me the willies.. lol
This amazing view looking south towards Mt Arethusa, Storm and Mist mountains.. The rocks in the foreground protruding like daggers.. I love this shot.