A brief update on my own training and injury issues. It's been a very positive three weeks now and I've been on my feet fifteen of the last sixteen days with very little in the way of reoccurring foot pain. I hesitate to say behind me, but I have certainly gotten things to a manageable point in which training is finally starting to make sense again. It's definitely exciting given how incredible our spring weather has been this year and how quickly the higher terrain is opening up. In line with that, we got out to tag a peak yesterday. Here's the trip report.
Sigurd Peak - 1940m / 6360ft
06-11-14
Party:
+Eric Carter, Nick Elson
Conditions:
Mostly clear and sunny spring day with temps in the mid to high teens. An unseasonably warm and sunny spring has lead to early melt out. The lower trail as in immaculate condition looking like it had been recently trimmed. We first reached snow at about 1100m and then consistently above 1300m. The trail peters out a bit around 1100m with some sidesloping but is always flagged just sufficiently enough. Above 1500m was all snow for us and we simply followed sightline to the top. I packed along and wore Mircospike though they did not appear to provide any benefit as the snow up top was quite soft.
Timing:
2h35m ascent time, about ten minutes of stop-time up top, and then 1h30m descent time which included a ten minute detour to the well worthwhile Crooked Falls (600 meters return)
Total Distance:
15km / 9.4m
Total Elevation Gain:
2130m / 7000ft
Pace - Easy/Honest/Intense:
Honest. We kept a good pace up to the top and had a few breaks to take in the views. The descent was consistent but again not pushing the pace at all.
Gear:
Standard trail running gear, plus poles and Microspikes, though only I used the Mircospikes and the snow up top was soft and plush so the spikes were not necessary
To The Trailhead:
Approximate drive time from North Van to the trailhead was 1h15m
Access:
You can drive right to the trailhead in any vehicle. You spend a few kilometers at the very end of the drive on a freshly graded and relatively flat forest service road. Going beyond the trailhead area would likely require a 4WD vehicle
The Route:
Completely sign posted from the start. It's a straight up and straight down trail with very little flat terrain mixed in. Once over about 1100m the trail becomes a bit more obscure but is still flagged appropriately. We had a few minor detours off the route but always found it again without major issue. Above 1500 meters was consistent snow and we simply followed sightline to the summit.
**If you decide to head up before the snow fully melts out you must be aware of cornices. Not overhanging from above but cornices that if not paying attention you could easily walk out onto and collapse with dire consequences. Pay attention to terrain hazards if attempting in the spring. Having said that, there is zero threat of danger if you're simply paying attention and you understand what you're looking at.
Assessment:
A very worthwhile and surprisingly accessible spring summit. I was amazed we were able to get to almost 2000m in early June as this is certainly not the case most years. Views were great though not unbelievable. Worth the effort in every sense though. Looking up at Ossa and Pelion is fun and certainly beckons you to return later in the season for those targets.
*We did not come across any water sources on route so it's best to take along all water from the start
GPS via Movescount:
Pictures:
GR