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Cegnfs
Kananaskis, Alberta
October 1, 2004

Distance: 12.6 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1088 m

When Dinah, Dale, Lori and I hiked up French Creek, we intended to climb both Cegnfs and Mount Murray. Unfortunately, we had trouble following the instructions in the Scrambles book; we gained the ridge too far north and were stopped by cliffs. To get back on track, we had to drop down 140 m and traverse rubbly slopes. By the time we reached the summit of Cegnfs, it was too late to attempt Mount Murray.

According to comments in the summit register, other groups ended up on the wrong ridge as well. Like us, they too cursed the author. There's even a well-worn path leading down from the wrong ridge! Drawing from our experience, we returned the following year and found the correct way up Mount Murray.

Postscript: The third edition of Scrambles describes the approach clearer.

MOVIE


Cegnfs and Mount Murray


Mud Lake seen from the trail near the start


Hiking up French Creek trail


We started climbing


That's me, trying to get my bearings


We realized we're off course


We angled down, losing 140 m of elevation, to get back on course


Climbing up Cegnfs. Below is the "rock gate" where we should have started our ascent.


Below was this green pond


Nearby Mount Murray would be out of reach on this day


Going up a narrow gully


Looking down


This scree slope extends up to the summit. Behind is Piggy Plus.


Lots and lots of scree


We took in the scenery as we ascended


The Tower, Mount Galatea, Mount Gusty and Mount Chester


Taking a break


Some interesting rocks


I got off the scree and went left to do some scrambling


On the summit


Coming down from the summit


Heading down a scree slope


On the lower slopes of Cegnfs


Taking a break by larches


While hiking back we chanced upon a porcupine. Apparently it didn't like having his picture taken: he turned his back to me and thumped his tail on the ground!


82 J/14 Spray Lakes

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