The outlier and North Kent above a snow-covered parking lot.
North Kent Outlier I thought that the little unnamed ridge west of North Kent would make a good winter ascent but I was surprised to find a trip report on the internet: Tony Daffern had ascended the outlier only two weeks earlier. Sonny, Dinah and I took advantage of his route. The Sawmill parking lot was closed so we parked by the road and headed out. We took the first left turn by mistake, quickly corrected it, and got back on track. We were intimidated by the maze of logging roads, some of which were so overgrown as to blend in with the forest. But in a short time we hit upon snowshoe tracks likely laid down a fortnight ago by Tony. The tracks were only partially filled so breaking trail required little effort. After passing the treeline we dropped our snowshoes in the shallow snow and hiked to the summit. We spent nearly half an hour taking photos and having lunch. There was no breeze but we moved down from the summit a short distance where it was warmer to eat and view the surrounding peaks under cobalt skies in relative comfort. |
The outlier and North Kent above a snow-covered parking lot.
The first logging roads are spacious.
Views to the west open up as we ascend
As we climb the logging roads become more confined.
We reach the treeline.
We remove our snowshoes and set off on foot.
This big horn sheep kept ahead of us.
Impressive cliffs
Same as above except Sonny comes into view
Looking north down the valley
Sonny peers over the edge. Mouse over to back up.
We find a trail higher up.
The grade eases as we near the summit.
Arriving at the summit
Sonny and Dinah are close behind me.
Summit shot
On the way down, Dinah and I aim our cameras at each other, Mouse over for Dinah's shot.
View from the summit. North Kent right.
82 J/14 Spray Lakes Reservoir