[MCR] Edith Cavell update

Subject: [MCR] Edith Cavell update
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:47:41 -0600
To add to Conny's post from a few days ago we climbed the East Ridge over Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, with a planned bivy in the saddle between the lower and upper ridge.  There are about a dozen steps you need to take in the snow, spread throughout the upper ridge, but this can be easily done without crampons.  The rest of the route is in great shape.
 
This bivy spot is much better than the normal one at the base of the route with lots of snow from the cornice for water and no rodents to speak of.  We descended the West Face route which is quick (3 hours) but the scree/talus bash is a bit of a grunt.  If you choose to go down this way you should take runners, bug dope, bear spray and a bike for the ride back to the parking lot.
 
Had to drive through Red Deer yesterday as a bad accident closed the Parkway 10km north of Bow Summit in both directions.  You might want to check the road report for the latest update.
 
Have fun!
 
Mike Stuart
ACMG Alpine/Assistant Ski Guide

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