hiked  Black Tusk (from Rubble Creek parking lot)  and did 24.0Km and 1735m    Mood and date:  Jul 31, 2010 Share it on Facebook Reads:2145

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Technical scrambles should ideally be attempted by experienced hikers; but not if you witness the woefully underequipped throngs that storm Black Tusk every summer. Thinking I would tread a middle ground, I took a mix of seasoned scramblers and adept hikers who were otherwise new to scrambling to try to safely tackle this SWBC landmark. Saturday morning found 10 joyful Wanderungers hiking up to the subalpine that are Taylor and Black Tusk Meadows - the flowers are now nearing full bloom and the mosquitoes minimal. We made good time, and by noon found ourselves lunching at the 1805 m mark looking at Garibaldi Lake and the surrounding high peaks. One hour later we were at Black Tusk base, awaiting our turns to have a go at the chimney. Having a lead, a middle, and a sweep in our climbing procession, our group of ten all gave it a try going up this crux section. After waiting out unending streams of hikers both up- and downclimbing - and with me trying on the role of 'traffic controller' in the initial segment - the eight of us who cleared the chimney finally completed the 10-minute scramble to the top 1:15 after starting. With a blue sky panorama at the top, we marvelled at the surrounding cirques, at Cinder Flats below, and at other wondrous geological formations & glaciated peaks all around, all the while tirelessly clicking away with our cameras. After lending assistance to an injured party (kudos to John K. for his advanced first-aid kit and training) we made our way down, mindful that storm clouds had started to move in. At around Black Tusk Junction, the sky emphatically opened up, with big bolts of lightning, thunders and torrential downpours maki continue reading »ng us sprint down to the forested switchbacks. In this well-matched group of blithe and seasoned hikers, a jovial and funtastic time was had by all, and we carried our jolly-making to the Shady Tree Pub after. Out of that came an alluring idea for our next Black Tusk adventure: the Helm Creek Meadows approach from the Cheakamus side. Can't wait! « less

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Login to add your comment at 11pm Aug 04, 2010 Thank you Dan. I am getting stronger slowly but surely. I am sure I will see you on a hike soon. It is fixed. at 9pm Aug 04, 2010 Was indeed an enthralling day, Ahmad - wish you were there! Btw, I tried posting this TR to my FB but the system would not allow me. Perhaps you can fix that? at 8pm Aug 04, 2010 Very well done, Dan. It looks it was an awesome trip.

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