Chephren

Went back for the third try on Mt. Chephren (3307 m.) this past weekend, likely the last nice weather of the summer. First try in 2005 we floundered along the shores of Chephren Lake, taking the wrong shoreline. Second try that same year had us up 90% of the way, but only 1 of our team the making the top. This time I took 4 hours the first day to navigate the lakehore - which consisted of bushwhacking and hopping from rock to rock on a giant boulder field.

Camped a few hundred meters above the lake on an old snowfield, the only reasonably flat ground I could find. After a long cold night I was happy to vacate the tent by 7 am. 5 hours of steady climbing on steep snowy and rocky terrain put me on the summit by noon. By the summit register only the 3rd ascent of the summer. Fantastic view all around, including Howse Peak and Whyte Pyramid right next door. 7 tedious, careful hours got me all the way back out to the car, picking up the tent along the way.

Moraine Lake Paddle

Judging by the strange looks we were getting from the hordes of onlookers, we completed what might be the first paddle board crossing of Moraine Lake. At the very least the first of the day. Great views of the Valley of Ten Peaks from a brand new perspective.