2009-04-11 50 -119

Location

Next to the summit of Estekwalan Mountain outside of Falkland.

Participants

Planning

I figured I could drive Rob Roy Road to within a few hundred meters, then scramble up the little slope. Google imagery showed it as a nice wide road, even Google mapping marked the road I would be using. Way easy! I slept in, dreaming of tomorrow's conquer.

Expedition

The Drive

Contrary to the impression I got from Google, Rob Roy Road was an unused single-lane switch-backing four-wheeler climb. I managed about 3km and gained 300m in altitude before there was enough snow and mud to stop my overworked Subaru.

Then came the realization that I had likely put myself in the same bad situation as my last two expeditions: lots of kilometers, lots of snow, little daylight, and only my two boots to get me there. Apparently I'm a slow learner. Not to be discouraged, I set out thinking I could still make it.

On Foot

The first kilometer was only patches of packed snow, which I found encouraging. This brought me up another 100m in altitude, deepening the snow. I zig-zagged around the road trying to avoid submerging my boots. The place was littered with deer tracks, and I soon learned that following them was wise. They really know the best way to go! The entire time I had also been following a set of days-old ATV tracks. As I turned yet another bend, the tracks ended, and upon stepping forward I realized why. The snow was much deeper, too deep for the ATV, and probably too deep for me. I continued anyway, submerging my legs with every step.

The progress was very slow, and I was getting very wet. A kilometer and a half later I found myself at a lookout 600m above where I had left the highway. The view was naturally spectacular. I could also see far down the path I would have to continue on, now flat, but also thigh-deep in snow. I had already realized I would not be able to make it to the coordinates and back before nightfall, so I made this my farthest point before turning back.

Back Down

On the way down I found a second lookout hidden from the road. It had lots of sun exposure, making for a warm, dry place to sit and rest. It also provided the best scenic photo. This pocket of climate was also enjoyed by a juniper bush, the subject of this expedition's flora photo.

Conclusions

Despite ending 2.67km from the coordinates, I had actually accomplished all the climbing, half of it on foot. I was also much closer than any of the roads below. In the summer I could have driven like I originally had planned. In the winter, having left by noon, it would have been a nice day trip with skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile.

Lessons Learned

Snow levels increase rapidly with small changes in altitude
Using the 3D feature of Google Earth helps put things in perspective.
I need waterproofing wax for my boots, packable snow pants, and snowshoes (in that order).
Google imagery may be enhancing roads, even without mapping.

Achievements

Gained a small fan club without having a write up.


Sat 11 Apr 2009 in Vernon, British Columbia: 50.5143502, -119.6418935 geohashing.info google osm bing/os kml crox