It was a week of laughs, learning and pushing to new heights with the Yamnuska Women’s Introduction to Mountaineering July 14-19. Conditions allowed for a perfect week of travelling on the snow and ice of the Wapta Icefields.
The first morning we woke up to 5cm of fresh snow. It was a gorgeous morning and perfect for warming us up to mountain weather…every type of weather seemed to pass through, sun, sleet, winds, just enough to keep us guessing. The next morning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was a day designed for climbing Mt. Olive and what a great day fpr some of the ladies to climb their first peak.
Our next venture was to Mt. Rhonda. We climbed to the ridge where the lowering cloud cover and increasing winds made for an easy decision to turn around. We made it back to the hut after a tour of the impressive Bow Glacier, just as it started to storm outside. No complaints though, as some good card hands around a cozy fire were dealt instead.
Feeling rested and keen to get out for the last full day the team chose Mt. Thompson, with its varied terrain and some fabulous views to the east, for the next objective. Everyone in the group had an opportunity to lead up and down from the peak. It was the kind of day you’d put the top down for on your convertible…IF you had one. So to maximize the great weather the day was completed with rope teams pulling each other out of cravasses….well practice cravasses that is.
It was a highly motivated group of ladies and all certainly made the most of the week. Ascending to summits, new skills, plenty of memorable moments and most importantly some new friendships!! Nothing puts a sparkle in a women’s eye more then playing in the mountains like a girl!!
Thanks to all. What a great week!!
Merrie-Beth Board
Course Instructor and Girl Guide
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