Hey West Coasters -- Alpine

[dcentral]

I was wondering if anyone out there has done any peaks on Vancouver Island.

I'm looking to do one that can be done in the summer time with out gear -- seeing as I don't have any for alpine.

I'm getting the guide book its just not here yet. Even if you haven't climbed them do you know of some peaks I should look at?

Peace out.

[PaulB]

You can get up Mt. Arrowsmith by a 3rd class route, but I don't know the details. I was browsing through the new guidebook for the Island the other day and there is lots of good looking stuff in there.

Bivouac.com is also a good resource. You have to pay to get full access, but it's well worth it for anyone who climbs on the Coast.

[PaulB]

I'm looking to do one that can be done in the summer time with out gear -- seeing as I don't have any for alpine.

I forgot to mention, there are lots of alpine routes that don't require anything more than standard rock climbing gear. "Alpine" doesn't always mean that you'll have to deal with snow, ice or glaciers. Even then, all you need is an ice axe (sometimes ice tools), crampons and a bit of knowledge about glacier travel and you'll be good to go.

Have fun!

[dcentral]

Yeah the guide book is quite thick.

I know a couple of people who've done Mt. Arrowsmith. It sounds like a good time.

I guess it just depends on who I go with which ones we can do. I know from talking to someone else that most of the climbs with technical rock climbing are at port alberni up island.

[PaulB]

You might want to check the ACC's Vancouver Island Section summer trip schedule for some ideas.

[dcentral]

Gold Star for you sir.

[climberwannabe]

You could also try the Comox Glacier... I think its mostly a hike to the top, if you are into to glacier travelling.

[dcentral]

Yeah. I've heard about it and know someone who's climbing it next week.

But I don't have ice gear and have no glaicer experience.

Looks like we'll be doing either Mt. ALbert Edward, or a Traverse across Mt. Joan to Mt. Curran.

[dcentral]

Well I finally go out and tried to hike Mt. ALbert Edward 2093m in Strathcona Park.

You can see the pictures here http://www.shutterbook.com/albums/dcentral/12855

It was a good day a bit epic but whatever. We never made it to the top. It rained for most of the day and the whole area was socked in with clouds. We were still making good time, then at about 1.5 km from the summit the wind picked up with hail and snow. So we made the decision to turn around. After an hour like hike in that garbage we made it back to the tree line and stopped for some food in a shelter area. Then the clouds rolled out to reveal a blue bird sky. Which was a bit unfair I thought. But made for a much more enjoyable trip down.

I'd like to try it again but I think I'd like to visit some other peaks first.