Exshaw Ridge blossomed memories on a spring-like day

Returning to attack Exshaw Ridge today was all about jumping at the opportunity to formulate favourable memories of this place!  You see, a few years back we paid a day's visit here, leading me to be in the frame of mind to never want to return.    You know though, years pass, you have a change of heart and say oh why not give it a shot.  Agent-X put the shout out and I hopped on board.  Today was go day to give it that shot! 

We geared up in gale force type winds then quickly made our way across the berm to the trail head.  Right at the start the views were outstanding.  No snow, blue sky, few fluffy clouds, it took no time to get into the "remember to breathe" mode.

after close to 800 meters of elevation gain we arrived at our first peak

to a warm sun and no wind

looking back at that first peak as we scramble along the rocky slabs

Getting to our next peak was not the easiest and was a little on the sketchy side for me at times.  My movement was gingerly-like along the almost knife-edge-like ridge with snow slopes on one side and slab slopes on the other.   It was worth it to arrive at the other end and see our lunch destination spot up ahead.

my first destination shot

view from our 1:30 pm lunch spot

After lunch we decided to carry on further considering there were a few more peaks to hit.  The already later time of day though dictated we would only carry on another 15 minutes.  With more elevation to go, we worked our way up to that 15 minute turn around spot.

taking a few minutes to savour the scenery

and capturing summit shots

this is my summit shot for today

view along the way

After all our summit business was accomplished, we aimed back the way we came.  I had a last glance back as we headed into the trees towards that sketchy section which was not as bad upon the return.  We were making good time and considered forming a loop by descending of the ridge then ascending up Exshaw Mountain.  A small oooops occured and we unintentionally bypassed the Mountain.  It will always be there to attack another day.

some springtime sights

After bypassing the turnoff to head up Exshaw Mountain, we incorporated another loop instead, or so we thought.  As it turned out we descended a mere few feet away from where we ascended up the Ridge.  A loop is a loop is a loop, no matter how big or how small and I see a loop of sorts in this close up.

What a most enjoyable time being "out & about" adventuring with friends old & new.  

Thank you for this day!