Day 7

On day 7 we hiked from the head waters of Sezill Creek, along the west face of Mount Edziza, and through a low pass near Tsekone Ridge to Eve Cone (14.6 km, +569 m, -549 m). The views were spectacular with Big Raven Plateau and the Boundary Range to the west, and Mount Edziza dominating the view to the east.

Sunrise kissing the mountain-tops of the Boundary Range.

The morning dawn was impressive, with that sense that you were standing right in the middle of a giant water color painting. I think this was the first night when the temperature stayed above freezing - but it was still chilly until the sun climbed above Edziza, and the patchy cloud moved on.

An impressive caribou skull and antlers found near the head of Sezill Creek.

The head waters of Sezill Creek with Mount Edziza in the background.

Color and contrast characterize Edziza this late in the season. The overwhelming shades of green that dominate the summer landscape dissolve into a tapestry of olives, golds, yellows, and browns - punctuated by patches of scarlet that seem to glow with a final blaze of fall glory.

The last remnants of the mid-August blizzard.

The west face of Mount Edziza with extensive glacial moraine piled along the leading edge.

Crossing one of the many small streams draining off Edziza's west face.

What I remember the most about crossing Big Raven Plateau is an overwhelming sense of freedom. So much open space filled with nothing but infinite possibilities.

 

Big Raven Plateau is very BIG!

Strip away the color and Edziza still impresses a every turn.

There's a different feel when you can see you destination long before you get there.

Tsekone Ridge peeking over the horizon.

A waterfall on one of the many unnamed streams.

The approach to Tsekone Ridge with the low pass on the right.

A lone yearling mountain goat up on the slopes of Tsekone Ridge.

The final approach to the pass.

Our first view of Eve cone.

We spotted a big male grizzly out on the flats digging for ground squirrels - large clots of dirt and sod flying in all directions. At one point, through the binoculars, we could clearly see the quarry attempt a quick dash for freedom before the bear moved with impressive speed to pounce on it. A few quick gulps and it was all over.

We kept a close eye on the bear as we continued on our way. Every so often it would dash away down one of the drainages, only to suddenly reappear a short time later in another spot. 

There's a grizzly out there...somewhere.

At one point we were within 300 meters of the bear and not wanting to get any closer. It finally spotted and/or scented us and made a run for the nearest gully. 

The big male grizzly searching for ground squirrels

An impressive excavation. It might not look like much in the photo but the hole is 3 feet deep and 6 or 7 feet across.

We found a spot south of Eve cone where two small streams drained off the north slope of Edziza. Since water is scarce in this area we decided to set up camp here. There was some debate about camping in the valley or up on the flats. The valley meant cover from any winds that might develop overnight, the flats meant there would be no surprises from the bear as we could see several kilometres in all directions. In the end we chose the flats. It was an idyllic location and the perfect evening (the calm before the storm?) with incredible views of Eve Cone to the north, Tsekone Ridge to the west, and Edziza to the south.  

Jeremy flying the drone at Eve Cone camp.

The view of Mount Edziza from camp.

Looking over our water source towards Tsekone Ridge.

The perfect end to a perfect day.