Day 4

After losing a day at Yagi Ridge, day 4 would see us get back on track with a climb out of the Nagha Creek drainage and across Kitsu Plateau before descending into Raspberry Pass (12.0 km, +629 m, -778 m).

Packing up camp on the south side of Nagha Creek with the morning sun lighting up the backside of Yagi Ridge.

Jeremy crossing Nagha Creek.

Every morning seemed to start with a chilly stream crossing followed by a long climb out of a valley. With the stream coming straight out from under Nagha Glacier just a kilometre or so upstream, the crossing was bone-chilling. But the water level was down about 10-12 inches from the previous afternoon, making what would have been a crotch-deep crossing for me a more acceptable mid-thigh affair (but just knee-deep on Jeremy seen crossing here).

Christoph and Alejandra enjoying the first of what would be several clear, blue-sky days in a row - a rare occurrence for Edziza.

Still looking like summer in all its green glory...but not for much longer.

Sunrise over Nagha Glacier.

The climb to Kitsu Plateau is long, but not particularly steep.

In the end, persistence pays off.

The Ash Pit on the south west corner of Kitsu Plateau.

Once you reach the rim of Kitsu Plateau, if you look to the west, you will see what is known as the Ash Pit. Here, a volcanic eruption has blown out the side of the plateau. 

A close-up view of the impressive Ash Pit.

A last look back at Yagi Ridge. Our descent route on the back-side was just right of center starting at the low saddle.

Kitsu Plateau looks vast, but it will pale in comparison once we reach Big Raven Plateau.

Looking across Kitsu Plateau towards the ridge on the other side of Raspberry Pass, with Edziza just peeking over the top.

We spotted some Osborn Caribou out on the plateau (lower right), but with nothing but wide open space, we were not able to get any closer. We had good views through the binoculars but could only zoom in so far with my camera.

Chunks of obsidian littered the plateau, some as big as watermelons. 

Most were jet-black but we found a few small pieces that were olive or chocolate-brown with streaks of black running through them.

Yeah, Christoph was really excited to be here!

Sampling the local cuisine.

Enjoying a short lunch break near a small spring. From here, the water flowed out in two entirely different directions.

Roaming the wide-open spaces of Kitsu Plateau.

Looking down into Raspberry Pass from the top of the drainage we chose to use as our descent route (Tadeda Peak off in the distance on the left).

Looking back up the drainage we hiked down.

Right near our camp on Bourgeaux Creek, we found remnants of the old telegraph line. It was laid down in 1899-1901 and was in use up until 1936 when radio finally took over.

We all agreed that our camp in Raspberry Pass was our favorite. Perched on a grassy meadow alongside Bourgeaux Creek with fantastic views all around. It was still warm enough in the evening for a quick dip in the crystal-clear, gravel-bottomed stream.

Looking west through Raspberry Pass with the evening sun sinking low at the end of an idyllic day.