Day 2

The plan for day 2 was to work our way across the flats between Outcast Hill and Kuno Peak, cross the north fork of Tadekho Creek, and make the climb over Yagi Ridge (11.5 km and +754 m, -778 m). Unfortunately the ever-changing weather conditions would cut our day short (6.2 km and +101 m, -260 m, camp 1.5 in the route planning post).

Early morning at our camp beside the tarns - looking south west towards Wealth Ridge.

By morning the rain had stopped but the wind was still gusting. With temperatures hovering near zero we decided the best way to keep warm was to just get moving. The day looked somewhat promising with the clouds starting to break up. Or so we thought.

Don't let the bright sunshine fool you, it really was a very chilly morning (the small mound on the left was all we had to protect us from the wind).

Breaking camp with low hanging clouds still hovering over Kuno Peak.

Despite the chill, the contrasts surrounding our camp were nothing short of magnificent.

Looking north to where we were heading, and hoping the clear skies would spread in that direction before we get there.

The valley to the east beckoned exploration - if you had the time you could spend several weeks just wandering about.

About 20 minutes after we started hiking and things appeared to be improving to the north.

Today was Edziza at its most typical, with scudding clouds that seemed to shred and break apart in one part of the sky while just as quickly coalescing into low hanging gloominess elsewhere. Wait 10 minutes and the weather really does change. 

Kuno Peak shrouded in low hanging cloud.

When the clouds cleared the views across the plateau were crisp (looking towards Exile Hill).

No rain yet, but the rain gear helped to block out the biting wind.

Yeah, it felt like the season was heading for a change - you could smell winter in the air.

A brief patch of sunshine lighting up a beautifully clear stream.

Small patches of lichen that seem to compete with the surrounding topography for attention.

The north east side of Exile Hill.

Rounding the nose of Kuno Peak in a brief bout of sunshine.

A lone, stunted fir tree holding its own on the barren plateau.

As we cleared the nose of Kuno Peak our plans fell apart. With low clouds obscuring the view of Yagi Ridge, we were not sure how extensive the snow from last week's blizzard was higher on the slopes. With the lack of visibility, and in the interest of safety, we decided to set up camp along the north fork of Tadekho Creek and hope for better conditions tomorrow.

Of course once we had camp set up the clouds started to break. No worries though, the views from camp made for a wonderful backdrop to a relaxing evening.

The north face of Kuno Peak with Yeda Peak obscured by cloud in the center.

Looking up the valley to the east section of Yagi Ridge.

The view of Outcast Hill from camp.

With the clearing skies there was obviously a fair bit of snow still on the slopes of Yagi Ridge. Despite this, our proposed route to the top seemed clear enough to make the climb. Tomorrow we would make the ascent.

The last rays of sun kissing the top of the ridge and providing some spectacular contrast.

The evening ended in a mesmerizing display where the clouds briefly out shone the colors of Edziza.