In an attempt to keep the "Living in Squamish is awesome" week-end series going we decided to pay a visit to the Tantalus mountain range. Lake Lovelywater and the peaks surrounding it are just a stones throw from our house on the Squamish River. This area is a special one and sees much less traffic than nearby spots due to the challenges of the Squamish River crossing. Many parties head up by means of mechanical bird, but in my opinion the only real way to experience these mountains is by your own power. It had been over 20 years since my last visit and Tantalus had been calling my name since we moved to Squamish over 2 years ago. Kathia and Danielle devised an idea that would truly make this a memorable one. Tom would drop us off at the Squamish River with a canoe and the rest would be up to us to get home.
We searched everywhere for a red canoe to match Kathia's car. When we picked it up we could clearly see our next days objective of Alpha Mountain.
We crossed the Squamish without too much trouble in high water.
This was a HOT day. Temps were breaking records in the entire Sea to Sky corridor. With fully loaded overnight / climbing eq packs we got up the steep trail and landed at Lovelywater 3.5 hours later.
I took this photo of the lake across the valley from Brohm Ridge in January. What a spot!
When we arrived the girls and I quickly took to the beach life and escaped the heat in Lake Lovelywater.
What a beautiful evening in the Tantalus Range....
We awoke early to a spectacular coast range sunrise and set off for Alpha. It's a pretty iconic Squamish peak and can always be seen when we playing in the valley.
It possesses a beautiful pyramidal shape not unlike the mountains I used to draw as a child.
We always see it from Whistler on our alpine epics as well.
The Russian Army camp was scenic.
As was most of the route to it's base.
We crossed a section of glacier and made out way to the rock sections above.
Serratus, Dione and Tantalus filled our background....
Tantalus is a spectacular peak!
The climb was in perfect shape and the views only improved as we made our way skyward.
Views of Squamish and Howe Sound outstanding from the summit!
There's Lions Bay....
Squamish....
Garibaldi....
Friends and Tantalus....
The Sky Pilot....
Serratus and the Jim Haberl hut to it's right.
The only think left to do was rap down to the lake.... The day took 10.5 hours.
And this was waiting....
In the morning we packed up for the trips REAL adventure. The hike down was fairly brutal as our legs and feet were punched from the previous day. The river that flows from Lovelyewater made the trip all worthwhile.
We reached the river and got to witness a group of climbers doing it the other way. Super cool.
We loaded the canoe and pushed off into the Squamish!
And enjoyed some scenic sections of the river on route.
Patrons of the Watershed Grill enjoyed watching the only canoe pass by.
We scoped a spot where a solid 5 min portage was necessary to get onto the slough that runs into our backyard.
Nice fit!
Once again we were water-bound....
Then with only an 80m portage we loaded the canoe onto Kathia's car in our front yard! Alpha to Amblepath was a done deal. Living in Squamish rules!
The only thing left on the schedule was trying to put a dent in my kegs!
2 comments:
looks like a great weekend with the perfect ending (except for the finger)
Thanks Peter.... It was a great one for sure....
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