WD40 60m II, WI 4, Green Monster 30m II, WI 4+

 

Nearly 17 years ago, on January 5, 2008, Jason Wilcox and I did 3 first ascents in Upper Evan-Thomas Creek. WD40, Slurpee and Green Monster. All WI4 one pitch routes. Over the last 16 or so years, I have climb these routes several times, but not since 2008 with Jason. December 20 I had the pleasure to climb these routes with Jason, well we skipped Slurpee because it looked awful. WD40 or Wilcox is Dangerous and Barton is 40, was in good shape, with some spice mid route. Green Monster was smaller than most years, but provided some sporty climbing. Great day out with young Jason and enjoyed reminiscing with beer post climb. 

WD40
on Dec. 20, 2024.

Wilcox is Dangerous, back in 2008, Barton was 40.
WD40

JW heading up.

Slurpee.
Not looking very good, we gave it a pass.

JW at the base of Green Monster.

View to Rehab Wall from top of 
Green Monster.

View down to JW at base of Green Monster. 

While climbing on Green Monster, local legend Raphael Slawinski, was leading up the mixed route, Physo-Therapy 50m M7, WI 5. He made this difficult mixed route look like a walk in the park, cool to witness this skill. 

“Buller Pass Peak” (GR204382) - South Slopes Scramble

"Buller Pass Peak"

                              

Had an enjoyable day in the snowy hills on Friday October 25. Laurie and I needed some cardio and alpine views so we headed out for a scenic hike up “Buller Pass Peak” (GR204382). More snow than I was expecting, but fortuitously, a group of strong trail breaking alpine friends were on the Buller Creek trail before us. Turns out, they too were headed up Buller Pass Peak. Funny, we never saw or meet our friends as they chose steeper frozen scree  directness, while we chose a snowier lower angle slog to the summit. Once upon the rocky prominence of the summit, I was convinced the snowy summit slightly to the North was higher, so I slogged over, while Laurie stayed on the rocky summit. Winter like light on the summit and a casual return with a cool winter vibe. Great day in the hills.

Bridge at road side, fresh tracks.

OSWB enjoying the late fall day.
Photo by Laurie.

Wind crust, glad the trail was broken.

LK enjoying the day.

View to Buller Pass (South)

"Buller Pass Peak"

View to Mt. Buller.

Cool clouds.

Thin snow cover on the south slopes.

View to Buller Pass (South).

LK enjoying the fresh air, Mt. Engadine behind.

LK with "Mt. Lillian" behind.

Close up of "Mt. Lillian".

Wintry view to Mt. Engadine (r) and 
"The Tower" (l).

Rocky summit of "Buller Pass Peak".

View north to snowy summit of "Buller Pass Peak".

Laurie on the rock summit.

View to "Mt. Lillian".

View to Mt. Galatea (l) and 
"The Tower" (r).

Laurie on rocky summit, OSWB behind on snowy summit.
Photo by Laurie.

Views to Mt. Assiniboine.