BOU AVENUE
Opal Ridge (North Peak)
On 5 June 2004, I scrambled up the north peak of Opal Ridge in Kananaskis Country.  On an attempt earlier in the season, I was turned back by deep snow.  This time, most of the route was dry, and any lingering snow patches were easily avoidable.  The weather wasn't as cooperative though as a light but steady drizzle dampened both my clothes and spirit (at least initially).  On the rubble slopes below the shoulder, I passed two girls on their way down who expressed some confusion as to what was the actual summit of the north peak.  When I got there, I understood what they were getting at as there isn't really a single, well-defined summit.  Just to be on the safe side, I tagged a couple of cairns further south along the ridge before retreating back the way I came.  The descent was not without some difficulty (most notably, down-climbing a very steep gully with some serious exposure), but I managed to return to my car after a round-trip time of 4.5 hours.
Opal Ridge North Peak This is the north peak of Opal Ridge as seen from below.
Girls going down. The two girls head back down in the rain after coming from the summit.
At the top...sorta! Sonny stands on what he believes is the 2575-metre summit of Opal Ridge's north peak.  The "highest adjacent point" as described by Alan Kane is visible behind him.
Best part of the trip. Sonny scrambles up a short wall to get to that "highest adjacent point".
Maybe some other time... Sonny wanders south along the ridge for a little bit.
Go Flames Go! Despite a chilly wind, Sonny takes off his jacket to show his support for the Calgary Flames.  Behind him is the Wedge.