July 16, 2009 Boundary Marker

My second objective was to get to the Marker that marks the International Canada - United States boundary and the Montana - Alberta - British Columbia boundary.

There is a photo on Google Earth of this marker. I had not anticipated much problem getting to the marker. But Google Earth or even the very best topographical maps do not show everything. I could see, from Forum Peak, that there two two significant ledges to be descended in order to get to the marker. I mostly resigned myself to the fact that I could not or should not attempt to go there. But as I walked back along the top of Forum Peak I decided to give it a try.

I could find no evidence of any path or trail to the marker so I assume that not many people go there. I could not even see the marker and in fact it may have still been under snow cover. But there was an area of broken rock and some talus that I thought I might descend so that I could get onto what is a very steep scree slope. I mentally calculated the risks of attempting this decent solo and against my better judgment I made the decision to give it a try. I did manage to descend less than 100 feet and with the aid of the few trees that were growing along the scree I made my way to the top of the next ledge. I could see no way of descending this ledge. I wasn't even sure that I could get back up where I had just descended so common sense told me not to go further. Later I measured,on my map, the distance that I was away from the marker and by that measurement was within 200 metres. I have entertained the notion of returning and with the aid of an experienced person to guide me I am sure it is possible to get to that marker.

As I anticipated ascending, back the way I had descended, was more difficult. I found the talus to be unstable. At one point on my way up I worked my way along a ledge for quite away only to have it peter out on me. At another point as I was trying to anchor my left hand on a substantial rock, so that I could move one of my feet to its next anchor, the rock gave way and slid. Luckily it slid away from me and I was still anchored by my two feet and right hand. But it made me acutely aware of how unstable this material that I was scrambling up really is. And I am thinking the whole way of how I am not in really great physical condition either. And what if my legs give out. Needless to say I was tremendously relieved to get to the top and of the rock.

What a comfortable pleasure it was to walk on gentle vegetated slopes again. I think that I had taken about an hour to descend and ascend my scramble.