At this point noon was approaching, and we were starting to think about lunch. Although the skies were still primarily clear, we were starting to see some formation of cumulus, and there was that possibility of afternoon thundershowers in the back of our minds. We therefore decided to put a little more mileage on before stopping. This would bring us that little bit closer to the shelter of below-treeline should anything unpleasant appear in the skies while we were eating.
We could see that the next bump on the ridge was quite close and not as high, and we figured that at that bump we'd probably be far enough along on the ridge for us to stop (for lunch).
courtesy JInnes
Andrew and Cassándra, Akamina Ridge
Next section of ridgewalking
Looking east from highpoint
Twenty minutes of extremely easy and extermely scenic ridgewalking brought us to the top of the next bump. From here we could clearly the final bump along the ridge (much lower than our current bump) along with the remaining bit of above-treeline ridge travel. The end of the open ridge didn't look all that far away now, so this was a perfect place to stop for lunch. Especially given the perfect temperature and perfectly slight breeze.
Perfect Mountain Backdrop
Our lofty lunchspot was a good place to observe the dramatic change in topography from south to north. Akamina Ridge sits on the boundary between some very rugged country to the south and much more gentle terrain to the north. Although still definitely mountainous, the terrain to the north had mountains that were much more prone to forming smooth slopes and gentle tops, and the valley bottoms were shallower and broader.
courtesy JInnes
Cassándra and Jenn and Long Knife Peak
View back west to highpoint
Our lunchspot also marked the end of virtually all of the climbing upwards for the day. Except for a very easy and short stretch down on the Akamina Pass trail, we expected downhill from now on.
A discernable footpath led west, first down the crest of the ridge, and then slightly to the left of the crest. It was actually fairly steep for a short stretch, with a more coarse scree texture underfoot. This didn't last long, however, and soon we were back to easy walking on very moderately sloping terrain.
More Gentle Northeastern View
Steep Descent to third bump
Ahead of us was the final (most westward) bump along Akamina Ridge. Although it didn't look that high, we felt that we'd done the two highest points and there was no need to surmount this final one. We could see a scree footpath leading around to the left at a constant elevation, and elected to follow that instead.
courtesy JInnes
Descending from middle bump
Traversing around final bump
Below the final bump, Akamina Ridge began to peter out, broadening and gradually descending towards treeline. The discernable footpath continued, leading us more or less along the crest. As an additional little bonus, the rock strata along this stretch varied between red and green argillite, creating some interesting changes in the color of the little pebbles and stones under our feet.
