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Day 4: Cluckata Ridge Day Hike

Andre and I rose early and climbed a small knoll that rose above us and separated our camp from the Big Creek Valley. Atop the knoll we gained spectacular views of the entire valley, from north to south.

The photo below looks south, to the wedge-shaped mountain overlooking Lorna Lake which lies just out of view behind the trees. The two passes that lead over to the Tyaughten Valley are visible at far left (Elbow Pass) and close to center (Lorna Pass - the one we planned to hike upon leaving Lorna Lake).
Looking south at the Big Creek Valley. Spectacular Lorna Lake lies just out of view behind the trees below the wedge-shaped mountain
Looking south along Big Creek. The Relay Creek valley by which we accessed Big Creek lies in the valley just this side of the mountain at center
Finding ourselves in open, sprawling terrain of endless grandeur, we decided to stay put for a day and hike to a pointy peak that looked easily accessible from a ridge above our camp.
The Grant Creek Valley and our peak of objective at top left
Everybody Loves Robson!
Especially Mom!
The advantages of having a dog along: no day pack on your back!!
Almost There...
Standing in the shade of his giant sunhat, Andre holds his boots in one hand while having exchanged them for his super-leightweight mountain slippers; the "Holy Soles" (seriously - that what they're called)
Nothing like the views from the top!
The Big Creek valley is now very far below us. L-R: Aynslie w/ Robson, Ian, Trudel, Andre, Joanne, Sarah, Ashley
Where are the Buffulo??
The Tosh Creek Valley and the High Plains of Big Creek Park
Ashley and Sarah relax in the late afternoon sun above the Big Creek Valley; bare peak after peak of the South Chilcotin Mountains rippling the landscape to the southeast.
After a couple hours on the peak, Andre, Ian and Joanne hiked further along a narrow spine (below), while Ashley and Sarah remained on the peak and Aynslie, Robson and I hiked slowly back to camp.
Ian stands atop the narrow spine beyond the peak
Assembling back at camp around a small campfire, we enjoyed the evening after an easy day's hike and looked forward to reaching Lorna Lake the next day.
Mmmm, don't hese mung bean noodles look tasty!