Headed up-valley 8k from BC in Bertha with Jamie Ledingham and TF.
Headed for the first time into the steep re-entrant leading into the hidden valley, at back of which we hoped there would be a glacier suitable for Young Explorers.
Initial climb was steep, following the water. Beautiful flowers.
Good reveal as we turned the corner: a white headwall.
Located some sites that would suitable for camps: rough and ready but do-able.
Progressed up the valley floor - two or three kms - over difficult ground: valley floor filled with blocks of rubble. Two major steepenings - like rollers on a ski piste - both holding snow which we could use for skills training.
Atop the second we saw full extent of glacier. It looked pretty steep. Too steep? Jamie was puffed so stayed put. TF and I went fwd to the glacier. As we neared the perception of steepness decreased. By the time we geared up at its foot we knew we could walk straight up it.
Progressed until we could see into dead ground - about 5700m - and get a look at possible summit rte up the shoulder.
In descent we traversed out of the hidden valley and onto `the Band`. This afforded spectacular 360 views and a great sense of orientation.
Long day. V successful recce. Nice to carry back good news to BC and see the enthusiasm spread through camp.
