Hiking through history on Montana Mountain, Yukon, 1991-1995

    This is one of a series of hike reports written from 1991 to 1995 as I was researching the historic mines on Montana Mountain, Yukon, for my first book, "Fractured Veins & Broken Dreams." I carried a notebook, a tape recorder, and a camera on most of the hikes. Photos from each of the hikes have been added.

Dateline: December 31, 2023.

The text of the printed report is in italics.

Sunrise 05:08; sunset 22:46

08:00: with Simon Hutton, left car at foot of Pooley Canyon. Altimeter set at 665m. Determined to get to the Vault. Headed up the south side of the canyon, staying as close to the canyon as possible.

09:24: 1000m, slightly above the level of the terminus of Tramway No.1

10:10 a knoll at 1135m.

1190m - a claim post with "V X X VI VI" carved into it.

Unsuccessful, end of tape. Got soaked in deep snow down in Pooley Canyon. Going down snow chutes [yes, dangerous!], got close to the mine, but stopped by a 50-foot cliff, and snow bridge of unknown integrity. Built a fire up top to dry out before heading down.

Four aerial tramway stands can be seen on the north side of the canyon.

Simon and me taking a break.

Climbing back up after a failed attempt to get down into the canyon.

Simon drying out.

Simon heading south above Windy Arm on the way back to the car.