I hiked to the top of Black Tusk for the first time in 1970 as a solo effort, looking for the unmarked route to the top.    The route is now obvious and flagged, but there were several vertical chimneys to choose from back then.    In subsequent summit climbs the route was bootworn, but still loose, and a bit risky.  

Each time I summited Black Tusk, I left from the campground on Garibaldi Lake, a 10.5 km steep round trip hike. 

Much of the hike is a grind, a steep uphill trail.    The final part is up loose rock chimneys to the summit. 

For the three or four occasions I did this hike, I only had a disposable camera, but I still have some images of the people I was with.    Once was with my father and friend (Jim Horton) who are no longer with us, but they made it to the top.   On another occasion the family made it to the high shoulder at the base of the final cliffs, but only I went to the top.     These are still vivid memories.

Doug and Geo crevasse

Geo on Tusk

Doug Helm

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG

Geo and Joan at Tusk

Geo Helm Glacier

Joan at Tusk

Family on Black Tusk

And, a fly-over of Black Tusk, compliments of Google Earth.  

A personal memoir, cobbled together in bits and pieces, dedicated to George and Joan Smith.