One kind of adventure: Vimy - Arras - Crypt traverse
41.5km with 2,265m gain and boat crossing in 10:30hrs return.

(30.9 and 10.6km on foot and bike correspondingly with 2,160 and 105m gain)


Vimy Peak - Arras Peak - Vimy Ridge SE/GR939323 is a pretty known route and no need in details.
Wanted to continue it to Crypt and Boswell, based on Nugara's TRs (https://anugara.net/boswell.html)


Crypt Peak
Route from GR939323 to connecting ridge is obvious and easy. It is much more interesting once you get to Crypt's red rock summit block. Very enjoyable moderate scramble, looks and feels like giant's steps filled with pebbles. The only thing on descent, some of those "steps" appear to be slabs and "pebbles" - loose scree. While it is just moderate scramble but based on the terrain, it can easily become an alpine climb even with little snow on it.
A hint for route finding: just follow sheep/goat shit and footprints.


Wanted to continue further but some dark and low clouds were rolling in from Montana side. Even though there was nothing in the forecast. Tried to test my intuition whether to give it or try or not. But smell of ozone in the air made the decision. And of course got Murphy's law as soon as I descended toward Crypt Lake for about a quarter: it got sunny and really warm in that particular valley and all the clouds stated in Montana. Well, better safe than sorry.
Btw, my descent line isn't optimal.


Logistics
My initial plan was to leave a bike at marina in Waterton, start early (which I did - just before 6am), do the whole loop and be at Crypt Landing for the last boat at 5:30pm (https://www.watertoncruise.com/crypt-lake.php#2). Because descended earlier, was at the landing by 3:30pm. Just to see an unscheduled boat (thanks to hordes of tourists on the long weekend). Was a nice surprise. Saved either waiting time or walking.
A better way is just to bike from parking (2 x 6.5km), and distance between Crypt Landing and bike "parking" is about 7km (according to a sign). But in this case you don't need to worry about the boat.


Challenges
- the weather requires to have all stars to be aligned, i.e. all forecast models shall be consistent - "sunny and clear"
- there is a short border crossing on Crypt-Boswell link; I got controversial information from different people at CBP. At one place I was told I "need to submit my entry to the US via CBP Roam App", but in the end upon submission another officer sent "it's not an entry but just crossing from and back, no need to submit".
WARNING: if attempting, checking with proper authorities by yourself!
- you don't want to get a rescue overall, but especially not in no man's land on Montana side. Really doubt that Parks Canada will answer a rescue call there. Better crawl back to Canada then. Otherwise would need to sell a kidney to pay for the rescue in the US. Or better get a proper travel insurance.
- if doing just Crypt Peak, then be ready for hordes of tourists. Believe spent about 20-30mins today just waiting around chain sections and tunnel.



PS: the weather was really bad for photos today; would need to go back to re-take them.