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Mount Bell
Lake Louise, Alberta
July 12, 2005
Distance: 20.0 km (12.4 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1221 m (4006 ft)
Unlike many of my scrambles so far this year, I wasn't forced to turn back on Mount Bell due to snow, rain or thunderstorms. Nor did I turn around because of a slow party as in my attempt up Bell via Taylor Lake five years ago. This time, I was accompanied by a fast partner, Andrew Nugara from the RMB forum. In short, there was nothing to stop me – or us – from summiting.
Our hike to Boom Lake was monotonous, but Andrew and I passed the time chatting, and eventually we arrived at the lake. We followed a short, rough trail along the shore to a boulder pile. After clambering over the rocks, we climbed a steep gully to the treeline and continued up the open slope. But we missed the col and ended up climbing a bit above it and to the right. We quickly corrected the error, dropping down and traversing left to reach the col. We were back on track.
After the col, we mostly stayed below the crest. Often a path helped us traverse the rubbly slopes. Other times, we delighted in scrambling over huge boulders.
Andrew proved to be great company. We both enjoyed making side trips to explore interesting features and snap photos. Near the summit, for instance, we clambered down to explore the base of a huge cornice that was peeling from the mountain.
We reached the summit without incident. It was cool and windy, but comfortable enough for an extended stay, so we studied the surrounding peaks before turning back.
MOVIE
Boom Lake
Heading up the gully from the boulder pile by the lake
Looking back at Boom Mountain and Boom Lake
Boom Lake takes it name from the log boom in shallow water
Another look at Boom Mountain
The long grind up the gully
View from the col. This is the alternate Taylor Lake approach that Kane describes.
Typical scrambling below the ridge crest
Andrew drops down to cross a broad gully
Mount Ball
West lies Chimney Peak on the left
Andrew kept busy snapping photos
Minutes away from the top
Andrew above an old snow cornice
Andrew dropped down and I soon joined him
Exploring a short tunnel in the cornice
The summit is a short distance away
Andrew stands next to the summit cairn
The mighty and the humble: Mount Temple overshadows The Tower
of Babel (lower left).
Heading down from the summit
The usual route runs below the ridge, but there's some good
scrambling on the crest in places
Scrambling for fun
82 N/8 Lake Louise
