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Mount Bell
Lake Louise, Alberta
July 12, 2005
Unlike many of my scrambles so far this year, Mount Bell I didn't create havoc with snow, rain or thunderstorms. Nor was I turned back because of a slow party as in my attempt via Taylor Lake five years ago. In short, there was nothing to stop me from summiting. For this scramble, I linked up with Andrew Nugara from the RMB forum. This would be my first successful summit with him.
The hike to Boom Lake was monotonous, but Andrew and I passed the time with talk and eventually arrived at the lake. A short, rough trail along the shore led us to the boulder pile. From there, we climbed up a steep gully until we reached the treeline. We climbed a bit higher than we should have, so when we traversed to the col we had to drop down.
From 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 we clambered down to the base of a huge cornice that had peeled away from the mountain just to explore it.
We reached the summit without incident. It was cool and windy, but comfortable enough for an extended stay, so we could study 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
Andrew drops down to cross a broad gully
Mount Ball
West is 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 stone's throw 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 follows below the ridge, but there's some good
scrambling on the crest in places
Scrambling for fun
82 N/8 Lake Louise
