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High River, (just south of Calgary eh!), Alberta
Canada
1697 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 7:41 PM
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The Fortress (in via Headwall Lakes, out via Chester Lake), July 17, 2010
I’ve had this one in mind for a while and was even turned back from it last summer due to a bear closure so on a beautiful Saturday when everybody else already had plans I figured I’d hit this one solo.
I went in via Headwall Lakes and out via Chester Lake so basically a loop.
Trailhead is the Chester Lake parking lot on the Smith-Dorrien Trail. The map and description for the approach on the ski trails seems confusing describing blue and yellow trails etc but it is basically following a road width trail along the path of least resistance until it crosses a bridge over Headwall creek. A short jog to the top of the next rise reveals a well marked (flagged and cairned) trail that parallels Headwall Creek.
The Headwall Lakes are beautiful and worthy of trip unto themselves. Past the lakes stay in the valley until the base of the slope leading to the col. I started up the lefthand side too soon (wanted a shot down at the lake) and got ledged up and had to backtrack. Not a big deal but pissed me off all the same. The cornice at the col was a bit of a concern but exposure to it was minimal as I scampered across the snowfield below it.
The scramble from the col to the summit is easy enough, scree and slabs with a little bit of hands right at the very end just for balance.
The view from The Fortress is pretty impressive as is the drop down to Fortress Lake below.
Got in a short (250m or so) glissade part way down from the col and then traversed the valley bottom on a combo of exposed rock and rapidly becoming isothermic snow. Punched thru up to the waist a couple times (you know the thing where one leg punches thru and the other ends up on top and you flail around hoping nobody is watching… yeah, a few of those)
Had a short break at Chester Lake which is really pretty if you’ve never been. It has an almost park like feel with its grassy verge populated by families with little kids, fur kids, big dogs, fly fishermen some complete with dingys, old people bird watching, and some that looked like they got off at the wrong bus stop. It is readily accessible via a smooth groomed trail so kudos to everyone for getting out and enjoying a beautiful day. I suppose to some people a clown with an iceaxe looks pretty goofy too.
           
    
 
More plus the slideshow etc: http://claytonditzler.zenfolio.com/p785112316
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Edited by - Sodbuster on 07/19/2010 7:44 PM
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
1186 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 8:47 PM
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| Awesome photos Clayton! I have to say this one is one of my favorites for scenery, especially combined as a loop. Glad to hear the bears didn't keep you away this time. :) |
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 Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13441 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 8:49 PM
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That is one awesome spectacular country there, beautiful photos. Would love to visit it sometime...
K |
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Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
28 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 9:15 PM
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| Great shots! This hike is on my list of must do's. Someday I will. |
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calgary, ab
Canada
149 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 3:29 PM
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| awsome trip sodbuster i wish u gave me a call, would have been a great trip. Thanks for posting |
Edited by - sparkes on 07/20/2010 3:31 PM |
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Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
253 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 3:56 PM
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| Hilarious TR and awesome photos. Makes me want to go there. Thanks for sharing! |
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New Orleans, Louisiana
USA
301 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 7:05 PM
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Nice photos... I couldn't resist snooping around some of your other albums. Nice shots of Grand Canyon, too. That was some of my former stompin' grounds! (Before I moved to the Wetlands.) |
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Powell River, bc
Canada
2527 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2010 : 7:42 PM
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Great adventure and love the pictures!!  |
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High River, (just south of Calgary eh!), Alberta
Canada
1697 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2010 : 11:16 AM
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Thanks all. The scenery on this trip really did exceed my expectations.
quote:
Originally posted by sparkes
awsome trip sodbuster i wish u gave me a call, would have been a great trip. Thanks for posting
I left it a little late to do a casting call... a solo trip from time to time I don't mind anyway.
quote:
Originally posted by Marilynx
Nice photos... I couldn't resist snooping around some of your other albums. Nice shots of Grand Canyon, too. That was some of my former stompin' grounds! (Before I moved to the Wetlands.)
Glad you liked it. I'm really happy with zenfolio as a way of managing photos. I plan on fleshing it out more this winter. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2010 : 3:11 PM
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| A nice scramble of an impressive peak that allows a visit to several alpine tarns. What more can be desired! |
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876 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2010 : 3:57 PM
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| Great read! I've got to do that loop some time, it's had my eye for a while. I know what you mean about the park-like setting at Chester Lake. I don't know whether it's the people or the ease of the walk, but it can seem underwhelming for how beautiful it actually is. |
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The Fortress (K.ctry) July 17, 2010
