| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
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At the trailhead. |
| Scramble: RT
8.5; 4.5 up. We
decided to try Galatea before the early season snowfalls grab hold of
the
taller peaks. We knew there would be a skiff of snow. Yesterday was
cold and the rain produced snow on our local mountains. We were hoping
the sun would melt most of it by the time we got there. It wasn't
sunny, it was actually quite windy... When we reached Chester Lake, we
noticed a lot of bear diggings near the lakeshore. After crossing a
little footbridge, we found the trail heading towards Galatea. The trek
is nice, alongside unusual rock formations and fossilized rocks. The
small lakes are lovely; on a nice day I can see wanting to
go for a dip! The ascent went well; the snow did not hinder climbing
and the clouds lifted revealing the upper mountain. We stayed off the
ridge crest, avoiding all difficulties. Once on the ridge before the
top, the wind
picked up. We hurried to the summit, put on our jacket and hunkered
down in the rock shelter. It was reasonably comfortable. The sun poked
through the clouds occasionally; to our surprise, we stayed nearly
an hour. The descent was pleasant as the weather improved. Overall,
another very good day in the mountains! |
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Bear diggings near
Chester Lake. |
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Mount Galatea is
covered with fresh snow. |
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Nearing the ascent
slope. |
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Hoping the clouds
will lift. |
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Several ways up near
the small waterfall. |
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Our first look at
the upper mountain. |
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The rock slabs offer
firm footing. |
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The summit is the
knob on the ridge, left of the three snow patches. |
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We stayed below the
ridge and traversed skirting the snow patches. |
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Once on the ridge
crest, the summit is in sight. |
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Quickly pulling out
the windbreaker in the rock shelter. |
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A nice view of The
Tower to the North. |
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Looking down the
valley towards Chester Lake. |
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North-eastern view. |
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Heading back down
after a surprisingly long break on the summit. |
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Steep. |
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Last glimpse of the
top. The arrow points towards the scree slope leading to the ridge. |
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Another look. |
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Cheering another
great day in the mountains. |
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Lovely rugged
terrain down in the valley. |
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Mount
Chester. |
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