Headwall Peak attempt


May 28, 2016


This was just supposed to be a reconnaissance mission to check out John Martin’s 3rd class route up the unnamed mountain between mounts Chester and James Walker, as described in David P. Jones outstanding new guidebook The Climber’s Guide to the Rocky Mountains of Canada - Rockies Central. I would end up ascending to the point about 100 vertical metres from the summit, before icy conditions forced me to turn around.

 

This was my first time in that particular valley and even with iffy weather, the scenery was fantastic. The ascent slope was snowy and steep, but worth a look at. When snowy slopes gave way to pure icy ones, I retreated. Unfortunately, my camera also decided to shuffle off it’s mortal coil somewhere along the way, so photos were few.

 

I’ll be back!



James Walker Lake, with Mount James Walker in the distance



A zoomed shot of Headwall Peak. The ascent route goes right up the centre.



Pleasant scenery on approach



Some of the snow was excellent for glissade on return



Looking across to Mount James Walker



Looking back to Kent Ridge North

 

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