Mount Bell – July 11, 2005

Mountain height:       2,940 m (9,643 ft)
Elevation gain:          approx. 1,200 m
Ascent time:              5:00
Descent time:            2:50

Scrambling with Bob Spirko.

Mount Bell was a scramble whose surroundings scenery and summit view greatly exceeded the actual scrambling – not that I’m complaining in the least – the visual rewards of the trip were astonishing. Most notable were:

1. the clear, turquoisey tint of Boom Lake, with the steep walls of Boom Mountain above;
2. small, remnant glaciers around Mount Quadra and Mount Bident;
3. huge, quartzite boulders along the scramble route
4. stunning view towards Stanley Peak, Mount Ball and Storm Mountain;
5. crumbly and craggy terrain before the summit;
6. an amazing cornice barely hanging onto the east side of the mountain;
7. a fantastic view of Temple’s east ridge and south face;
8. a surprising view of distant Mount Assinboine and Sir Douglas.

Bob led the ascent at a very brisk pace, however, exploring the fascinating terrain (especially the cornice) was way too much to resist, and thus we took a few long detours to do so. The summit panorama was outstanding and the descent fast and easy. A terrific scramble with great company. 

The beautiful colours of Boom Lake 

Quartzite blocks on the ridge of Mount Bell

Glaciers under Mounts Quadra (left) and Bident

A southeast view; Boom Lake, Boom Mountain (above the lake); Storm, Ball, and Stanley line the background

Crumbly and craggy  terrain of the ridge

Bob approaches a large obstacle before the summit (right); Mount Temple to the left

Bob makes his way to the summit across colourful rock

Part of the tremendous cornice on the east side

Bob explores the interesting cornice

Bob looks down on the cornice

The cornice, seen from further up the ascent slopes, near the summit

Bob stands at the summit, looking to the northwest

Bob explores more interesting rock on descent

From the col, looking down the Taylor Lake route

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