| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
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Tower of Babel from the Moraine parking lot. |
| Scramble: RT
1.5; 50 minutes up.
Fabrice's mom and dad have come for a visit from Montreal. We planned a
nice casual hike to Consolation Lakes. This restricted area requires a
minimum of four people to avoid bear encounters. Fab and I were pleased
to go to an unfamiliar place. I couldn't resist mentioning the
scramble up Babel. Next thing you know, I was planning a quick side
trip. Fab remained with his parents at the base of the boulder field.
Nicely tucked under large trees, they agreed to have an extended break
and watched me climb the gully. Thank you so much Ginette and Mario,
for allowing me to self-indulge! At first, it drizzled. Luckily,
the weather soon improved and the sun peered through the clouds. Hiking
on the wet, lichen-covered rock at the bottom was treacherous. I stayed
far left, climbing below the tower to lessen travel in the slick
rocks. Once in the gully, I hugged the rock wall keeping left. As I
hastily climbed, rocks flew over my head and landed in the middle of
the gully. I quickly reached the upper gully and summit ridge, which
are easy and more fun. The top is great. In addition to superb views,
you can enjoy a nice break on a sofa and read a book or watch some TV;
but I didn't linger. After a speedy descent, I rejoined Fab and his
parents. We walked towards Consolation Lakes on the now busy trail. A
very good day out in the mountains with the family. Thanks again!!! |
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Heading towards Consolation Lakes. |
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The path of least resistance to the gully is climber's left of the boulder field, below the tower. |
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Popular Moraine Lake. |
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The gully; I stayed against the wall on firmer ground. |
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Looking back down. |
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The gully narrows but remains straightforward. |
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The ridge crest is ahead. |
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Complete living room set. |
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Nice sofa and cushion. |
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Moraine Lake from the top. |
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On the way down the upper gully. |
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Back on the trail on our way to Consolation Lakes. |
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Fab is rock hopping along the first lake. |
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Fabrice's mom and dad with the tower in the background. |
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A classic picture of Moraine Lake. |
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