Mount Chester

Elevation: 3054 m
Elevation Gain: 1100 m
Part of the Kananaskis Range, Mount Chester was named in 1917. The WWI cruiser HMS Chester was severely damaged during the battle of Jutland in 1916. Outnumbered four to one by enemy ships, HMS Chester’s gun crew were all killed during the battle; all but 16 year old Jack Cornwell, who despite being severely wounded, continued to man his post. This eventually allowed the HMS Chester to retire from the battle, saving the lives of many of the crew aboard. Jack succumbed to his wounds two days after the battle. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.
My Ascents:
September 16 2012, July 24 2011, July 28 2008
Trailhead: Chester Lake Parking Lot

After taking our Finnish visitors Jani and Sanna up EEOR a week or so earlier, I was keen to take them back out for another scramble. EEOR is a pleasant little outing, but I wanted to show them some really spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. With that in mind, I picked Mount Chester as our objective since the views in this area are stunning and the scrambling is interesting. In addition to the Finns, I was joined by some of my usual accomplices, Brianne and Aurore.

Beautiful alpine meadows at the base of Mount Chester.

A gorgeous morning at Chester Lake.

The panorama unfolds to the north as the group slogs of to the col.

Slogging...

Once at the col, we were greeted by a spectacular view of the British Military Group. From left to right: Mount Smith-Dorrien, Mount Murray, Mount French, Cegnfs, Mount Robertson and Mount Sir Douglas.

The Robertson Glacier between Mounts Robertson and Sir Douglas.

Taking a scenic breather.

Terrain getting steeper (read: more fun) above the col.

Breezy leads the Finns up steep slabs.

Breezy showing off her mountain goat-like ability following Aurore up the 'fun way'.

Breezy goat and Aurore on steep terrain.

Jani and Sanna nearing the summit.

I carried her all the way to the top to get a better workout.

Spectacular views across Burstall Pass into BC. Mount Burstall on the left of the pass, Mount Birdwood on the right.

White Man Mountain in BC.

Looking south into K-Country and a distant Mount Joffre.

Couldn't have asked for a nicer day! Mount Smuts, the Fist and Mount Shark in the foreground. Mounts Aye, Eon and Assiniboine in the background.

Isn't she beautiful?

She's pretty cute too ;)

Mount Smuts and the Fist.

"Ants" on the popular Chester Lake trail far below.

Spray Lake to the north with distant glaciated giants Mount Ball and Mount Temple beyond.

Looking out towards the Kananaskis Valley and the Prairies. From left to right: Wind Mountain, Mount Bogart, Gusty Peak, Ribbon Peak, Mount Allan, South Kidd, Mount Kidd and the Fortress.

Better weather on the Fortress than three days ago...

Icy tarn at the base of the Fortress.

A long way down to Chester Lake. Spray Lake in the background.

Chester Lake.

Nice summit cornice.

Headwall Lakes in the adjacent valley.

Upper Headwall Lake.

Lower Headwall Lake. Didn't realize that there were three hikers crossing a snow patch in this shot until I looked at my pictures on my laptop later this evening.

Looks like summer, no?

The Tower behind a snowy Mount Galatea.

Scouting out the route near the top of Galatea. Looks scary steep.

Then again, so does the Tower, site of last November's solo misadventure.

Duking it out. Loser buys dinner. I lost.

Group summit shot.

Ready for our close-up.

Breath-taking panorama to the west. Click to see larger.

Jani enjoys the panorama to the north. Click to see larger.

Mount Ray and the Highwood Pass in the distance beyond Mounts James-Walker, Inflexible and Lawson.

Mount Ray, Storm Mountain and Mist Mountain.

A perfect view of Eon, Aye and Assiniboine.

Where can't you see Mount Temple from?

#22 of the year.

Mount Joffre beyond the massive summit cairn.

Grizzly Peak isn't quite high enough to peek out from behind Mount Inflexible, however, you can easily tell where it is by checking out Mounts Evan-Thomas (left) and Packenham (right).

Jani soaking in one last view of the Rockies before heading down, and ultimately home to Finland.

Brianne demonstrating her patented 'jumping down the mountain' descent technique.

A little air guitar to sooth Sanna's nerves.

French flop.

Back down to the col!

The standard glissade technique.

A little less conventional...Who wants dry pants anyways? Too bad we couldn't slide all the way back down to the car!