Mon, Aug 5 2013 - Chester Lake (View Original Event Details)
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My first venture into the area since the floods. Part of the reason for doing this trip was to check out the state of things in K-Country.
The Smith-Dorrien road from the Pocaterra turn-off to the Chester Trailhead is in great shape. The road from Chester trailhead to Canmore is a little rougher with quite a few potholes.
The Chester Lake trail itself is washed out for the first few hundred meters. You end up hiking a mostly dry and rocky creekbed. Orange flagging tape has been placed to help keep you heading in the right direction. Once past this initial obstacle, it is smooth sailing as the trail beyond was pretty much untouched by the floods.
For scramblers wishing to summit Chester, it is important to note that the route to the Chester col has suffered severe erosion (see photos). I think it would still be possible to reach the summit but would just require a bit more navigation.
A mixed bag of weather today. A bit of rain followed by some sunny breaks and then more rain. Rain gear which normally sits at the bottom of most packs was put to good use. It wasn't too bad though as there wasn't any wind and the rain was light for the most part.
Thanks to everyone today for being in such good spirits hiking on a damp day. Special thanks to Michelle and Kathryn for helping me with the driving.
-Marcel