Birthday Hike at Lake Louise

The view across Lake Louise from the Chateau.

We celebrated my birthday by driving about an hour north of Banff to Lake Louise - another stunning place in this magnificent area - to spend the day. Rather than driving up the Trans Canada highway with the rest of the tourists we opted to try an alternate route - the Bow River Parkway - which parallels the other road but is a two lane meander thru the forest. Whereas the main highway is usually clogged with bumper to bumper traffic transiting the corridor, with road construction delays added just to increase the fun factor, the Bow River route was almost deserted...had it almost to ourselves anyway, which made for a very pleasant and scenic 45 minute trip. Even saw some critters along the way - two huge Elk stags browsing along the side of the road.

Once at the Lake we walked around the Chateau Lake Louise - the big European style hotel that dominates the small village and which features prominently in all of the tourist brochures of the area. Really was a pretty place. Styled to evoke the image of a Scottish castle. And sitting right at the edge of the lake with views up to the distant glaciers...as you can see from the accompanying photos.





Another look from the grounds of the hotel.



Looking back at the hotel from the Shoreline Walk.

As usual we had our hiking gear and decided to wander up the shoreline trail to Lake Agnes about 1,000 ft. above Lake Louise, where they have a tea house - a very European thing that I've only seen before in Germany or Switzerland. After an hour's slog uphill it was neat to emerge onto another beautiful vista and to be able to sit down and enjoy a hot beverage and a snack. Since the trail we hiked is the only way in or out, supplies have to be brought in every few days by horseback...a mini pack train.


Heading up to Lake Agnes.



Rita at Lake Agnes on a pretty day.



The view from the trail. Makes Lake Louise look like the world's largest lap pool, doesn't it?

After a short rest we opted to continue via a connector trail that eventually brought us to another tea house located further in the back country - in an area called the Plain of the Six Glaciers. Another scenic hike up into a secluded valley. Stopped there for lunch and to rest our weary legs before the trek back down the hill. I was a bit taken aback at the thought of paying $8.00 for a peanut butter & jelly sandwich...until I saw the sandwich. Made with hikers (and calories) in mind, it was made of home made brown bread sliced extra thick and then slathered with the PB and J. God it was good - and probably would have fed a family of four for about 3 days. Wandered around the vicinity for a half hour or so - just marveling at the views of all the glacial peaks around us - and then headed home just as the "afternoon rush" seemed to be arriving. I was frankly surprised at how many people were arriving - it was a good 4 mile hike to get there after all - and at how poorly prepared most seemed to be. Inadequate footwear, no rain gear or warm clothes, etc. It was as if they started out on the shoreline trail in front of the hotel, which is quite easy and totally flat, and then just decided to go for it apparently believing that the rest of the hike was the same grade as the first mile. Anyway, we saw some sorry looking touristas that half looked like they might have to be helicoptered out once they finally arrived at the tea house.


Nearing the end of the trail.



And finally, the view from the end of the valley. There really were 6 glaciers in the little amphitheater around us.

Drove back to Banff along the same parkway that we came up on. Really relaxing, and always with the chance to see wildlife grazing next to the road.

Don't really have anything significant or profound to say about turning 64. The only thing to be said in favor of getting older, once you've reached a certain age, is that it sure beats the alternative.

I'm reminded of a quote attributed to Babe Ruth, who said that he knew it was time to retire from baseball when all of the baselines started to seem as if they were running uphill. I'm starting to know how he felt.

A few more days here in Banff before we head to Calgary.