Started the day with a do it yourself buffet breakfast as we were staying in a hotel. Still very acceptable although dropping a little from our previous delights. We left after breakfast this morning for the drive to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, where we are staying.
First, get lost getting out of Calgary, then onto Rte 1 and all the way to Canmore. Stop at tourist information where we were helped by a delightful Scottish lass from Kirkcaldy, although her parents now live in Yorkshire and are visiting her next week, she was very excited about them coming. The scenery around here is breathtaking and there is lot of 'wow' going on. The lady suggested places for us to stop, one of which was Johnstone's Canyon, with a short hike to two waterfalls, an upper and lower falls. It was extremely crowded (this is an understatement) but very beautiful nonetheless. There was also quite a lot of steps up and down. Supposed to be two types of Dipper use the river but no sightings today. Lots of Ravens, and squirrels. It's rather odd to see Ravens behaving like the pigeons in Trafalgar Square - hanging around picnic tables etc.
Turned off onto the scenic route and saw a bear causing a 'bear jam'. All the cars stopping to have a look (which the Parks Authority ask you not to do unless there's a pullover - not a wooly jumper, but a lay-by to us). As we were stopped in the jam anyway we managed to grab a quick picture of the bear before carrying on. We had a very clear road behind us as nearly everyone else parked up.
Lots of other stopping opportunities along the way to gawp at the majesty of the mountains, but no more bears (or bird sightings), or elk or moose for that matter.
Before going to our accommodation we stopped at Lake Louise, which was also very very busy. We managed to find a parking place and walk to the lake to view the glacier entering at the far end - plus view all the tourists taking photos! After this we drove up to Moraine Lake and our accommodation. Too tired to drive anywhere else so made reservation for dinner after it gets dark.
As a pre-dinner appetiser we climbed to the top of a glacial debris pile for some photo ops, and then took the path through the woods along the lakeside. Lots of trails are currently restricted to groups of four or more people - as a precautIon against the grizzly and brown bears The lodge runs naturalist guided walks, but only Wednesday to Sunday and we will have left by then, such a shame to miss out on this, but never mind. There is a free talk by a naturalist tomorrow night on grizzly bears so that should be good. This place was also very very busy earlier but now most of the day visitors have left and so it is a bit quieter and very relaxing. The temperature here is significantly lower that where we were before, although it was warm enough in the sun through the day. Our room has a wood burning stove and a comfy queen bed, so we should be nice and cosy. We also have a balcony overlooking the lake, and have booked to eat in the restaurant here tonight.
Hoping for an early start tomorrow as they are promising good weather.
Eric's first sight of snowy capped mountains
