After a hearty meal of eggs and toast, we left Calgary, driving West on the Trans Canada toward Banff. Keep in mind that at this point, Sara has NEVER seen the Rocky Mountains.
After about 20 km, we passed over a ridge, and I asked Sara, “Hey Sara, what’s that in the distance?” Sara replied, “Ummm, telephone wires? Hay bales? Wait….. HOLY s#%&!!!! MOUNTAINS!!!”
All I could do was laugh and smile at her pure joy.
We continued on into Banff National Park, mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the Rockies. It never gets old.
In Lake Louise, we found a lot less cars than there were when Kate and I visited in September. It must be the cold. We weren’t scared though – we were about to embark on an epic hike. However, it would not be before a “good-luck chug”.
Up the Lake Louise trail we traversed.
First, around the “pond”.
Second, past pretty waterfalls and “leaky walls”.
Third, through green forests.
We then had a short break at the Tea House to warm our hands and hearts.
Me: “Sara, let’s go up to Plain of Six Glaciers – it’s only another 1.5 km up there!”
Sara (with the Andrew-don’t-be-dumb look on her face): *sigh* “Fine….”
Me: “Great! Here we go!”
The trail got rocky and windy after only 400 m. The wind began to howl and show its fury – we struggled to maintain our footing on the rocky ridge as we pushed toward the looming Victoria Glacier. We later learned that this ridge was above the “Death Trap”. How cheerful…
At long last, we reached the lookout. We were rewarded with a breath-taking view of Mount Aberdeen and Mount Lefroy. Luckily, a party of Dutch exchange students were there to take our picture.
Elated, we hurried down the trail with the setting Sun on our backs.
We then drove North to our campsite at Mosquito Creek. Sara was super happy to successfully split wood with the hatchet.
Realizing that it was Thanksgiving Day, we had a ceremonial shot of slivovice and enjoyed a hearty meal of rice and beans, with roasted marshmallows for dessert.
It wasn’t turkey, but it got the job done.
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