The two conquering heroes at the Base of Moraine Lake. Note the bear spray on my right hip. We were ready if one decided to pursue us but we saw no traces of the elusive Grizzlies.Marc and I left Enumclaw on Sunday for a quick trip to Banff National Park in Canada. We were anxious to get in some hiking and biking in what I consider the most beautiful place in the world -- if you exclude Switzerland.
The drive was a little over 11 hours and went through some gorgeous country. Monday morning we went straight to Moraine Lake -- a jaw droppingly beautiful place above Lake Louise. The water in the lake is an arrestingly greenish blue that is unlike any other I have seen.
We were excited about hiking above Moraine Lake but as we hit the trailhead we were confronted with a sign that said because of "grizzly issues" all hikers had to be in groups of four or more. If you are caught in a group less than four you are subject to a fine of up to $5,000!. That got our attention -- the fine, not the bear scare -- and we thought we would have to change our plans. We went down to the Park Visitor's Center and they told us to go to the trail head and we would likely find a couple of people to go with us. Sure enough, when we got back up to the trail head there were two other couples ready to go on the same hike (Sentinel Pass) we wanted to take and we joined them. One couple was from Holland the other from Germany. All four of them spoke excellent english and they were delightful to hike with.
Our hike took us to the Valley of Ten Peaks and up to Sentinel Pass (about 8,500 feet above sea leave) where we had a stunningly beautiful 360 degree view. Total miles hiked for the day exceeded twelve so it was a good workout. Before we went back to Moraine Lake we hiked over to Eiffel Lake. It was an unforgettable day and the number of incredibly beautiful views were beyond measure. Here are a few photos of the hike.
Marc and our hiking group in the Valley of Ten Peaks (you can only see seven in this photo).
On the trail to Sentinel Pass which you can see just to the right of my shoulder.
Marc is walking along a glacier lake just below Sentinel Pass
We are at the pass looking back toward the Valley of Ten Peaks
At the pass looking the other way
Marc above Moraine Lake
3 comments:
i can't believe the bear thing! that is crazy. i guess they are serious when they are handing out fines like that. but not bear sightings eh? shame. glad you didn't get attacked though.
The scenery is amazing! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm glad you are being careful about the bears!
I am so happy that you had so much fun on your trip. Love you and thanks for sharing
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