Day 12 - July 26th, 2014 - Moraine Lake - Lake Louise Gondola - Emerald Lake

 Rockies Trip - Day 12 - July 26th, 2014

Moraine Lake revisited - Lake Louise Gondola - Emerald Lake

What a difference a little sunshine makes! Blessed with a super day with warmer temperatures, we felt compelled to revisit some of the places we had been to yesterday - not just for better pics, but also so that our visitors could witness the true beauty of the area in all its glory. Seeing this perfect  symmetrical reflection more than justified our decision. 

Moraine Lake was truly magnificent this morning and without the cold winds blowing down from the icefields as it was the day before, we felt more inclined to spend more time here. Our climb to the top of a rocky viewing point was well rewarded and we could appreciate, even more, why it has been acclaimed so much by artists and tourists alike. 

Bear activity on the trails requires laws to be enforced

An explanation of the colours in the water

We were impressed that the trail leading to the viewing point was perfectly blended to its surroundings. 

After completing our revisiting, we crossed the highway to the Lake Louise Gondola, which also gives the choice of going up in a chairlift. From here, a panoramic view, not only of Lake Louise, but of the surrounding peaks may be seen. Whichever way you look, you are met with a million-dollar view. 

Alan H. preferred the gondola

We also met a wonderful family from Brampton while we were there. Anil, Natasha, Gabriella and Marcus (hope we have the spelling right!) were such a joy and we look forward to connecting with them in the future. (We haven't included our photo of them, as we forgot to ask their permission to do so). 

At the top, there was a wildlife interpretive centre which gave Mark his opportunity to continue his newly-adopted pastime. 

Not just being content with having his photo taken with these models, Mark decided that he wanted to become one with them!!

I thought the last picture made him look more like Max (the Grinch's dog!!)

A tasty treat, complete with a latte, allowed us more time to relax and take in the scene before us. Phyllo pastry is one of our favourite delights - especially as we don't have it very often!!







To add to our excitement, we glimpsed a large grizzly bear on the way up, but got a closer look on our way down. He had hardly moved from his dining area the whole time we had been up at the top! This was to be a reoccurring part of our conversation for the rest of the day!

The next leg took us across the border again into B.C., towards another of our favourite places, Emerald Lake. Thanks to our friend, Helena, who had told us of this beautiful spot when we visited the Rockies back in 2009. On the way, we dropped in to view the Natural Bridge - aptly named - with its fast-flowing waters. Yoho National Park is definitely worth a visit.

Emerald Lake, itself, is nestled in a valley completely surrounded by magnificent mountains, and has many trails leading further into the wilderness. Unlike Alberta, there were no apparent laws regarding numbers required in hiking groups so. apart from general reminders that we were in bear country, personal safety is left up to the common sense of the adventurers. We decided to stick to the main trail around the lake, though Mark and I have added the other trails to our ever-expanding bucket list.

We partook of a meal on the patio of the lovely Cilantro on the Lake restaurant overlooking the relatively unspoiled lake. This was a really nice way to celebrate Alan and Elaine's 12th anniversary. It also marked our final evening together before we return to Calgary to stay with our friend Sylvia. She is going to have a BBQ for our friends before we take them back to their hotel and bid them farewell. How time flies when you are having fun!