FRIDAY, SEPT 20

   FRIDAY, SEPT 20:  

     Loretta & Steve picked us up at 9:00.  Another gorgeous day! 

     We drove up to Lake Louise, by way of the Bow Parkway, which was a wonderfully picturesque drive, with very little traffic.  We made frequent stops along the way. 

                                                                        

 

One was at Castle Rock, a well-known landmark here.

                                                                      

      Then we arrived at Lake Louise, parked, and walked up to the lake.  Oh my – the setting just in itself is spectacular – the lake at the foot of a beautiful glacier valley.  But what really adds to the indescribable beauty and tranquility of the lake is its exquisite turquoise color. We’ve seen lots of turquoise-hued bodies of water on this trip (rivers, lakes, ocean inlets), but this has got to be one of the most magnificent. And it has that characteristic milky quality of a glacier-fed lake, which adds a dimension of heft and substance to its gracefulness. We meandered long enough there to watch the water subtly change, both in color and in how its surface reflected the changing angle of the sunlight. It’s one of those places where I could just find a bench, bring a book, and stay there for hours

                                                              

 

                                                                                   

 

       Went inside the Chateau there (another extravagant lodge built by the Canadian RR) to have lunch.  We ate outside, even though still felt cool, as we wanted to indulge ourselves with the view as long as we could.  And, as we were waiting for our orders, the sun inched its way over the patio, so that by the time we were half-way through eating, we were basking in perfect warmth.  The food was way over-priced and not that great (at least mine wasn’t), but, in truth, what we were really paying for was the incomparable view and the fresh mountain air surrounding us.  How often do you have a chance to lunch in a setting like this??    

                                       

                                                                         

       Then drove on to another close-by lake, Moraine Lake.  More spellbinding scenery.  This small lake is even a deeper turquoise than Lake Louise, and clearer, since it’s not fed by glaciers for the most part.                                         

                                                                            

 And it’s surrounded by some of the most jagged peaks we’ve seen around here.  They’re called “Ten Peaks.”  Unfortunately, the midday light was such that the pictures don’t really do justice to this lake and its environs.                                                                                        

       Drove back into Banff on the main highway.  Saw some of the wonderful scenery we missed  due to the rain and clouds when we drove this on Wed.  Picked up our truck, and then we all went to a little pizza place to eat.  Was really good.  Got soft-serve ice cream across the street afterwards.   

 

 

                                       

     Came back to the RV about 7:30, which gave us some time to unwind, reflect on the last two days’ adventures via pictures, and go to bed a little earlier.