Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Post Cards from the Road: Three Lakes



Four postcards today, featuring 3 lakes. The temperature was chilly this morning when we set our for our hike. Clouds covered the mountain behind Lake Louise, that iconic symbol of the Canadian Rockies. Sunshine soon dispelled the cloud and we had a beautiful day. Did you notice the red canoe on the lake?
 

Next: Mirror Lake, with the Big Beehive in the background. Our hike today took us around the back side of that rock formation on a steep trail that switched back and forth across the mountain.
 

Third: Lake Agnes. This photo is taken from the distant end of the lake where the switchbacks up the Beehive begin. The teahouse at the far end of the photo was doing a booming business, but we chose to bring our own lunch and perch on a rock to eat it.
 

Finally: Lake Louise once again, taken from the top of the Beehive. The black specks you might see are canoes on the lake. At the left end of the photo is the Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada's famous Railway hotels - now owned by Fairmont.

When we returned to the lake, the sun shone and there were no clouds - it would have made a beautiful photo, but all I could think about was taking off my boots. It was mid-afternoon and tourists crowded along the lake shore. Tonight I can hardly keep my eyes open and it's barely 8 pm. We hiked 10 km (6 miles) with an elevation gain of 540 metres (1770 feet). Beautiful, beautiful views.

28 comments:

  1. Hello Lorrie

    Your images are spectacular and do justice to this incredible beauty. I found the splendour and vastness of Banff and Lake Louise breaktaking. Photos had not prepared me for the beauty. It is a must on each travellers journey.
    Have a great week and thanks for sharing your trip

    Helen

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  2. Wow, I wish I could be there again. The last time we did a road trip we went from Medicine Hat, Alberta all the way over the Rockies up to Prince Rupert and it was amazing! I hope you have an amazing time!!
    Hugs
    Karen B. ~ Todolwen

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  3. What gorgeous pictures Lorrie! That first one is breathtaking!! I love the red canoe in the corner...Lake Louise is very pretty and picturesque for sure. Take care!

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  4. These are so gorgeous -- what a great day. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Beautiful country.
    You must be in great shape to hike that far I am impressed!

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  6. Beautiful photos Lorrie!!

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  7. What an amazing area. Worth getting tired for I'd say!

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  8. Such wonderful scenery. I've often wished to visit that area.

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  9. These are stunning. I love that second one the best. It looks like the rocks are spilling into the lake.

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  10. WOW what fantastic scenery and great hiking adventures... I have been to Lake Louise a long time ago so I recognize it right away.. BUT I never saw this lovely lake from the top of a Mts.. Incredibly gorgeous... thanks for sharing your adventure and the most wonderful photos. Hugs judy

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  11. You certainly gave those boots a good workout dear! Congratulations going so far and so high.

    Lake Louise is awesome (beautiful shots) just as are most views in the Canadian Rockies. Last time we were there, standing near the Chateau, there was an avalanche at the far end of the lake - amazing to watch and, as you can imagine, cameras were clicking although I don't think I even had mine at the ready - it was prior to digital!

    Aaaaaah, Banff and Lake Louise - the two special places I could return to over and over - and I always tell people to go there, they'll not regret it.

    Thanks for sharing more beauty of nature Lorrie. Have more fun once your poor tired feet have rested - hopefully no blisters!!!!

    Hugs, Mary

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  12. Hello Lorrie,

    These photos are awesome! What a fabulous trip.

    Gabriela

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  13. What a beautiful place and fun adventure you are on. I hope you have a relaxing vacation apparently you'll come back very fit!

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  14. Absolutely beautiful! I've sent a link to this post to a friend who is planning a trip to the Rockies.

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    1. thanks for the recommendation pondside! wonderful scenery / photos

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  15. Oh my what gorgeous views for sure!

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  16. So beautiful...the lakes in the Rockies! Have a great day...wherever it takes you.

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  17. Lorrie, your first shot is truly exceptional! They are all beautiful, but the first is really special. I have yet to get to Lake Louise but I am putting it on my bucket list. Enjoy the rest of your adventure.

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  18. Absolutely fantastic shots Lorrie, what a beautiful place to take a hike! xx

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  19. Absolutely stunning photos - what an experience!!

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  20. My goodness, what a beautiful place! It's so picture perfect. I can't get over how pretty the water looks in that last photo!

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  21. Stunning postcards! It's been a few years since we were in the Rockies. We'll get to Revelstoke next month, but we'll be resisting the eastward pull, so your photos are a good stand-in. . .

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  22. Ohhhhh wow...no wonder Lake Louise is so iconic. She's a beauty all right and obviously a tourist destination. You've taken some gorgeous photos.

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  23. Ah--beautiful, beautiful Lake Louise! I remember it well--along with Chateau Lake Louise...great memories; lovely photographs!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  24. Stunning!
    This is on my list of places to travel to see.

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  25. Hi Lorrie,

    I am in AWE!!! What a breathtakingly beautiful country I was born in!! The Western provinces are so very picturesque. Every time I see a glorious image, like yours, of Lake Louise, I shake my head from side to side, at its unbelievable beauty! So different from my country of heritage, where I have been living for the past 25 years, which is equally stunning in a different sense. Thank you for sharing the fresh air and idyllic views!

    Poppy

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  26. Stunning photos! Such an exhilarating place for a vacation and exploration!

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