Lake Agnes Hike

I type this final Canadian hiking post, on our last day in Houston.  After leaving beautiful Canada, we flew to Houston (not as beautiful, but the pool time was fantastic).  Ryan and I are currently sitting in the United lounge, preparing to travel to Chicago, and begin our Chicago adventure, and our wedding.

It is incredible that just last week I was hiking in mountains, through snow, and after a short flight I found myself in warm, sunny Houston.  This week of posting has been an incredible opportunity to now only revisit the beautiful pictures, but to also think about how vastly different climates can be.

Our final day in Lake Louise started early in the morning.  We wanted to get in one final hike before we drove to the airport.  Lake Agnes and the teahouse was our destination.  Bells were on the bag, camera was in hand, I was ready.

At breakfast, our waitress said that there was a planned Polar Bear Dip in honor of Canada Day.  We didn't know how long our hike would take, or whether there would be time, but Ryan expressed an interest.  I DEFINITELY had NO interest in jumping into freezing cold water.  We made it back from our hike in time, and Ryan was able to participate.  I fought the crowds and wiggled my way to the front, so I was able to snap some photos of this brave adventure.  I am so proud of my "polar bear."

Please enjoy our Lake Agnes pictures.  I will not try to even begin to put the beauty into words, I will allow the pictures to speak for themselves.

*One side note, after this trip Ryan asked, and I agreed that we can incorporate more "nature" vacations into our travels.  If nature continues to be this beautiful, I am more than willing to hike, and explore.  Don't get too excited, too quickly, I still have some adverse reactions to nature.

Lake Agnes Pictures

Lake Louise

Lake Louise was our "home base."  Our beautiful hotel was located on the shores of Lake Louise, and provided a wonderful view.  We were fortunate to not have to fight the crowds traveling to Lake Louise.

After our return from hiking at Moraine Lake, the weather cleared, and the rain stopped.  We decided to take a canoe trip around Lake Louise.  Ryan did a fantastic job paddling, you would have thought we had an outboard engine attached to our canoe.  My paddling was less than fantastic, more delicate (and much less powerful) paddling.

I took the opportunity to stop paddling (since it was not moving us anywhere) and snap some photos.

Lake Louise Pictures

Moraine Lake

My hiking adventures continued Saturday.  We decided to drive the a short distance to Lake Moraine.  Unfortunately, the weather was not as cooperative, it was a bit rainy and chilly.  The hike proved to be much more difficult than the previous day's.  I found myself climbing uphill for 465 meters and a distance of 8 km.  Before we began our adventure, I told Ryan I did not want to hike through snow, or rain.  We did both at Lake Moraine.

Ryan and I decided to hike the Larch Valley trail.  We were told that for safety, it was best to hike in groups of 4 or more (good thing I wore my bells).  At the start, we paired up with another young couple.  As our hike continued, our speed was quicker, so we progressed faster.  Luckily, there were plenty of hikers so we were always encountering other people.

We were able to see a few more creatures.  Our zoom came in handy to snap a few pictures of mountain goats (don't blink, you may miss them).  I also believe we saw a marmot.  We do not have too many pictures from our hike at Lake Moraine because of the rain, but please enjoy the few pictures.  

Moraine Lake Pictures

Johnston Canyon

Our Canadian road trip took us along the Trans-Canada Highway, and along the way, I was told of Johnston Canyon.  We decided to make this a definite stopping point.  Our short 3km hike, turned into 3 hours and 11.2km.  We saw the lower and upper falls, and decided to continue to the Inkpots.

I wish the pictures could also include sound.  The loud, rushing water made the hike all the more exciting.  I don't like water in my face, but the occasional mist added to the experience.  We spotted some small creatures, nothing large.  No black bears, though I did have a few moments of, "I think I heard something," followed by a couple seconds of panic.  My novice wilderness skills were tested, but I did a good job.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures!!

Johnston Canyon and Inkpots Pictures

Trans-Canada Highway

I mentioned in a previous post that this year was my first birthday celebration in a foreign country.  I would like to correct myself, last year (my 25th birthday) was celebrated in Russia.  I rang in my 26th in Calgary, Canada and then set off on the Trans-Canada Highway for my first "real hike" and final road trip destination at the beautiful Lake Louise.

Beautiful view from our hotel room. 

If birthday celebrations continue like this, a girl could get used to growing old(er).  :)

My inner midwestern girl came out during our drive from Calgary to Lake Louise.  I was on the look out for mountains, and when I spotted my first mountain it was major cause for celebration.  As I mentioned earlier, we stopped at a place called Johnston Canyon which was on the way to Lake Louise.  Enjoy our pictures from the drive, and look forward to pictures from my "birthday hike."

Canadian Road Trip Photos

Calgary

I desperately want to jump ahead and post all the beautiful pictures from our hiking, but I will restrain myself, and blog in sequential order.  Also, I am slowly learning how to export my photos so they are more "upload" friendly.  Be patient friends.  :)

I did not spend much time in Calgary.  I arrived Thursday night, and Ryan and I set off for our road trip to Lake Louise Friday afternoon.

Cute diner we had breakfast at before our road trip began. 

After placing my breakfast order,  I decided to take a small stroll and test out the camera.  

Very interesting store.  I didn't go inside, but I greatly enjoyed the bubbles and decorations.  

I don't know why, but I love when cities have small streets with cafes, surrounded by large skyscrapers.  

Hello, birthday breakfast.  A very tasty Mediterranean omelet.  Ryan greatly enjoyed his breakfast bowl.  

A couple shots after breakfast, during our walk back to the hotel. 

Calgary Tower.  

Ryan really liked this building.  

I really liked this horse.  

Goodbye, Calgary.  Look out, Lake Louise.  

Next post will include pictures from our drive from Calgary to Lake Louise.  We made a couple stops at look out points, and also at a place called Johnston Canyon.  I had my first taste of Canadian hiking, and apparently I felt energized because our short hike to see the falls turned into a few hours, hiking to see "Inkpots."

Survived the Wilderness

After three days of hiking, and exploring, Ryan and I have arrived at the airport for our flight to Houston.  I do not plan to explain all our adventures at this time, but I simply want to inform my family and friends, that I have safely survived the wilderness.  No broken bones, no animal attacks, and Ryan says I did a "good job."  My new camera proved to be an incredible purchase, and I took numerous pictures.  Here is a sneak peek:

*Well, there will be no photos at this time.  The internet is too slow to upload the pictures prior to our boarding.  Look forward photos in the future. :)