Saturday, December 31, 2016

Cascade Valley & Lake Louise December 31, 2016

My stars began to align on Friday morning as I tried to formulate a plan to make for a memorable long weekend that would involve saying good bye to 2016 and greeting 2017.  When everything I checked into and about proved positive there were only two things left to do and they were to pack then head west.  When the heading west time came I knew I was in for something special when I saw Yamnuska on fire, I took that as a sign.  Then how could I deny the specialness when Cascade glowed golden!


Even though I arrived early at the trailhead to X-C Ski to Cascade Valley I had to share the track with many others.  The track was perfect for me and the surrounding views were lovely.  I skied to the campground and visited for a bit at a picnic table for a drink and a snack.  The pace back on the downhills was speedy and I felt sure-footed and confident so just went with it.  Not long after noon I was back at my car and ready to get on with the day.
                                      
   
                                


I heard about there being lots of new snow in the Lake Louise area and I have always wanted to drop in and see Baker Creek.  I enjoyed the drive along the 1A to get to the parking lot where there is a hiking trail.  There was a Warden in the lot so I checked with him about the area.  He said it's beautiful and goes for about 20 kms to Wonder Pass.  I hiked for about an hour.  Some day I would like to go back and carry on further.  

                                             along the 1A
                                                              along Baker Creek
                                             
                                      I see a heart or a great big smile!

                                                 I see the top of a DQ ice cream.
                                             
I had a sneaky suspicion that the Ice Bar at Lake Louise would be open for business.  Sure enough it was so I bellied on up to the bar and ordered a shot of Kahlua. I hung out for awhile savouring my shot then thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of this beautiful place on the last day of 2016.
                                                   top of the ice castle

                                              frozen in a pillar of the ice castle
                                 

                                    

                                     
I have the best room with a view in the place as I lounge in my chair by the window.  
This day was truly wonderful and I am thankful for that.  The beauty of this whole area with the snow covered peaks and the fluffy puffy mounds of snow, the groomed tracks to ski and the trails ready to be be snowshoed, is why I have come to embrace winter.  

         

3 comments:

  1. With a welcome like this, 2017 has to be good!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my so beautiful! You're lucky to live so close to such a place.

    ReplyDelete

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