Plain of Six Glaciers just another classic Monday

The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is my go to place when I am feeling in a classical mood. Seeing as I was overnighting in Lake Louise, this would afford me the opportunity to get to the trail head bright and early and beat the Monday morning crowd.  I last did this classic hike on July 1, 2014 but only went to the teahouse, today I was in fine form to go to The Viewpoint.  I arrived early, but not early enough for the first portion of my day.  

I opted for this reflection shot over the popular shot of the Victoria Glacier reflection because at 7:30am on this Monday, it was elbow to elbow at that front on looking location.  How much more prettier can it be than from this angle! 

Chateau Lake Louise

I worked my way through the crowd making good time to get away from the humanity.  Having so many photos along the lakeshore from previous visits, I passed on those photography opportunities today in favour of a quiet trail further along.  I reached my place of opportunity.  Far along the trail and much higher up, I secured a shot in front of Mount Lefroy and Victoria Glacier.   

This fellow looks familiar!

Could he be that world reknown photo bomber from a few years back?

I could hear folks up at the TeaHouse, they must have started much earlier.  I took a few minutes to have my banana and lather on sunscreen. It was still early morning, yet it was hot already.  I could see no one heading to the Viewpoint and on my way there, only passed one couple who were returing from there.

thunderous roars filled the air

while this avalanche does not look like much, it shook my core

looking back at Lake Louise

I arrived at the Viewpoint and owned it my entire time here.  

I settled down, balanced my camera and captured a close up shot of Abbot Hut up on Abbot Pass.  

my destination shot

it is not the easiest place to set up a tripod

Coming back from the Viewpoint, I did meet a few folks just heading in.  

When I looked back, those wispy clouds were just starting to form and dance.  

It was still no where near noon when I arrived back by near the Teahouse yet I was ready for my lunch.  I picked a bench by the creek and snacked.  Mount LeFroy was front and center for my entire hike today.  Views like this make this hike the classic that it is.

the new boardwalk 

Now back down at Lake Louise and after passing possibly 50, 60, 70 hikers, I was so thankful I had that opportunity for an early start.  The lake level at this end was low enough to venture out for this amazing view.

then one last look back at Mount Lefroy and it was time to head home

This is the google earth map showing my tracks from yesterday and today.  Yesterday I sat at Lake Oesa and looked up at Abbot Pass and today I sat at The Viewpoint on the other side of Abbot Pass looking up.   

My need to acknowledge that classic mood I was feeling, now feels fulfilled.  I always enjoy this hike and understand why it is so popular.  It is everything that the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park are.  Now being noon as I arrive at my car, I had another snack then hit the highway to home.