Lake Louise February 11, 2017

I had a desire to see all that new snow!  Not only that, I had a need to x-c ski in it and snowshoe in it and to do so on the safe side given the high avalanche ratings. I knew I could obtain all that in paradise.  I mean at Lake Louise.  The road reports to get to paradise were not user-friendly but I needed to take the chance.  I could always turn back but did not have to.  The reports had not been updated and it was an uneventful sail west.  It's true, there is loads of new snow at Lake Louise! I saw it for myself with my own eyes!                                   

My intentions were to X-C Ski The Great Divide.  I drove into the parking lot, parked my car, opened the door, got out, got back in, started my car, drove up the road to the Fairview trail head.  Parked my car, opened the door, got out, and I stayed out.  This felt right!  The gear up process is so quick and easy with this sport.  In no time at all, I was gliding away.

                                       

I was excited for the meadows.  I knew they would be divine today.  I was glad others were in the area and were neighbourly enough to assist me with getting my ski shot.  I was afraid I might disappear if I stepped off track to the side to set up for my shot myself.    

                                      

                                   

For a matter of minutes when I first stepped into the track, I pondered the idea of just admiring the beauty while skiing today and capturing it with my eyes and not a camera.  I tried it but failed miserably.  I pulled off to the side of Moraine Lake Road to check out the valley below.  It was a swift ski to the intersection and a smooth ski back up Tramline.

Back at my vehicle it was time to dine on a boiled egg, tuna sandwich, greek salad all washed down with raspberry zinger tea. Now it was time for an après X-C Ski activity.  I bundled up in my snowshoeing gear and aimed to snowshoe across Lake Louise.  I was successful with breaking my own trail for about 20 minutes, there was just too much snow.  I veered on and off other ready made trails until the far end of the Lake.

I always enjoy watching the ice climbers.  I use to want to give that a try but I have come to my senses and would now just rather live that sport through watching others.

                                         

I was beat by the time I arrived back at The Chateau.  I strapped my snowshoes to my pack then invested some time eyeing the snow and ice sculptures.  Lake Louise this place I call paradise is truly a beautiful spot for those who choose to see here this year to acknowledge Canada's 150th birthday.

                                          

     

I never take for granted how fortunate I am to live so close to this National Park.  It is packed full with pure beauty.  It feels new to me every time I am here and I enjoy every second and every scene like it is my first time visiting this place.