East Ventures West (Banff National Park Lake Louise) May 12, 2019

I took full advantage of staying at Lake Louise and was up and out the door before sunrise.  My friends were still fast asleep, so I snuck out.  I purchased a coffee from the 24/7 cafe inside the Chateau, then went out for a walk.   It was sprinkling a bit and there was total cloud cover.  A few people were down by the Lake with their cameras set up waiting for sunrise.  I worked my way back there and settled in a spot and began the wait with the others.  We chatted a bit and just waited patiently.  

Then it began!

a bit of blue and a dull pink hue

more blue

then the light shone on the glacier and reflected in Lake Louise

the golden glow grew bigger and brighter

the water was still and the pieces of ice showed off their reflections

the blue got bigger and bluer

the sun had risen and the day began

It was still early so I walked along the Lake shore.  The open water sections were showing off pretty shades.  I stood for awhile admiring Fairview Mountain.  I love when I am up on top of that mountain and look forward to a couple of months down the road when it will be safe to head up.

I messaged my friends and they were up now just chatting.  I went back to our room to chat a bit then we got ready and went down the hall for a wonderful and filling breakfast.  I already knew I would not need a lunch when we were done here.   

We checked out and then drove back to Banff and then back to Calgary.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience a weekend like we did.  It was great to catch up with my childhood friend.  She is on the verge of an exciting time in her life.  I know when things settle down we will hit the trails together.  Thank you for opening your home to us and for including us in experiencing another side of this mountain lifestyle in Banff and in Lake Louise! 

East Ventures West (Banff National Park, Lake Louise) May 11, 2019

We were booked in for a night at Chateau Lake Louise.  I have not stayed here before.  We went to the reception desk to check in and they stated we needed to go to the 7th Floor to check in.  The expression displayed by my friend led me to believe we were in for something special.  As it turned out we were!  This was a wonderful surprise that had been arranged for my friend and for her to share with us.  I opened the curtain and this was view.  I captured this photograph through the large picture window in our room.

We unpacked a bit and organized our things then aimed for outside to stroll around.  We did not stroll much after already completing a five hour hike early today.  We picked a spot with three chairs in the private section in front of the Chateau and just sat and stared.   The sun was hot, it was relaxing so we took advantage of that.

Later we went back to our suite.  Another surprise had been orchestrated!  

My friend poured the champagne and we made a toast before savouring the array of treats on the board.  Two notes had been left for her and we got to read them.  I knew I was being included in something very special.  We finished the delicacies and the champagne then cleaned up before heading out our door.....

.....and down the hall for more decadent and delicious appetizers.

our private dining location

We had dinner reservations made but cancelled those when we knew our new room location included more food than we could manage anyway.  We stayed here for awhile savouring everything.  Later into the evening we went to the bar for a beverage before enjoying another outside stroll.  Then we went to our suite and said our good nights.  What a day we had!  It will be memorable!  Thank you to my friend and to my friend's friend for giving us this amazing opportunity!

East Ventures West (Banff National Park, Banff) May 11, 2019

Deja-vu, out her back door again and that is where our hike began!  

Immediately the conversation began with so much to catch up on with each others life happenings.  It was a treat to be hiking right from the get-go and experiencing early morning Banff without traffic and without people.  We are at different places and experience and level with our hiking history but today we were equal.  We enjoyed five hours of mountain air and exercise. 

early morning view as we started out

a pretty picture

We crossed over the pedestrian bridge.

See our early morning reflection?

The route followed the river down low and then lead us up hill to Surprise Corner.

We hiked the switchbacks up Tunnel Mountain.  This kind of walking was new to my east coast visitor. Her specialty is hours on end of walking beaches.  There would be no sand between her toes today.  We reached the summit and this was our view.  That's Banff down below.  

Yes to thumbs up!

our group summit shot

We each had our own way of expressing our accomplishment.  

V for victory!

No check mark made here, X marks success!

I feel like I can fly!

We had snacks at the summit and then carried on with our morning.  We hiked back down the switchbacks then veered right and followed the road for a bit.  We took a trail that I did not know existed.  It wound through the forest and we ended up out in a meadow on the back side of Tunnel Mountain. That's where we were, up there!

in the middle of the meadow

We had a few ups & downs along the way.  This up gave us a perfect view of those canoeing down the Bow River.  What a great time they must be having.  The day was so delightful weather wise.

We completed a great big loop and then it was time to call it a day and head on home .

I was sorry I did not record a track for today.  I built one that roughly shows the route we took.  I know it is not smack on but it gives a close idea.  It was close to five hours later that we arrived back home and we still had a full day ahead of us.

After cleaning up and packing up, we headed to the Banff Springs Club House for lunch.  The day was gorgeous and we choose to sit outside.  This was our view from the table.

enjoying the view and being with each other

After a leisurely delicious lunch, we hopped in the vehicle and headed on further west!

I could not imagine our visit would get any better!

But.....

East Ventures West (Banff National Park, Banff) May 10, 2019

This East Ventures West trip took on a life of its own and the plan became even sweeter when an offer was put out to come even further west and spend a few days.  We jumped on board with including time in Banff National Park as part of our itinerary.  We visited with our elementary school through junior high & high school friend who lives and works in Banff.  She welcomed us into her home!  I have not talked to her since high school days so we had loads to catch up on.  How lit is it that she is also a hiker.

After dinner we walked out her back door and headed into the woods following a trail that led us to spaces I have never been.  First we had a view of Tunnel Mountain from a different vantage point.  She pointed to where we would be hiking to tomorrow.

  Here is a reflection of the four of us with a view of Mount Rundle from a different vantage point.  

evening lighting creating a pretty picture

We found our way to the Banff Springs Hotel.  

Here we could see Mount Rundle, the Banff Springs Golf Course & Club House, the Bow River.

view of Tunnel Mountain

We had a beautiful evening to be out strolling.  

the back side of the Banff Springs Hotel

view outside from inside the Banff Springs Hotel

We left the Hotel behind and walked down to the Bow River and the Falls.  

It was calm and quiet and getting on into the evening.

The evening golden glow began.

We carried on and aimed for her home. 

It was late now and time to head to bed.  

Thank you for welcoming us into your home!

East Ventures West (Kananaskis) May 9, 2019

I really wanted to show off what Kananaskis is all about as it is a favourite go to place of mine!  I knew a picnic location that would be ideal for us to hang out at for the day.  The double table spot at Wedge Pond offered the peace, the views, a spot to have a fire and hang my hammock.  The double table place also offers just enough openness to create a comfort level where we could relax without checking over our shoulders ever second.    

Upon arrival, we unloaded the car and moved on in.  It appeared there had been a recent fire in the pit.  We utilized the wood left behind by prior picnicers to get the fire started then chopped the wood we brought.

With East venturing West, I had to put a stop to the wish for a bonfire. 

Her specialty is creating bonfires on beaches.     

 our western mountain/prairie style fire

 The day got quite warm and the fire became more for ambiance than warmth.

It was tea time!  I brought both my Trangia and Pocket-Rocket.  The Pocket-Rocket got the water boiling in no time and we steeped our tea then savoured that with an assortment of cheeses and crackers.

 Our day was all about just hanging out!

 I scooted down slope to capture a shot of Wedge Pond.

 It was a still day!

We relaxed, we dined, we shared stories, we hung out!  

My hammock is made for two so we had plenty of room.  

Late into the afternoon it clouded over and cooled off.  We steeped more tea and made a toast to our day in Kananaskis before packing up and heading on home.  A friend told me this site should be renamed to include my name as it seems I am taking over the spot with numerous visits lately.

I was pleased with how today turned out. Wedge Pond was deep enough into Kananaskis Country to comfortably get the feel for what this area is all about.  While we have known each other for about 45 years, today we both learned even more about each other.   That just makes our bond even stronger!