Our Rocky Mountain High - Part 3 (Lake Louise)

Lake Louise is one of the most beloved destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The turquoise waters of the lake are set against a backdrop of the stunning Victoria glacier - the images of this beautiful place are some of the most famous in all of Western Canada.




"~~we woke up this morning to a foggy mist - not the day we were hoping for - but you take the day you get~~"



" ~~ the fog hung low this morning- just bits and pieces of the snow covered tops peaking through the shadowy mist. The lake is mostly still frozen~~~broken places in the ice give way to turquoise puddles scattered all over. I went to bed last night hoping for another bright and sunny day - and what we got was actually ~~ even better. Amazing is all that I can say about what we experienced this morning. I never knew that fog could be so beautiful~~"

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A turn of the century photo of the first "chateau" at Lake Louise. The log cabin was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway to provide lodging for their employees at the end of the run.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise today.

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The reflection of Victoria glacier in the lake.

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"~~after our breakfast we hiked around the path that encircled one side of the Lake. We took some spectacular photos - especially of the hotel as we looked back from the path at the far end of the lake. There is still snow on the path in places and there is a rumor of an avalanche area ahead that is blocking part of the path~~"

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(I knitted my hat out of a gorgeous sequin yarn)

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"~~we started early this morning with another long walk to the end of the lake Louise trail as far as we could go. I climbed up and over the avalanche part so that I could get to a further part of the trail. Let me just say that climbing up an avalanche snow pile is pretty easy - coming down, however, is another story!! The Gardener took a photo of me on top of that giant show pile and I am feeling pretty exasperated! "

"~~was it worth it? Absolutely!! I took some great photos from atop my mountain of snow! If I did not survive the trip back down - those pictures would be my legacy!"

Inching my way back down - ever so slowly! (the Gardener has his camera positioned so that he can capture the perfect moment when I fall!)

I survived!

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A photo of the hotel lobby in 1930

Today - the lobby is a beautiful restaurant.

"~~when we walked into the lobby this morning, I saw my first view of Lake Louise and Victoria glacier through the huge oval windows. Seriously - it took my breath away. The lobby has the most beautiful floor to ceiling windows that afford spectacular views of the lake and the mountains. We walked outside to the lake and the boardwalk - it seems to be surreal that I am really here~~"

"~~we had the most wonderful lunch in the lobby restaurant with a table dead center of the lake and glacier view. If any photo can sum up how wonderful this trip has been - it is this one taken by our waitress - after she brought our fabulous asparagus soup!~~"

The next group of photos (Part 4) will take us to the beautiful Bow Valley and the lake region. You will see some stunning lake views - and reflections of the snow covered mountains in the water. I'll take you along on one of our hikes and will share with you our very special story about a rock along the trail that we named "Quitter's Rock" - (with good reason!!)

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I am so very thankful for all of my devoted followers (xoxoxo!!) - so - in gratitude - you can look for a special surprise just for you at the end of this next post.

Vicki