The warmer it gets in Arizona, the more I begin to dream about Alberta. There is nothing quite as special as hike in early June to the Lake Agnes Tea House, at Lake Louise. No crowds, the weather crisp and sometimes cold, with snow still blanketing the mountains and trails. The trail is a steady 7 km ascent to a small tea house perched on top of a mountain. Hot tea and delicious cookies reward the effort. And for some reason I can’t explain, the tea always tastes better at 2,135 m.

Heading towards the trailhead at Lake Louise

Heading towards the trailhead at Lake Louise

Lake Louise from above.

Lake Louise from above.

Big Beehive

Big Beehive

Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes

Tea time.

Tea time.