Adventures from Arizona to Alberta
Viewing entries tagged
scenic splendor
The Wave is an other-worldly desert phenomenon located in Coyote Buttes North, about 44 miles from Page, Arizona. It was a hidden treasure coveted mostly by locals until July 22, 2009, when Microsoft featured it as their Windows 7 desktop wallpaper. The Waves popularity grew exponentially, making it a much sought after destination. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is challenging to get a permit to visit. You have to win the lottery—the online lottery for Coyote Buttes North, that is.
Our friend Margaret is not a morning person by nature. But it is summer in the Canadian Rockies, and the true beauty of Lake Louise is best shared early. Really early.
We were up at 5:30 a.m. for a 6:30 a.m. departure. Our forecast was for partly cloudy skies with scattered showers possible.
The road to Lake Louise
We arrived around 7:30 a.m. and found parking easily. A steady, pelting rain greeted us. Undaunted, we bundled up in layers with raincoats and hiking poles and set out for the Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse. The rain created jewel-like images that were nothing short of magical.
Lake Louise Lake Trail
Lake Louise
Looking back, with the Fairmont in the distance.
Where fresh water meets glacier melt.
The rain turned to drizzle as we started our ascent. The trail was essentially ours alone. Glaciers surrounded us. We made a steady climb through woods and scree. Part of the trail was out due to water, so we adventurously bypassed it on steep terrain. Awesome.
Lake Louise from the trail.
A very happy Margaret
Photo break. Plain of Six Glaciers trail, Lake Louise, Banff National Park.
We reached the top and enjoyed the Teahouse's famous chocolate cake and tea. A short trek to view the glaciers was followed, along with some scary stories about Pole Glacier, a.k.a. the Death Trap. Fun.
Dave and I descending into chaos.
Mountain solitude met high tourist season on the way down. But, we were content. Not only did we conquer mountains, we conquered CROWDS.
