22 JUL 2010

Big decision today...go for a short hike and catch the 2:30 bus out or leave on the 9:30 bus? Last night was considerably warmer so that was a good start. So we had decided to let the weather decide and our legs. The weather appeared to be off and threatened to rain and our legs said a hike yes, but no major climbing. We opted to take the 9:30 bus out and go to Emerald Lake to complete a hike around the lake there. Wes and I had packed a lunch so this suited us fine.


Part of our group was continuing a few more days of hiking so they opted to stay in Lake O’Hara to do a challenging hike up Odaray Mountain since they did not have any time issues. The majority had time constraints, our plans to get to Wes’ cousins place by dinner and others planning getting home to Kamloops.

As we waited for the bus we had the pleasure of chatting with a couple from Regina who were working on a back pack into Mount Assisinboine which we had done a few years ago. They were planning on going from Sunshine Ski

over citadel pass since it was considered longer but primarily downhill. I think I ruined their thoughts when I pointed out that means that hiking out (reverse to going in) would mean hiking primarily uphill all the way back. Sorry guys can’t have it downhill both ways.

Emerald Lake, what a gem it is. (picture from internet since I did not have my camera)

It is only a 5.2 km hike around and we arrived to cloudy skies. The parking lot was not too full so we figured a nice stroll of about 1 ½ hours. Well the flowers were absolutely incredible and of course I had left the camera in the car not thinking there would be any photo opportunities. Fortunately I was the only foolish one so there are lots a really good pictures and I am hoping Helen and Lynne will email me a couple so I can add it to this blog so you can see them too.

So this became a photo stroll with lots of flower identification and discussions of best way to take the photos. What a great time but the walk went from a 90 minute stroll to a 140 minute photo hike.

We decided that it was time for lunch but where? The natural bridge of course came up

and off we went to sit at the natural bridge and eat. Faye mentioned that it was much quieter here than at Emerald Lake (which had a packed parking lot when we returned) and she was right. BUT seconds after she makes the comment arrives a tour bus – not one but 4. So much for a quiet place. What was worse was we watched the tourists stand on the rocks precariously for pictures and if anyone slipped, there would be no chance of recovery or survival. Needless to say, some (of whom stood on narrow ledges a 1000 feet up on a cliff face) felt unnerved about the careless tourists. Nothing happened by the way.

We left our friends there and headed onto Calgary where we learnied what rush hour is like. Did you know there is a circle road around the city now? We didn’t so went straight through. Next time we will know better.

Dinner with Kelsey and Serge was really great. Thank you both for such a welcoming time and enjoyable evening visiting.

Well that finishes that day and tomorrow we head onto Saskatoon.