As we drove up to Lake Louise, we could see the rain over the mountains and we opted to wear our rain gear on the hike. It was a good decision. The temperature has also changed, instead of the low 80s, the hiking temperature was in the high 50s.
Fortunately access restrictions were only recommended, but we kind of attached ourselves to two other women, at least kept them in our sight, who were hiking up to Annette Lake.
The trail has three bridges over Paradise Valley Creek. This is Temple Mountain from the First Bridge. Annette Lake is at the base of Temple Mountain.
And there it is, Annette Lake at the base of Temple Mountain. By the time we arrived at the lake, the skies had cleared somewhat and the lake was beautiful.
We arrived just in time for lunch.
Today's wildflower - I don't know the name. It was right along the lake and served as the flowers on our "table".
Pano picture of Temple Mountain - our lunch view.
This picture has a good view of the glacier on top of the mountain.
As we were leaving, we turned back and took this picture of the out-flow from the lake and a little patch of snow at the bottom center of the picture.
Most of our pictures today were taken on the way back to the trailhead. That's Frederick in rain gear and his winter knit hat. Much of today's trail was along Paradise Valley Creek which we could see.
Returning back across Third Bridge.
Looking south, down the creek, from Third Bridge.
Three trail riders (one has already gone past) were the first group of horses to come up the trail this season. You might notice that the young man has a hatchet in his hand. When we came up the trail, earlier in the day, there were a number of trees that had fallen across the trail that we had to climb over. He was using the hatchet to cut away some of the trees so the horses could pass along the trail.
Trail along Paradise Valley Creek.
Looking up to the left, with the creek on the right.
Crossing Second Bridge and...
looking south.
Here we are at First Bridge again, in the afternoon light.
Notice the glacier on top of Temple Mountain. (If you click on the picture it will enlarge and the glacier may be more prominent.)
Almost back to the trailhead and crossing over a stream that is coming down the mountainside to join Paradise Valley Creek. The sun has come out and the temperature is about 10 degrees warmer.
Today's hike:
Length - 7.64 miles
Duration - 4 hours, 28 minutes (including lunch)
Elevation gain - 809 feet (109 floors on the Fitbit)
Maura has a few photo requests. She would like to see some pictures of Grandma and Grandma and Grandpa together. She is also wondering if your car is ok and would like photo proof. She is also brainstorming dresses you can make her. we miss you!!
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