Almost to the Alcan

We are enjoying our time in the Lake Louise area. Yesterday we hiked over 4 miles into Johnston Canyon. This is a hike to a series of 7 waterfalls, culminating in the upper and lower falls. There was still snow hanging onto the sides of the canyon, helping to feed the glacial streams. It is a gorgeous hike if you ever get the opportunity. 

This is the upper falls, and above that is another viewing area showing another small waterfall. The next two days we hope to enjoy Radium hot springs and a bike ride into Morraine Lake above Lake Louise. This portion of the trip is all about the waterfalls and getting there via foot or bicycle. Today we bicycled in (still closed to cars) 9 miles and had Takakkawa Falls to ourselves. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada at over 500 feet. We went up about 1200 feet in elevation. The four of us could not have done it without our e-bikes. 

The pictures don’t do it justice. We finally have some clear skies. Glad to be out of the smoke. Today was one of those rare days when we got to sight see, see wildlife, enjoy a hot spring and get a nice bike ride in. The day was planned to ride into Moraine Lake on the bikes. We were then going to Radium Hot Springs. But, we got to see bighorn sheep, bears and mountain goats along the way. Unfortunately, we also watched  helicopters fighting a lightning caused wildfire that started two days ago. 

We started with a ride to Moraine Lake on the bikes. This was 18 miles round trip with 1500 feet of elevation gain. One of the reasons for all of the fires is a shortage of snowfall this winter in Canada. You can see from the lake level how low it is. 

Next, we headed over 100 miles to see Radium Hot Springs and soak our tired muscles after three straight days of abusing Ron and Rhonda. We all enjoyed a good soak. 


Along the way, we got to see black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and a wildfire. 






The day was so much better than we had planned, and it just turned out to be a fantastic day trip. We have been in the Lake Louise area the past 5 nights, four here at Monarch CG in Yoho NP. Tomorrow we will see waterfalls and glaciers on the way to two nights at Jasper NP. Wednesday, we hit the Alcan. Who knows what wildlife will be lurking. However, we will be driving through a good bit of rain - maybe several inches. We started packing tonight, fortunately, ahead of this front. 


Comments

Jan Kelpe said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
May 22, 2023 at 7:01 PM
Jan Kelpe said…
The wildlife pictures are fantastic. Predicted rain better than snow. Jan Kelpe
May 22, 2023 at 7:03 PM
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