Our tents were erected and the fly hung over the picnic table by lunch
time so after eating, we decided to do the short hike (1.5 miles) to the Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon. There are numerous waterfalls along the path which are very scenic. The hike itself is built so strollers can reach the Lower Falls. Much of the paths are anchored to the cliff walls so tourists can enjoy the experience without wearing special hiking gear. The water plunges 10 meters to create the Lower Falls. A catwalk allows one to take great pictures but to get up close and personal, you must hunch over and scuttle through a small cave. The spray from the falls is very cooling but the rocks are slippery so be careful of where you step.
We did the hike up in jig time as Meg set the pace and it was as quick as the crowds would allow. Most do not walk to the Upper Falls as the path is steeper but it is well worth the effort. The water cascades 30 meters to a pool below and Parks Canada has built a platform so you can see the falls much better than when we first viewed them 25 years ago.
We debated continuing to the Ink Pots, a hike we did when Geoff was 5 years old, but decided it was too close to suppertime for that. I had planned on burgers cooked over the fire which meant creating a fire of hot embers. This takes time.
There is nothing like the taste of smoky burgers in the crisp air of a mountain evening. Meg added a gourmet touch to our dinner by marinating asparagus and grilling them over the fire. Tasty! Roasted marshmallows were dessert and then we tumbled into our sleeping bags.
We bought a percolator from Canadian Tire so had great coffee the next morning. After I made lunches, we jumped in the car and headed for Lake Louise. Our plans were to do the hike (3.5 km) to the Lake Agnes Tea House via Mirror Lake and have lunch there. Most take 2 hours to climb to the lake but Meg set a mean pace and we did it in just over an hour. We chose a private spot on the rocks to eat and a Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel came begging. He was very bold and took cashews from our fingers. He loved cherries!
Glen convinced everyone that the hike would not be complete without a trek up to the Big Beehive. This was about 1.6 km from the tea house but the last kilometer was up a series of steep switchbacks that took us up 135 meters to the summit. The Beehive's elevation is 2270 meters so we saw a wonderful view of Lake Louise from its ramshackle gazebo.
Coming down proved to be just as difficult as the climb. The path was good but a huge tree had fallen across it and so we had to do some bushwhacking. We lost sight of the path and the Glen fell, cutting his hand pretty badly. Meg spotted someone's hat so we veered back on ourselves and reconnected with the path. It was an eerie experience.
We then skirted around the Beehive to return to Mirror Lake and back down to Lake Louise. The last kilometer was very hard. We were all tired and hot and at one point, I figured I just would not make it. Of course I did but we were all a little grumpy about the hike except Glen who was elated. On the plus side, I haven't been able to do this kind of hike for years. It's amazing what having a healthy blood supply can do. Meg, who has been exercising on a treadmill and stationary bike, also felt she had accomplished something to be proud of. It cleansed the memories of her hike to Plain of the Six Glaciers three years ago.
Back at the campsite, we relaxed until it was time to build a fire and cook our steaks. I had planned boiled potatoes served with sliced zucchini done with basil and garlic. Meg suggested cooking the potatoes in bacon fat and adding curry to them. She created a delicious dish. We had banana bread for dessert, a couple of marshmallows then went to bed.
During the night it rained (it always rains when Armstrongs camp) which woke us so we all slept in until 8:30. I can't remember the last time I did that.
Sunday was our trip to Banff for some shopping and lunch at our favourite restaurant, St. James Gate. I bought Christmas presents in the Spirit of Christmas store and Meg bought a cute watch. For lunch we had Stuffed Yorkies (yorkshire puddings stuffed with beef and horseradish), Meg had the Dublin Club (her favourite) with Crab and Asparagus soup. Mike had Fish and Chips but had the same soup instead of chips. Glen had the lamb shank special which he said was delicious--the meat falling off the bone. I had the halibut and asparagus salad as well as the soup. We all had beer, of course.
Meg and Mike then headed back to Calgary while we stayed on for another night. I had been blowing a fever all day and couldn't figure out why since I didn't feel sick. Turns out my prickly heat was acting up and caused me to shiver most of the day. I was the only one in Banff wearing a polar fleece in the hot sun.
This morning we were out of the tent by 8:00 am and out of the campground by 10:00 am. We got home and were unpacked by noon. I did the first of a least 3 loads while airing out our sleeping bags. Now we must gear up for our trip to Victoria on Thursday.
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