A leisurely start to the morning but somehow we managed to be later to the bus than the other eager little beavers so we did end up with back row seats for the drive to Yoho National Park. Bus driver Allan was full of stories and information and took us off the highway and through the back roads to give the group a better chance of spotting animals.

We did see beautiful herds of elk grazing under the watchful eyes of a stag with an "impressive rack" (bus driver joke that translates well in any culture) . And hawk eye Mac spotted our single railway line bear for the day. Driver Al explained that the bears are often sighted on the tracks because seed and grain being transported by the railway generously spills onto the tracks making for a delicious snack for the bears.

It was a four hour round about journey that took us back and forwards through ever changing countryside to get different views of The Rockies and the now familiar Continental Divide. There was a visit to the Natural Bridge where the force of the water tunnelled its own bridge with the impressive Mt Stanley towering in the background. Took a nature break to get out and view the osprey's nest perched on top of the bridge, complete with chicks. Marvelled at the engineering genius of the Spiral Tunnels and we were so lucky with our timing. A one kilometre freight train passed through the tunnels while we were there and we could see the single train travelling in three directions as it was traversing the tunnels to scale the pass.

And we finished with a stopover at the beautiful Emerald Lake before heading to Lake Louise.

The drive up to the lake gives the impression that you are just in a marshy meadow and when The Fairmont comes into view it really gives no hint of what is behind the hotel. But once in and through the doors the impact is magical . At checkin, Christine advised us that it had been cold and raining for the last three days and today was "exceptional" weather.

We headed straight for our room and drew the curtains and WOW. The green blue lake was circled by snow capped mountains which were shrouded in the many greens of the forest. It was so still and calm with vibrant blue skies and just a touch of cloud. It was a perfect canvas! It was so beautiful, simply so "pretty", it was difficult to leave the window....we just wanted to sit and stare and take it all in.

We spent a good four hours walking on the shores of the lake - of course "everyone" was along the first kilometre but once we reached the 2-k mark and chipmunk corner the crowds began to thin out. When we rounded the end of the lake we were confronted by a series of cliffs and at each angle of the cliff a new set of rock climbers were clawing their way up the rocky face.

There were groups canoeing, there were people on horseback, walkers, hikers, runners. The lake, the cliffs, the mountains, the ice, the blue skies and warm sun, the light...they all combine to get people out and about.

We walked until our time ran out and really we didn't make a dint in what it is possible to see and explore in this corner of Alberta.

We do love Lake Louise .

Each time you arrive at the door of the next motel you have a little moment of "I wonder what the room will be like?" All of the accommodation to date has been great but have to say the "deluxe suite with lake views" takes the cake. A three room suite. Bedroom, sitting room and bathroom with sweeping views of the lake. Mac is in heaven because he can dry his back after the shower without hitting the walls of the bathroom and I am in my own version of heaven because I don't have to write this blog perched on the lid of the loo....there is a sitting room with a view! And I forgot to mention the spa! Total heaven after the lake walk.

Dinner tonight was the 8.30 pm sitting in the Fairview Lounge. Mac had planned it as a "special one" and it certainly lived up to expectations. A table with a view of the lake ( the light faded about 10 pm....amazing), impeccable attentive service (the hallmark of any Fairmont establishment) and food that was plate licking good (no we didn't, but we wanted to) . Again, the full complement: breads, scallops, pork belly, tenderloin, fish, vegetables every which way, maple syrup pudding and creme brûlée with appropriate lashings of drinks and tea and coffee. Another two hours of over indulgence but it was sooooo good.

We were pinching and punching ourselves all day because it was the first of the month.....and because we really needed to affirm that this was "real" and we weren't dreaming. It had only been a short visit but I don't think we will ever forget it and I don't think we could ever get enough of Lake Louise! And to all following along....truly wished you could all be here.


Monday
Temperature: 21
Pedometer: 15 334
Bear Sightings = 1

Total Bear Sightings = 9

PS Mindy sent through message that on her downhill bike riding tonight they had come across 6 bears...two mothers with two cubs each! One was in a tree right behind her. Not sure if this is just a trick to get us to do downhill biking when we return to Whistler!