Got the opportunity to do another hike with some mates on Sunday. Though we had that freak snow storm in early September, the rest of our Autumn continues to be glorious and above seasonal average temps. The trail we did this time was to Boulder Pass, an 18K round trip with 640m elevation gain, that is part of the route that takes one to Skoki Lodge, the oldest lodge in the Canadian Rockies (
Skoki Lodge - Lake Louise, Alberta) and a famous retreat for the world's more well-to-do's (Will and Kate stayed there after their wedding but the math says young George was not conceived there, lest ye Brittons may be ruled by a Canuck one day).
The hike took place at the tail end of fall colour season, the most prominent attraction in this area being the larch which turns a bright yellow and carpets the trail with it's yellow needles. The weather was sunny with lots of cloud in the afternoon, making for some tough shooting as all the scenery shots were into the sun. I'll nonetheless post those to give you a sense of the view. Here goes:
Ptarmigan Peak Elev. 3059m
Spruce Grouse, aka Fool Hen - and yes we were that close.
Ptarmigan Peak to the left, Redoubt Mountain to the right
Ptarmigan Peak again, just to the right off the picture, Pika Peak Elev. 3033m right of center, and Mount Richardson Elev. 3086m to the left. Definitely Grizzly country!
The troop heading uphill, fading yellow larches in the background. Right above our heads is Whitehorn Mountain, on of the peaks making up the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The reason it's called "Boulder Pass". These huge boulders crashed down from Redoubt Mountain.
Ptarmigan Lake, the end of our trail and where we sat to enjoy a well-earned lunch. In the distance is Deception Pass which takes you to Skoki Lodge, which is another 6km from where this picture was taken.
Heading down, with a great view of Mount Temple in the foreground (Elev. 3544m) and way off in the distance, the "Matterhorn of the Rockies", Mount Assiniboine (Elev 3618m) about 60km away!
Last look before heading home.