From Elizabeth Lake to Lake Louise

7/10/2009

This morning, we had yesterday’s spaghetti for breakfast, and strolled along the trail around Elizabeth Lodge. We saw many Canada geese. Then we checked out, and departed for Lake Louise. On the way, we stopped at Sinclair Canyon. We also stopped at Radium Hot Springs for ice cream. We had pistachio and almond ice cream and mint and chocolate chip ice cream. They were delicious. After eating, we stopped at the rest area in Columbia Lake, which was very beautiful. Then we went to Olive Lake to see the green, clear, shallow lake. Later on, we drove to Kootenay Valley Viewpoint for the dramatic view, and then hiked at Paint Pots. We went there three years ago, too, and we saw iron-rich mineral springs bubble up through small pools, staining the earth a deep ochre. We also hiked at Marble Canyon, which was not especially pretty. I did not think it was worth the long, dreadful hike. After we arrived at Lake Louise, we checked into Paradise Bungalow, our next hotel. Then we drove to Lake Louise. It was very famous, but I think Olive Lake was every bit as beautiful as it is.