The Lakes

Today we were up at 0530 to catch the shuttle to Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park.

I was adamant that we would spend the morning hiking; we also spent the morning on the verge of death. We hiked 3.5 miles straight up a mountain - we gained 2000 feet in elevation in about five minutes. Part of this trail was packed snow - easy to climb and not slick. And this early in the morning, the crowds were non-existent.

We stopped a couple of times to take in the view of Lake Louise from above. It was breathtaking! The higher we got the more turquoise the water looked. 

We stopped for water and pics at Mirror Lake with a view of Big Beehive. 

The trek up Lake Agnes Trail eventually ended at a beautiful waterfall fed by Lake Agnes which was fed by glaciers in the moutains. We stopped at the teahouse for apple crumble and hot drinks because the snow was falling, the temp was hovering at 35 degrees, and the wind was blowing 40 mph. It was cold! 

I had hoped that we would then take the trail to Seven Glaciers Point, but warnings were posted for possible avalanches and the trail could not be seen due to heavy snow. Even I recognized my limits. Wes said a prayer of thanksgiving because four more miles uphill was not on his morning agenda. So we (I) decided to take the Little Beehive trail instead. Wes almost divorced me at the switchback that took us another mile straight uphill, but some kind stranger convinced him to trek on. A hundred feet and around the corner, snow was thicker and the path slicker, but the wind wasn’t as strong. I felt we, even with no experience with mountains or snow, could do this. We kept on keeping on. Until we saw Lake Louise at the very top of the mountain. 

So worth it! 

And then we walked four miles down the mountain to grab lunch. Fortified with food after a full calorie depletion, we took the shuttle to Lake Morraine, the step-sister of Banff National Forest lakes. 

But she was still a Cinderella in my eyes. We took the hour long, easy out and back trail alongside the lake. 

Ten miles are logged for today - almost all uphill because even the downhill was uphill. Our feet are sore. Our calves are tight. We will sleep like babies tonight. 

Hiking Day 1

After setting at 9:56 last night, the sun was up at 0527. The forecast did not predict such warm weather, but we welcome the sun - even at 0530! In town it is hot; on the shaded trails it is cool. 

We got an early start with our first hike to Grassi Lakes. The first mile was straight uphill on a gravel path. Six days a week at the gym prepared me for this. 

The water color is an effect achieved when the sun reflects off of tiny pieces of rock sediment in the water.

The next hike on Three Sisters Trail was far less crowded and followed a creek to a small waterfall. This trail reminded me of the trails behind Bleidorn that I hiked twice a day the summer I was pregnant with Evan. We walked miles that summer!

About half way up, we spotted The Three Sisters in the distance: Big Sister, Middle Sister, Little Sister.

It was now time to grab lunch, so we headed back to town to eat at a restaurant that brews their own beers and makes their own sodas. The food was great; the raspberry beer was even better. 

After lunch we took a trail, not a hike but a leisurely walk, along Bow River. I was really hoping I’d see the elk that had a calf last week - even if the park rangers say I don’t want to see an elk that just calved. But it didn’t happen. 

Less than 10 miles of trails, and my feet are already sore. This does not bode well for a week of hiking. But we are resting now waiting out a thunderstorm. 

As soon as today’s afternoon storm passed, we took a three mile hike through marshland on Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. 

I was hoping to spot an animal maybe out eating after the rain, but no luck. If I leave this trip and only see chipmunks and owls - animals I see in my backyard - I’m going to be very disappointed. 

Tomorrow we have an early start for what should be the highlight of the week. 

Canmore

We started off strong. 

The alarm went off at 0230. 

We were in the car at 0300.

At the airport at 0345.

In the air at 0500. 

Then. 

Two hour delay in DFW.  

I got seated next to a guy who didn’t know plane etiquette.

Struggled to find the car rental agency in Calgary. 

Struggled to pair my phone with the bluetooth in the rental so I could play my Guide Along app. 

But at 1640 Wes and I arrived in warm, sunny Canmore. We left the boys at home. Somebody has to work. 

All worth it. Tomorrow is an easy day of hiking. 

Best Part of Living in Nash

The best part of living so close to Nashville? Access to live music of course! At the beginning of the month, I kicked off my summer music series with Morgan. Tonight I kicked off summer vacation with my girl Lainey. The weather was perfect for an outdoor concert.

Such a great show! 

MW

The girls and I are kicking off our series of summer concerts with the very best, Morgan and Bailey.  

True to Nashville form, you never know who you might run into downtown.

What a show! I’ve seen him three times and I think this was his best show yet. So.Much.Energy.

Dinner - Party of Seven

Love this! This truly made my heart happy. These guys came over Friday night for dinner. I made 72 sliders! They have decided to room together next year, too, and have been assigned a pod in an upper class-men dorm. I can’t wait to do this again in the summer while hanging out poolside. 

Called Up

Keagan got called up. He dressed and played in his first varsity game tonight. He played center back, his new permanent position. Not bad considering he missed most of early training with the injury, surgery, and rehab. 

Wes and I drove to Huntsville to watch the game, and we got to see him take the field.

New kits are on order. Thank goodness. This New Balance stuff is tight and is not a good fit on anyone. 

We lost - and didn’t really compete that well - but the loss was overshadowed by the sheer joy of seeing Keagan’s dreams come true. 

Youth soccer teammates. Benson roommates. And now college teammates. 

I’m so proud of him! As the old people say, that’s me, I’m the old person with wise one liners, cream rises to the top.