One of our last outings in Banff was kayaking from First Vermillion Lake into a small stream connecting with the Bow River. After launching our sleek boats and pushing our way through some thick seaweed, we got into the nicer part of the lake with massive Mt. Rundle in the background. It was a warm, sunny day, and we enjoyed every minute on the water. Here is Kayak Queen showing off her perfect paddling technique.

This is August, right? While many of our friends around the country are suffering from summer heat and humidity, we are downright COLD up here in the Canadian Rockies. It was about 36F last night (that’s like 2C), and even midday when we were out hiking, we were in fleece, jackets, hats and gloves. Here is My Lovely Bride along the shore of Lake Louise shortly after our arrival Tuesday afternoon, and she’s not wearing a swim suit! You know it’s chilly when you don’t see a single red canoe on the lake. On a sunny day, there will be 20 or 30 of the rental boats out on the water. It has rained every day we’ve been here, but the rain only lasts an hour or so and then the sun will peek out of the clouds for an hour, then go hide for a few hours, and the cycle is repeated. Even the locals are complaining about the Fall-like weather.
There are many religions on our planet, some more friendly than others. It is said that sitting in the silence and looking inward is one of the best methods of self-discovery and worship. We came upon this chipmunk, perhaps in the middle of his Zen meditation and introspection… he was definitely non-hostile.
Lake Agnes is a tarn, which are small lakes that fill the bowls left by glaciers.
This close-up of a stream’s discharge into Lake Louise gives ample proof of the origin of the lake’s color.
Near the end of the lake distant from the hotel, Suzanne sat and meditated, recalling one of the events from her new book, Wolf’s Message, when she placed a crystal in the lake to help connect the energetic grid around the planet.
This fashionably-dressed woman was observed violating Hiking Rule #1 – before you leave home, make sure your footwear and socks are appropriate for the trail you’re planning to hike. She was only one mile along a 3 mile trail, and I wondered how her feet would hurt tomorrow, if she kept on going. Well, at least they weren’t stilettos…
Finally thanks to My Lovely Bride for taking many of these photos and others on the blog… I may have to take her out to dinner one of these nights…