8/1/13 What Were We Thinking?

Glacier National Park and Banff, Canada

July 23 - August 8, 2013

The Great Train Escape

On our way to the hotel in Lake Louise, we took a side trip to Kootenay National Park. We specifically wanted to see Marble Canyon and the Ochre Paint Pots. The hike to Marble Canyon was a great 1.5 mile hike. The Canandian park service has built several bridges over the narrow and deep canyon.  At the end of the trail was a series of powerful waterfalls and stunning shapes and colors.

Now comes the "what were we thinking part." The short trail to the Ochre Paint Pots was closed because of the recent floods. As we stood at the head of the longer trail to the Pots, two rangers came off the trail. They were equipped with chain saws and axes. Grinning from ear to ear, they announced they had the long trail open and it was safe to use. They seemed proud of their hard work.

We took off down the trail. It was open and beautiful. It was also longer than we thought and more diverse in terrain than any we had hiked. Not many people use this trail and it was narrow. At times the thick bushes on each side of the trail were almost 5 feet tall and sometimes we were gingerly making our way through rocks and logs along the river bank.

The forested trail opened (finally) onto a large meadow of flowers and red, marshy areas. The Paint Pots are considered sacred by the First Nation People. It was a special place. Very different from anything we had seen. Worth the hike.

The total hiking for the day was about 6 miles, so when it was suggested we go to the hostel in Lake Louise for dinner, Linda thought the suggestion was for a hospital and was first to put her name on the list.

 Actually, the International Hostel in Lake Louise was just what the doctor ordered. Good food, relaxed atmosphere, fun staff and great people watching. It was a pleasure to see the diversity of people checking in. Senior citizens, young people. Some getting out of their motor homes and some walking in off the trail. Some clean and some dusty. All like us, tired and smiling.

Next blog: The Fuzzy Bear Has An Itch.