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<p>Trains: I rode on the Royal Canadian Pacific from Calgary to Lake Louise, where my compatriots left to take a bus home, but the missus was waiting for me.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Plains: Some of the hiking we did was up on the Plain of Six Glaciers, accessible from the ever-crowded with tourists Lake Louise. We also hiked up to Lake Agnes (tea hut) and the Beehives, and spent some time on Sunday at Lake Minnewanka near Banff, all very popular hikes that were somewhat less crowded this time of year. And yes, as the pictures indicate we did get snowed on.</p>
<p><br>
Automobiles: El Cheapo van conversion worked wonderfully yet again. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This weekend feels out of place in that I wish we were out in the mountains.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here are some pictures. As always, larger versions are available if you click on them, and then you can click through the whole set.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99888/width/350/height/177/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="At the end of Lake Agnes.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17935" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17935/width/350/height/177" style="; width: 350px; height: 177px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of Lake Agnes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99893/width/350/height/137/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Agnes.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17936" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17936/width/350/height/137" style="; width: 350px; height: 137px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view from the tea house.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99896/width/350/height/137/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Louise from Little Beehive.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17937" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17937/width/350/height/137" style="; width: 350px; height: 137px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view from Little Beehive down to Lake Louise, with Lake Agnes and the tea hut hidden in the right.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99903/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120070.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17938" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17938/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From the train. Mt. Rundle on the right, Tunnel Mountain (no tunnel in it) also known as the Sleeping Buffalo in the middle - Town of Banff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99911/width/350/height/87/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Up the Icefields Parkway (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17940" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17940/width/350/height/87" style="; width: 350px; height: 87px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From The Beehive, looking up the Great Divide, up the Icefields Parkway and the Bow River.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99917/width/350/height/125/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pipestone Valley (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17941" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17941/width/350/height/125" style="; width: 350px; height: 125px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Across to the Pipestone Valley, marvellous back country hiking back there, (Where Prince William and Catherine went...)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99921/width/350/height/97/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Bow Valley (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17942" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17942/width/349/height/97" style="; width: 349px; height: 97px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back up the Bow Valley</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99930/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120189.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17943" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17943/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Larches in the sunlight, a break in the weather.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99934/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120200.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17944" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17944/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Climbing to the Plain of 6 Glaciers. That's Mt. Lefroy to the Left... you'll see another angle later. And yes, that's ice. Thick glacial ice:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99937/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120214.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17945" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17945/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was cold and blustery in the peaks, and after having a tea at the hut, we strayed off the path... and up to the base of the glacier.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99945/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120217.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17946" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17946/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99948/width/350/height/113/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Plain of 6 Glaciers.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17947" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17947/width/350/height/113" style="; width: 350px; height: 113px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view back down from the Plain of 6 Glaciers to Lake Louise in the distance. But we weren't alone...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99954/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120264.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17948" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17948/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Friendly neighbourhood Mountain Goat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's the view from near the height of our journey, across to Mount Lefroy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99959/width/350/height/249/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mt Lefroy.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17949" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17949/width/350/height/249" style="; width: 350px; height: 249px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And here's another angle from higher up that shows the couloire known as "The Death Trap". </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99966/width/350/height/125/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mt Lefroy and Death Trap.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17950" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17950/width/350/height/125" style="; width: 350px; height: 125px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the top of that couloire is an alpine hut, Abbott Hut, guarding Abbott Pass. It sits at about 9000 feet. Here's a shot of it in the distance through the snow. No, I wouldn't want to climb up from THIS side. The other isn't that much better actually.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99970/width/350/height/467/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120257.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17951" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17951/width/350/height/467" style="; width: 350px; height: 467px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is called the Death Trap because of crevasses and the tendency for rock and ice to fall on people. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Lake is always beautiful, even if the paths are packed with tourists. I managed a few non-touristy shots.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99976/width/350/height/157/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Louise Pathway 2.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17952" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17952/width/349/height/157" style="; width: 349px; height: 157px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sunday we took it relatively easy, meandering on the pathway by Lake Minnewanka and up Stewart Canyon. The path passes through the site of a forest fire...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99981/width/350/height/467/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120363b.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17953" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17953/width/350/height/467" style="; width: 350px; height: 467px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Lake is man-made, actually flooded out a small town to create a reservoir. Still, it is quite pretty if more than a little windy. This isn't a lake for canoes. Not my best shot - lens flares and all, but it gives you an idea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99985/width/350/height/78/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Minnewanka.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17954" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17954/width/348/height/78" style="; width: 348px; height: 78px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll leave you with shots of Stewart Canyon, the forest floor and a close encounter...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99992/width/350/height/500/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Stewart Canyon clear waters 2.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17955" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17955/width/350/height/500" style="; width: 350px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99995/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120322.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17956" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17956/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/100001/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120328.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17957" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17957/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/100004/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120345.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17958" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17958/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>th-th-that's all for now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Plains: Some of the hiking we did was up on the Plain of Six Glaciers, accessible from the ever-crowded with tourists Lake Louise. We also hiked up to Lake Agnes (tea hut) and the Beehives, and spent some time on Sunday at Lake Minnewanka near Banff, all very popular hikes that were somewhat less crowded this time of year. And yes, as the pictures indicate we did get snowed on.</p>
<p><br>
Automobiles: El Cheapo van conversion worked wonderfully yet again. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This weekend feels out of place in that I wish we were out in the mountains.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here are some pictures. As always, larger versions are available if you click on them, and then you can click through the whole set.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99888/width/350/height/177/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="At the end of Lake Agnes.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17935" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17935/width/350/height/177" style="; width: 350px; height: 177px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of Lake Agnes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99893/width/350/height/137/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Agnes.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17936" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17936/width/350/height/137" style="; width: 350px; height: 137px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view from the tea house.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99896/width/350/height/137/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Louise from Little Beehive.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17937" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17937/width/350/height/137" style="; width: 350px; height: 137px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view from Little Beehive down to Lake Louise, with Lake Agnes and the tea hut hidden in the right.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99903/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120070.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17938" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17938/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From the train. Mt. Rundle on the right, Tunnel Mountain (no tunnel in it) also known as the Sleeping Buffalo in the middle - Town of Banff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99911/width/350/height/87/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Up the Icefields Parkway (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17940" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17940/width/350/height/87" style="; width: 350px; height: 87px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From The Beehive, looking up the Great Divide, up the Icefields Parkway and the Bow River.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99917/width/350/height/125/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pipestone Valley (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17941" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17941/width/350/height/125" style="; width: 350px; height: 125px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Across to the Pipestone Valley, marvellous back country hiking back there, (Where Prince William and Catherine went...)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99921/width/350/height/97/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Bow Valley (Beehive).JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17942" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17942/width/349/height/97" style="; width: 349px; height: 97px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Back up the Bow Valley</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99930/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120189.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17943" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17943/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Larches in the sunlight, a break in the weather.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99934/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120200.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17944" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17944/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Climbing to the Plain of 6 Glaciers. That's Mt. Lefroy to the Left... you'll see another angle later. And yes, that's ice. Thick glacial ice:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99937/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120214.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17945" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17945/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was cold and blustery in the peaks, and after having a tea at the hut, we strayed off the path... and up to the base of the glacier.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99945/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120217.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17946" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17946/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99948/width/350/height/113/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Plain of 6 Glaciers.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17947" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17947/width/350/height/113" style="; width: 350px; height: 113px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The view back down from the Plain of 6 Glaciers to Lake Louise in the distance. But we weren't alone...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99954/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120264.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17948" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17948/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Friendly neighbourhood Mountain Goat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's the view from near the height of our journey, across to Mount Lefroy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99959/width/350/height/249/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mt Lefroy.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17949" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17949/width/350/height/249" style="; width: 350px; height: 249px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And here's another angle from higher up that shows the couloire known as "The Death Trap". </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99966/width/350/height/125/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mt Lefroy and Death Trap.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17950" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17950/width/350/height/125" style="; width: 350px; height: 125px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the top of that couloire is an alpine hut, Abbott Hut, guarding Abbott Pass. It sits at about 9000 feet. Here's a shot of it in the distance through the snow. No, I wouldn't want to climb up from THIS side. The other isn't that much better actually.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99970/width/350/height/467/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120257.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17951" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17951/width/350/height/467" style="; width: 350px; height: 467px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is called the Death Trap because of crevasses and the tendency for rock and ice to fall on people. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Lake is always beautiful, even if the paths are packed with tourists. I managed a few non-touristy shots.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99976/width/350/height/157/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Louise Pathway 2.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17952" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17952/width/349/height/157" style="; width: 349px; height: 157px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sunday we took it relatively easy, meandering on the pathway by Lake Minnewanka and up Stewart Canyon. The path passes through the site of a forest fire...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99981/width/350/height/467/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120363b.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17953" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17953/width/350/height/467" style="; width: 350px; height: 467px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Lake is man-made, actually flooded out a small town to create a reservoir. Still, it is quite pretty if more than a little windy. This isn't a lake for canoes. Not my best shot - lens flares and all, but it gives you an idea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99985/width/350/height/78/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Minnewanka.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17954" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17954/width/348/height/78" style="; width: 348px; height: 78px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll leave you with shots of Stewart Canyon, the forest floor and a close encounter...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99992/width/350/height/500/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="Stewart Canyon clear waters 2.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17955" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17955/width/350/height/500" style="; width: 350px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/99995/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120322.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17956" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17956/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/100001/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120328.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17957" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17957/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/100004/width/350/height/263/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="P1120345.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="17958" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/17958/width/350/height/263" style="; width: 350px; height: 263px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>th-th-that's all for now.</p>
