Yesterday, I went out with a first time visitor to the Rockies, our nephew, Daniel Desjardins from Saint John, New Brunswick. We did the one-day, overview tour, covering a variety of some of our better tourist attractions. We both took many photographs and today I want to share a few that I was quite pleased about.
Our first stop was probably the number one attraction, Moraine Lake. I’m posting two from there; a tough call because there are so many beautiful scenes to choose from. Here’s the first, the renowned view of the lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, once pictured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill.
Moving down to the lake’s edge I captured this next shot of some colourful canoes, arranged for photographic purposes on the wharf.
Leaving Moraine Lake, we drove down to Lake Louise. Along the way we caught this great view of Mount Babel through the trees and stopped to photograph it. The scenic peak in the background is Quadra Mountain.
At Lake Louise, we captured this very familiar shot of the lake and the Victoria Glacier from in front of the Chateau Lake Louise.
After a short look around we left, running ahead of the deteriorating weather. We succeeded and after watching a train go through the lower spiral tunnel near Field, B.C., we traveled up the Yoho Valley to see Takakkaw Falls. It’s high, 302 m (990 ft.) from its highest point to its base. Its longest drop is 254 m (833 ft), making it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
I’m always fascinated by the impact of that water falling all that way, crashing onto the rock at the base. I’ve photographed it before but I think this version of the Maelstrom is as good as any I’ve done.
The weather caught up with us during lunch at Emerald Lake. I got some pictures but nothing exceptional. I do include this one shot of a solitary canoeist paddling across the lake with Emerald Peak looming in the background. It would have been much better with some blue sky behind it!
My last shot was taken at a favourite location, Hillsdale Meadow along Highway 1A, near Banff. I like this best of the day’s pictures. It features Mount Ishbel and the brilliant gold of the aspen trees at their autumn peak.
It was a great day. Daniel enjoyed the experience of seeing the Rockies for the first time. And, I enjoyed showing it to him.
Oh my heavens, these are magnificent!
Thank you!