Author Archives: Ed Heimel and Chris Klejbuk, MN travel bloggers; ckeh72@comcast.net

July 2, Canmore, Alberta

Today was our first day really exploring the Canadian Rockies. We drove from Canmore, Alberta to Lake Louise, Alberta on the Trans Canada highway. Lake Louise is one of the major not to be missed sites within Banff National Park. Along the highway within the park, Parks Canada has built several, very wide overpasses designed solely to allow wildlife to cross over the highway without being killed.

Both Lake Louise and Moraine lake have similar color characteristics. They are fed by runoff from the mountains which carries rock dust into the lake. Depending on the season, the time of day, wind and other factors, the color of the water can change from a deep blue to an emerald green.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise was still being fed by rock dust. You can see it from the streams feeding the lake and the dust floating on top of the water. In some areas, particularly the rivers, it looks almost whitish green. Today’s color of Lake Louise was more of the emerald green. As the summer progresses,more of the dust settles to the bottom and the color becomes more blue.

We were at the lake relatively early and parking was easy. We walked to the far end of the lake. Buses drop people off by the beginning of the lake, close to the fancy hotel. By the end of the lake, the number of people walking is relatively small. At the end of the lake, though, you can see the creeks feeding the lake with the rock dust in the water.

Moraine Lake

Snow pack around Moraine Lake

Our second walk was at Moraine lake. By this time, crowds were developing and parking was alongside the road, not in the small parking lot.

Moraine Lake was more spectacular today than Lake Louise. The color was more brilliant and the surrounding mountains had more snow. Moraine Lake is at a higher elevation than Lake Louise, contributing to the snow retention. The crowds observing the lake were very amazed at the color.

Chris was busy taking pictures of couples on their cameras at numerous spots around the lake. People are very appreciative of the opportunity to have both people in the photo opportunity. As you can see from the picture above, we took advantage of this mutual picture taking to have our joint photo taken.

We walked to the end of Moraine, having lunch watching the lake and surroundings. The day was hot, possibly in the high 80s, but Moraine Lake had more shade than Lake Louise.

Bow Valley Parkway

Our third activity of the day was driving the Bow Valley Parkway. Part of the Parkway is still undergoing construction after the floods of June 20. We stopped at Johnston Canyon. Our third hike of the day was to the lower falls there.

Walking on the catwalk bridge along Johnston canyon

Lower falls at Johnston Canyon

We arrived back at Canmore around 7 PM. It was a busy day with plenty of exercise and numerous beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies.

Ed and Chris July 2 10 pm

Pizza party

Pizza
party

As of tonight (6-25), we are still unsure if we will be going to Canmore or Golden for the week starting Sunday June 30. The floods in the Calgary-Banff area have left major roads still closed and we are not yet getting a clear answer as to whem they may be open. We will probably make our decision tomorrow night. (6-26) DONE! We go to Calgary and then Canmore. Roads are open. Golden will have to wait for when we return home via Whistler.

This interlude has been 10 days, longer than our previous ones. Along with the doctor appointments, car repairs, dentist and hair appointments, we have been taking advantage of the opportunity to spend some time with the Sarahs. They are managing our condo while we stay at Kathy’s.

The Sarahs have taken up ice hockey despite having no experience whatsoever. Their attitude has been great and they have remained enthusiastic despite, shall we say, not being the stars on the ice.

I attended one practice. Part of the time was spent skating backwards. I did not take pictures. They will thank me in later years. Chris went to a practice a week later and took some video but it did not come out well so you will have to remain clueless to their abilities until the scrimmage in late July when hopefully someone else will have a camera and take photos for posterity.

Last Thursday we had a small birthday get together for Sarah. A local pizza place close to Kathy’s provided the pizza and salad. It was more of an opportunity for people to get together than a fancy party and we enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with several family members.

We went out Friday night with Bernie and Tony to Little Oven on the east side of St. Paul. We ate there last Tuesday with Kathy and enjoyed the food, low prices, and large quantities that provided left overs for the next days.

Dinner at Cheeky Monkey

We were finally able to coordinate schedules to take Sarah out for a proper birthday dinner on Sunday. Cheeky Monkey on Selby was the location, their patio dining area was open. Not an easy feat given the rainy weather here.

Ed and Chris June 26

Happy guest blogger day! Welcome to Boston everyone! (You are welcome anytime!) 🙂

Today was a random day. Rebecca and I (Deb) went to our regular Pilates class in the morning while Dad went for a walk and Mom slept in. She seemed excited for this rare opportunity. Then we had leftover grilled hot dogs and various mayonnaise-y side salads for lunch before heading out for a few hours of errands and shopping. (Happy birthday gift Sarah!)

Charles river by Deb and Rebecca’s house

La Casa de Pedro

We dropped Mom and Dad off at our house and Dad read and
Mom took a nap while Rebecca and I went to see our friend Phuong and her new baby in the hospital. Then we all headed out for dinner and enjoyed some delicious South American food, margaritas and daiquiris. And a water for Dad.

Now, I gotta go. It’s time for Dad to lose at cribbage.

Deb June 15 10 pm