Emerald Lake and Takkakaw Falls

Another picture perfect day. We went west into British Columbia to Yoho National Park to Emerald Lake. A stunning mountain lake surrounded by mountains. We avoided most of the crowds by starting out hike counter clockwise. We chose that direction because the sun was on the mountains which provided outstanding reflection pictures in the still glacier-fed lake. We had several sections of the train were muddy and root-covered which made footing a bit tricky. We got halfway around the lake and then headed toward the Emerald Basin to view the Emerald Glacier. This trail started off easy, but again became muddy with many roots and rocks. We had to carefully place every step. I don't like these type of trails. We reached thick cedar and larch forest with moss covering the entire forest floor. Sun dappled the landscape. It looked like something out of the Hobbit movie. As we exited the forest, we entered a rock field- remnants of the glacier. Several rushing streams were running thru the rocks and a waterfall plunged down the mountainside at the tail of the glacier. We found some large boulders to rest and enjoyed our lunch along side the glacier streams. A pleasant hike back down and we completed the loop around the lake. Our big reward was a snack at the lakeside cafe. Huge mountains on each side of the patio was the perfect spot to enjoy a treat. Fresh strawberry lemonade with chocolate cake with raspberry sorbet. Outstanding!!!!!
We were told that the area had a set of famous falls. It was just a few miles from the lake, so off we went. The mountain road hadeveral very steep and scary switchbacks. I am so glad Marty was driving. Takkakaw falls is the second tallest falls in the Canadian Rockies. 253 meters. It was amazing. The spray from the water created a rainbow as the water plunged down the rock wall. a spectacular sight.
Homeward bound with our last stop at Morraine Lake- just south of Lake Louise. It is a very popular and beautiful lake surrounded by six, snowcapped peaks. It was late in the day, so we did not get reflections, but still able to see the beauty of the lake.
Tomorrow is our last full day in Banff.











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