Lake Louise area and Plain of the Six Glacier

Headed up to the Lake Louise area today. All the way along our drive, we could barely see the mountains due to fog. It was 27 degrees when we woke up. Steam was coming off roofs, the  lakes and streams. I was so disappointed because we have hardly had great weather during this trip. As we got off the exit and made our way up the mountain towards the lake, the fog was gone; clear blue sky-a picture perfect day. We were so happy.
We began at the base of Lake Louise along with hundreds of other people. The trail started with an easy walk around one side of the lake. Nice reflection pictures on the calm lake. As the trail turned to head higher, the crowds thinned. We hike thru forest and then open areas into a glacier field. Plain of the Six Glacier was the trail and our destination was the base of the Victoria Glacier. Moraine hills and rocks emerged as we got closer to the glacier. We stopped at the Tea House which was built by Swiss guides long ago. Hot chocolate and scones with jam was our treat for making it that far. We still had over a mile to go. At one point we were hiking across a rocky ridge. Occasionally, we heard the rumble of falling ice on the other side of the mountain. Global warming is causing the glaciers everywhere to disappear quickly. 
Instead of just rest racing our steps, we took the Highline Trail which followed a similar path as our hike to the glacier except we were at least 100 feet higher, hiking along the top edge of the mountain. Beautiful views. This trail connected to the Beehive Trail. Fifty minutes of  a thigh burning climb, we reached the top. Lake Louise was far below with the glacial blue water. We could see forever. 
It was mostly downhill for us after this. We passed Lake Agnus and another famous tea house. Co tinged down past Mirror Lake and Little Beehive( a mountain without trees, rock texture looks like old basket type beehive). It was a very long walk back down to Lake Louise. We were gone all day, but the weather was perfect and we wanted to see every sight.
After hiking all day, it is wonderful to come back to our place and soak in the hot tub. That us the on,y way to do a hiking trip. Our place in Jasper also had a hot tub and sauna.









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