Moraine Lake and Canmore

Today after taking a few sunrise pictures over Lake Louise, I headed for the final lake I wanted to visit:  Moraine.  It is found in a valley called the Valley of the Ten Peaks.  After arriving, it was easy to see why.  This lake was even more beautiful than Louise and the rugged peaks surrounding it were so majestic.  There was a trail to a lookout at the top of a rocky hill overlooking the lake.  I wasn't sure I was up for that climb, but I saw white-headed ladies coming down from the top.  I had to do it.  The thin mountain air made it hard to breathe, but I did it.  The view was worth the effort.  There was also a small lodge on the side of the lake.  If I ever come back, I will stay here.

Next, I stopped at Johnston Canyon near Canmore.  It is a limestone canyon with several waterfalls.  I made it to the first one and decided to head on to the hotel.  But the falls was gorgeous and in the spray of the water in the pool, I caught a rainbow.

Then, on to Canmore for my last night's stay.  I had a float trip down the Bow River scheduled for 6:30 p.m. - a good time for wildlife viewing.  I checked into my hotel and rested a while - the driving and climbing had caught up with me.

The float trip was great - the Bow is a beautiful river.  We saw beavers swimming across the lake and I was lucky enough to snap a picture when one slapped his tail on the water as a warning to the other that our raft was coming through.  It was a loud, hard slap and water flew.  We also saw an osprey dive and come up with a fish in his talons.

Near the end of the ride, our guide had to navigate over and around a new tree that had fallen into the water.  It made for some excitement.  There was another single lady on my raft who had taken a long weekend to come down to Canmore from another town close by.  We ended up having dinner together and had a number of things in common.  She also worked for U of L - the University of Lethbridge and had one son.  I enjoyed her company. 

Tomorrow morning, I head to Calgary's airport for the journey home.  It has been an amazing adventure.  I have been blessed!

Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.  The water is really THAT blue!!!

The Lower Falls of Johnston Canyon.

Rainbow in the spray of the falls.

The Three Sisters - famous peaks in Canmore.

The beaver swimming - didn't have the telephoto lens....

The beaver warning his companion by slapping his tail in the water.