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Published: September 20th 2013
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When:13 Sep 2013
Where: hike up Parker Ridge
Highlights: Saskatchewan glacier view
It has been over 3 years that I had heard about this
must-do hike. Superlatives were used and as time would have it, we had crossed by the trailhead several times with no time to stop.
We then realized that we had to dedicate one day to come this far.
Summer would end anytime soon. We tried to try our luck as little S had day off from school.
All of us were tired in the morning. Our decision to leave by 6.00 am faltered(nothing unusual there). We left by 8.00 am.
Our destination being 316 km away, we had close to a 4 hr drive.
With brief stops at Canmore and Lake Louise for essentials we reached Parker Ridge trail head past 11.00 am. It is not a very long hike and we got things ready for the hike. All we had to do was climb up a ride, Parker Ridge and there is the viewpoint. So, we climbed up relentlessly. S got bored of all the climbing, but also got
wows as she seemed to
be the youngest on the trail.
For more information on the hike click
here Well, what I had thought as the end of summer in Calgary turned out to be beginning of fall here this high up the mountains. So, we were blessed with clear skies and a crisp breeze. But as we climbed up the treeline, the sun began to scotch.
As we climbed up the ridge, the habitat came up to sub-arctic tundra. Barely any trees and with such harsh winds, only the hardiest of plants hugged the ground below.
It was quiet up here. We settled down on a cliff top and had a small snack. We spotted some life around. Beetles, birds and other small insects.
On the way down, we had to occupy S with so many things to keep her from crying, "
I am bored!!!"
Before we knew it we were down. It was a knee killer!
While I thought I was greedy to stop by Peyto Lake, G was thinking of the same. So we stopped by the pullout and walked fast to the lake, hoping the Sun
hadn't gone down the mountain. Peyto Lake is known for its turquoise color with all the rock flour.
Alas! We were a tad bit late. The Sun had indeed gone behind the mountain! The color wasn't there, but the trail had informative information along the way. Peyto glacier filled this lake and is receding faster than it should. One more!
Peyto Lake hike With a brief stop for dinner at Lake Louise, we began our journey home. Close to 8 hrs driving, it has been a long day for all of us. S has graduated from a car seat to a booster and took some time finding a position to fall asleep. Eventually she did.
Reaching home at 10.00 pm, we were tired and exhausted. With the drive mostly! 😊
I smiled a little before I went to sleep. This was long due!
~travelbuffs
You cannot create experience. You must undergo it. -Albert Camus
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geetha
non-member comment
Hey ! Picture postcard Beauty! cant wait to see your blog and photos of yellow stone national park.