Alex was our guide. For three consecutive days. His task? To set up three adventures that would suit a hyper-fit lady; an averagely fit guy, and two unpredictable and active 14year old boys.
Impossible task, achieved with ease.
First, Chester Lake - an easy enough hike which ended in the most magnificent snow and rock mountain panorama. The next day, bushwhacking around Lake Minnewanka, where the boys spent much time kicking around on the lake as Alex and I sipped chai and chatted. Finally, Lake Louise and the spectacular Lake Emerald, where we hiked, rambled and just mucked around on the snow slopes for an hour.
So, we got our exercise, our fun, and the grand vistas of the Rockies.
What we did not expect was the amount of knowledge Alex could impart on the history of the region, the geology, and in particular the wildlife. A memorable moment was as Alex taught us about bears managing their digestive system as one of my boys foraged berries.
I love Banff. Love the fantasy world of the mountains in winter. I come here for the solitude, simplicity, scenery. I hope my boys can appreciate that as well as have fun. Alex facilitated all of that - thank you.
The attached photo was taken by one of my boys sprawled on the icy surface of Lake Minnewanka, with the phone tilted up to the mountains as the sun’s strength started to fail.