June 2, 2019, Banff lakes
On Sunday, June 2, Fred and I had some time before Nic's lacrosse game to head to the mountains for another short walk and camera exploration day. Don't get me wrong. Both of us were getting quite antsy to feel rock under our boots and that tired you only feel after a long day of hiking but with uncertain mountain conditions still and our schedules, today would not be a day for a hike. That said, we have never been to the various lakes in and around Banff even though we have been climbing these mountains for 25 years (can you believe it!). So on this day we decided to explore these lakes and take in the scenery along Highway 1A.
I was stunned by the beauty of Cascade Ponds. It appears to be a very popular day area but I guess because we were there so early in the morning, we saw few people. I was able to capture beautiful mountain and tree reflections in these ponds.
Next was stopping at and walking around a good part of Johnson Lake. Again, Johnson Lake is a stunning lake that appears to be a popular boat recreational area. Several kayaks were being put in the water just as we were leaving to move on to Two Jack Lake.
The view of the "back side" of Mount Rundle was ever impressive at the end of this much larger lake. My hunch is people can make there way around a good portion of the lake but on this day, we just explored the shoreline a bit before moving on.
Leaving Lake Minnewanka for another day, we headed up the highway to Castle Mountain. Careful to ensure we closed the gate behind us, Fred and I walked along the Bow River and discovered a family of geese. What a treat! Switching to my long lens, I moved through brush to capture some close-up shots.
All too soon it was time to head back to Calgary. A quick stop at Vermilion Lakes to photograph Mount Rundle was all we could manage if we wanted to make it home in time for a lacrosse game.
All in all, a wonderful morning! And I am looking forward to some climbing soon!
