November 4, 2005 - You don’t always need an element of danger for fun

Alejandro and I had a grand day. I have to admit, we both slept in for a few extra hours. We both desperately needed to make up deficits. There’s no shame in that, right?

We started the day with a beautiful 2 mile hike up to the Tunnel Mountain overlook. There were ample opportunities to enjoy views on both sides of the ridge. Though snow and ice-covered, the trail was quite well maintained. It made for a very leisurely excursion. This region is truly awe-inspiring.

(Just an aside...does that left deer look pissed to you or is it just me?)

With a few hours of sunlight left, it was time to reach a little farther. It is only a short 65 km drive to Lake Louise. I visited this place ten years ago in the summer. At that time, the turquoise water surrounded by tall mountains left me not wanting to leave…ever. I did leave but now I returned. This time, the peaks are all snow-covered as well as the trails. They were quite manageable, even past the lake towards the glacier. We walked until we ran out of light as well as time. Alejandro was on a mission to have caribou steaks and time ‘til the start of the film festival was running short. We found the Terrace Restaurant in Banff which had caribou steaks on their menu in the dining guide. Of course, they have just recently changed their menu leaving on elk as their exotic dish. The search continues…

The film festival started with a presentation by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This man has made a life of accomplishing “firsts” including an unsupported crossing of Antarctica. I have to admit that I am quite ignorant of the major players in the world of Artic/Antartic expeditions and even mountaineering but I no doubt will be doing some of my own exploring into the field.

The evening has ended quite late and tomorrow starts with a workshop on submitting work to National Geographic. Given that the subject of many submissions to National Geographic involve accounts of feats of super-human strength and character, I’d better at least be able to get out of my comfortable bed in the morning in time for the workshop.