WOW

The 6 Ruston peaches arrived in Canada with only small glitches. Up at 3:30 AM following our drive to Dallas and going to bed at 11:00 P.M. Not much sleep with anticipation of our trip. Off to the airport and let the fun begin.

We had intended to hike the first half a day that we were here, but arrived a little later than anticipated. Spent the evening touring the town and getting hiking information. The town is beautiful and reminds me of Aspen. Set in the middle of the Rockies with a roaring river that goes through the middle of it. Lots of commerce and MANY tourists. It reminds you of every tourist town you have ever been to.

Up early this AM for a logger's breakfast knowing lots of fuel would be burned today with our first hike. Immediately climbed in the car for a 45 minute drive to our first trail head. The hike was to the Sentinel Pass and was quite a challenge. We ended up over 8500 ft above sea level. For girls that live at about 100 ft above sea level this was a stretch. The first part of the hike takes you through the forest that is on the lower levels of the mountain. They did have bear warnings and you must stay in tight groups of 4 or more. It didn't take long for the switchbacks to begin in the trail. Take the Lincoln Parish Park switchback and multiply it by the highest number you can think of and that describes the terrain. We did cross many bubbling brooks and stopped to rest often to acclimate ourselves to the height and catch our breath and slow our hearts back down. We went through a beautiful meadow with a bubbling stream and the continued up to a lake perched below the final climb which looked straight up. You did have switchbacks,but also went through a snowfield which was VERY slippery.

We finally made the pass and sat down to enjoy our Peanut Butter sandwiches. After lunch and a brief rest, we started back down. This may seem easy, but going down was tough also. We had completely worn out our brakes before we got back. Was very glad to see the trail head and the wade in a cold lake afterward help to recoup.

We then drove over to Lake Louise to see the BEAUTIFUL lake. Home for supper, hot tub, shower and hopefully an earlier night.

It is truly beautiful and pictures do not do it justice. Our God is a MASTER PLANNER and ARCHITECH! We are all having a wonderful time and enjoying being together.

Group at lake at trailhead.

Group in stream in meadow. Beautiful wildflowers!
At the summit!