Banff/Kootenay

June 29-30, 2008

Stanley Glacier Trail, Kootenay Nat. Park

Approx. 11k

I was getting some TLC from "A". I accepted a ride in "W's" backpack for about 15 minutes on the hike down. I was pooped!

a stream for swimming,

moose

on the south side of the basin, falls for a shower

smooth trail in the forest

talus for 45 min or so, careful tenderpaws!

not many hikers

4 paws up

Paradise Valley trail to Sentinel Junction

Banff Nat. Park

Approx 20k

My first snow! COOL!

lots of water to swim

wide trail,

steep up to Annette Lake

a few hikers

Mountain bikes on lower trail

tenderpaws alert-cross a rock slide

esp. in fall you may need a group to go here-

bears

There was a storm rolling in from the Plain of Six Glaciers. Thunder began as we were 2 k from the car. Safely at the coffee shop in Lake Louise when the downpour arrived.

4 paws up

Moraine Lakeshore trail

Keep walking, keep walking, trust me, keep walking

the crowds thin out after a few minutes

level, wide trail

soft trailbed

shady, cool

swimming

bring a leash

go to the end of the lake, it was flooded in June

2 paws

Castle Lookout Trail, approx 7k

Banff Nat. Park

UP, UP, UP

good trailbed

some rocks,

a few streams to drink

no swimming

bears,

Hot, not much shade

lots of hikers

2 paws

Ink Pots Trail, Johnston Canyon
Approx 12k

Banff Nat. Park

Whoa! Carry me! Johnston Canyon boardwalks are a forest of legs for a guy like me. A sea of humanity. Trail on to the Ink Pots is gently rolling, not as busy.

Water for drinking

wide, level trail

bring a leash

nice place for a puppy nap.

2 paws