See here our 2006 Winner’s Adventure
Andrew Penner’s 2-Day Adventure Trek with Laurie Skreslet
September 2006
Photo 1
Andrew Penner was the Grand Prize Winner of the Experience the Mountain Parks Photo Contest. Andrew’s wife, Dawn is 7 months pregnant, so he invited his father-in-law, Gordon Hunter to join him on the start of a 2-Day Adventure Trek with Laurie Skreslet. Gordon Hunter is on the left. Andrew Penner (our Grand Prize winner) is shown on the right…
Photo 2
Andrew & Gordon met up with Laurie (First Canadian to climb Mt Everest) and Tracy, Karen & Bob Harris (Publisher of Experience the Mountain Parks) and Carole Jeffries & Jerre Paquette (Editor of Experience the Mountain Parks) on Saturday September 2, 2006 at the Chateau Lake Louise. (From the left: an unidentified tourist, Carole, Gordon, Andrew, Tracy, Laurie, Karen and Bob)
Photo 3
The trek began along the wide paved path around Lake Louise. This trail is an easy hike for most anyone. It is level – “a stroller-friendly trail” that is ideal for young families and seniors alike. Because of its popularity, Laurie speculates that this might just be THE most photographed area in the Rockies.
Photo 4
At the end of the lake, we started to climb towards the Plain of Six Glaciers – one of the most popular hiking trails in this area. Here, we noticed that several strollers were abandoned at the entrance to the hiking trail as some young parents packed their infants into modern hiking packs and carrying slings. Please note that the trail to the Tea House narrows. It is rather steep in places and is NOT paved.
Photo 5
The Tea House provides a lovely venue for a welcome rest. The light menu includes bottled water, lemonade, soup, sandwiches and a yummy home-made apple pie. Just be careful on the steep steps leading up to the second floor entrance. If you can find a table on the deck, sit and the staff will come serve you.
Photo 6
From the Tea House we ridge walked along the edge of a moraine (rock wall that was formed when part of a mountain crashes down and across the valley) towards the Abbott Hut viewpoint. Here Laurie points out the glaciers and other geological formations in the area. Notice the incredible view of the Chateau Lake Louise in the background.
Photo 7
Gordon & Jerre take a short break to discuss the day’s events so far and share photography tips.
Photo 8
At the end of the trail, you reach a wonderful vantage point from which you can see the 84 year old, 2-storey Abbot Pass Hut. At an elevation of 9,598ft., this building is the 2nd highest permanent structure in Canada.
This and several other high altitude mountain huts are maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada. They are used by people who wish to enjoy multiple day stays at elevation.
Abbot Pass Hut is located in between Lake Louise and Lake O’Hara (another very popular hiking area in this locale). For more information, see here the Alpine Club of Canada Web site.
Photo 9
Time for a cup of tea and a short rest. Make sure you take the time to enjoy the hike. Discover nature’s wonders along the wayand soak in the energy of the mountains while you are here.
This sure beats a day in the office!
~Photo Credits
Photos 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, Bob Harris
Photos 2, 3, 4, 5, Jerre Paquette
