Canada/Alaska 2019-6: Field, the "Big Hill," and Lake Louise

    July 2, it was time to head east toward Lake Louise in 

Banff National Park.

Canadian Rockies.

How many days of gorgeous scenery can one endure?

Wildlife bridge--there are also tunnels.

Field came into being after British Columbia became part of Canada in 1871, and the "Big Hill"--Kicking Horse Pass--had to be conquered to make the railroad transcontinental. 

Water tower supplied steam engines.

Original route was straight up the 4.5% grade for 8 miles, 

requiring pusher engines. 

East of field an avalanche tunnel...

and nearby regular tunnel visible from our campsite.

 Train in 2 places on 270-degree upper Spiral Tunnel.

Monarch Campground, Yoho National Park. 

We were glad for our nosee-um screens to help combat the mosquitoes!

 Sigh...another campsite with a lousy view...

Our reward for heading to Lake Louise at 5:30 AM.

 We were on the trail to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse by 6:00.

    Marilyn had been to Lake Louise, but not the teahouse, 

with her parents in 1972.

Doug had "walked" to the teahouse in the '80s, with Katie on his back.

And about 10 years ago, he and Andrew paddled the inflatable kayaks to the end of the lake... 

...then "walked" up to the teahouse.

So, Marilyn thought this was just going to be a nice little walk.

But see the lake, far away and down the mountain?

But the steep hills and the 7.5 miles roundtrip hike (not walk!) were totally worth it.

We were the first customers of the day at the teahouse, giving us a chance to get the scoop from Megan, the waitress, who sadly must live in the mountains all summer...

The tea and biscuits were delicious.

And there was entertainment! You've never seen so many excited people snap so many pictures of a helicopter hovering 

while the workers below filled the hanging bucket 

from the outhouse holding tank.

Typical of glacial lakes, rock flour carried by melting ice gives Lake Louise its amazing color.

V    ery happy that Doug knew we should arrive early, we escaped the lake's hordes and interminable line of cars hoping for parking and returned to our peaceful campsite.