September 3, Canada, Day 2

Just a few kilometers from Lake Louise is Moraine Lake. Sunrise at Moraine Lake was another of those memories from Elaine's first trip to the Rockies that we needed to revisit. We headed out in the crisp - okay, cold - predawn light to reach the lake before sunrise. By the time we got there, five other photographers were already there, set up, waiting for the sun. The weather stayed mostly broken clouds and the other photographers were disappointed. For me it was a magical time. I got some of the best photos of the trip. It was hard to decide which photo to post here. I uploaded a number of them to Flickr already so you can see more of this magical morning there.

Like I said, cold.

Eventually the sun did come out and the tour buses started arriving at Moraine Lake so we snuck back up the road for an early morning glimpse of Lake Louise.

From Lake Louise we headed back down the Bow River Parkway toward Banff to Johnston Canyon.

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular day-hikes in Banff National Park. Johnston Creek starts in a glacial valley at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). From there it cuts through the limestone rock before it empties into the Bow River 1,060 meters (3,480 feet) lower. Geologists estimate the water and rocks and ice have been grinding away at the canyon for 8,000 years. That makes it the same age as our reef at Shacks Beach.
  

There are two aptly-named water falls in the canyon: Lower Falls

and Upper Falls

In between there is a small waterfall that could have named Small Fall or, in keeping with the existing naming system , Middle Falls. Alas, this smaller drop remains nameless.

Johnston Canyon was one of the first places (after the improvements to the roads) where Elaine noticed - and to some degree bemoaned - the "civilization" of the area.

There are now handrails and gravel trails where years ago the trails were rugged and barely marked. As we talked through the changes, they became more acceptable. First, people are going to walk to beautiful places like this. Providing paths actually helps protect the sensitive environments.Second. the paths and handrails make it possible for more people of more fitness and mobility levels to enjoy this beauty.I'm sure that at some times of year these trails are nearly overrun with visitors but for us it was amazingly peaceful.

This is also where I learned (or relearned, actually) to always look around the next curve: something amazing is going to be there!