Thu, May 27 2004 - Day in Waterton (View Original Event Details)
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Wow - what a day we had in Waterton! With her special guest Dawn (who is webmaster of the Atlanta Outdoor Club) visiting for a bit, Rhonda led a small group (rounded out by Jacqueline and Mark) down to our most southern and perhaps, least explored national park. In a wonderfully successful attempt to avoid forecast poor weather, the group enjoyed an all but rain-free day (a brief, light shower was all that the group had to contend with), exploring 3 uniquely different and wonderfully rewarding trails in Waterton Park, where mountains seem to leap out of the prairies with little transition in the way of foothills.
First the group explored the much-touted Red Rock Canyon Trail, a short loop through stratified, iron-rich sedimentary formations which produce a vivid red colouring over which a rushing mountain stream tumbles (see photos). There was a great photo opportunity at the top end of this trail, when a small herd of sheep slowly wandered through our sights. There were also other sightings of these creatures, particularly down at the trailhead when the group gathered around our fearless leader as she lectured them on matters of etiquette and how good sheep ought to behave (see photos). Heading off from the same trailhead, the group then explored the Blakiston Falls Trail where there were some wonderful photo ops and several viewpoints of the falls and Blakiston Creek. Wildflowers were in abundance, especially Glacier Lily.
Last on the hiking trails was the more arduous but still manageable Bertha Falls Trail which starts in the Waterton town site and affords an incredible view of Upper Waterton Lake, the town site and especially, the Prince of Wales Hotel (built in 1927). There was also another great stop at Cameron Falls (see photos) in the town site and a much-enjoyed drive along the scenic Highway 22, which parallels the mountains, affording views not possible from the Highway 2 route. An intriguing feature down around Highway 3 was the presence of numerous electrical power-generating windmills, lined up along the ridges (see photos). A long day but well worth it, and highly recommended to others! Looking forward to the camping/hiking weekend later in the season.
-- Mark