Fri, Sep 30 2005 - Paradise Valley and Giant Steps (View Original Event Details)
Event Coordinator(s): | |
Garry L, Marg
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Participants: | | Kimberly Y, Charles B, Sharon F, Shaun T, Gini C, Marg, Chris L, Debbie C, Valerie Bell, Stuart L, Garry L |
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Write Up:After a dubious rainy drive to Lake Louise, we were rewarded with brightening skies as we approached the Paradise Creek trailhead. The weather had scared people away the days preceding, and the two hiking groups (Cheryl's group and Garry/Margaret's group) had shrunk down a lot. We all joined up together at the trailhead. We split off into a fast group and slower group, and commenced our hike in tight groups due to the bear restriction.
The scenery was moody & misty, with glimpses of clear sky. Mount Temple towered above us with wispy clouds around it. The larches were getting to the end of their fall colour spree, and a carpet of orange needles carpeted the forest floor. We saw mountain goats high on the slopes above us to the north. The trail throughout was wet and the forest around was covered in moss and, as my dog Amber discovered, littered with mushrooms.
We hiked the Paradise Valley in a clockwise loop. After two hours (for the slower group) we had hiked up to little Lake Annette for a stop and a bite and a view. When the wind turned colder, we bundled up and prepared to continue our circuit. Shortly we were crossing a former rockslide area, and the views opened up nicely to the valley below us and even across the valley to the actual Giant Steps. After another couple of hours of hiking we came upon the muddy side-trail to the Giant Steps. Water ran over flat slabs of rock throughout, and cascaded over bigger slabs in the form of steps. We had another lunch break (now approaching 4 pm!) and then continued back to the trailhead.
Albeit a longer day, it turned out to be a pleasant hike. The rain didn't return, and the fall colours were very nice. Undoubtedly better than a day at the office!
Cheers,
Garry