On the Arethusa Cirque trail

Oops, I fell asleep sitting in front of the TV (not unusual, but so annoying) straight after I uploaded these three images this evening! Can you believe it, I was in the next province, British Columbia, today?!! Friends Ron and Trish invited me to go with them as far as the amazing Takakkaw Falls, which are located in Yoho National Park, near Field, B.C.. I had never been there before. What an amazing day, seeing so much breath-taking scenery and enjoying great company! Totally dead beat now and will have to fall into bed soon. Thank you SO much, Ron and Trish, for treating me to such a special and thoroughly enjoyable day!!! Still can't believe it!

This photo shows just one of the many spectacular views on the Arethusa Cirque trail in Kananaskis, Alberta. Several of us did this hike on July 30th. The little bit I had been able to find on this hike said that it was easy with not all that much elevation (122'). Well, we were standing at 8,000' by the time we had scaled the very steep mountain side. Most of the climb was steeply upwards which meant that if I wanted to take flower photos, it was a case of trying to balance on a steep slope with an almighty drop below (so I took far fewer photos today than I normally would, ha). I am not good at heights, so did my best to avoid looking "down" during the whole climb up. Also not good at any trail that goes upwards instead of along the flat. We were climbing uphill, off towards the left hand side of my photo. Lol, I never thought I'd reach the top, but amazingly I did - and, oh, what magnificent views!!! This hike is just north of the Ptarmigan Cirque hike and parts of it were quite similar, except that Arethusa Cirque trail is up, up, up the whole way. Still, the views were simply breath-taking, including this massive, twisted, folded rock face : ) Weather was perfect, no Grizzly Bears appeared, and the company was great. Only six of us went, so it was a nice, small group. Can't remember offhand, but I know we saw one new plant - a tiny blue Gentian with the most exquisite blue flower (but can't remember the name just now). What a way to spend the day! Thanks so much, David, for sharing this new place with us and thanks, too, for the welcome treat of coffee at Highwood House. Just what was needed : )