Glorious fall colours in Larch Valley

This is one of the beautiful views that friends and I came upon when we had climbed the very last of the ten uphill switchbacks on the Larch Valley trail a couple of days ago. After climbing 360 meters (1181.088 ft) in elevation and hiking 2.6 kilometers, you enter Larch Valley near this spot. I got home around 9:15 p.m. from a wonderful day out at Moraine Lake and the switch-back hike up to the beginning of Larch Valley (Banff National Park). There was the expected Bear ruling, that people must hike in tight groups of 4 or more people - and there were only three of us. After waiting quite a long time, we asked a couple if they would like to join us. They hadn't planned on going on the hike, but they spent the next few hours "puffing and panting" with us up an endless series of uphill switchbacks through amazing forest. The view looking down though the trees on the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake was spectacular. I'm sure this couple, on holidays from England, won't soon forget their moment of madness when they agreed to accompany us, ha! They were delightful company and so patient when they had to wait for "some" of us to stop and rest our painful joints at regular intervals : ) They seemed to enjoy themselves, though - and they even had a few mushrooms pointed out to them. The day started off at around 1C with very dense fog in places. The light was pretty low for taking photos all day, and the gorgeous Larch trees had already lost a lot of their yellow needles. Nonetheless, we soaked up the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. There is a window of just two or three weeks in which to see these Larches at their best. We went on a Monday and there were far fewer visitors than at a weekend. How lucky we are to be able to visit and explore such places! Thanks so much, Stephen, for driving us on such a long trip - it was an absolute treat and so much appreciated! That Tim Horton's coffee on the way home sure hit the spot, too!

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