The day was cloudless, the temperature warm, the breeze was cooling and the lake was refreshing… it doesn’t get a lot better when superb views and fine company are added. Our merry group headed off at a brisk pace across the meadows to the chirping of a host of ground squirrels that were foraging for brunch amongst the many tousle headed anemones:

Our first stop was on top of Quartz Ridge for a panoramic, if somewhat hazy, view of the area before heading down to Howard Douglas Lake:

One person pulled up lame at this point, blaming inadequate dancing shoes from the previous evening. The rest of us suspected the prospect of a cooling dip in the lake and a sunny napping opportunity were the real reason. So the peleton continued on through flowery meadows to Citadel Pass for lunch:

On the return there was a good view of Citadel Lake:

and the haze dissipated to very clear conditions for the return trip. The attraction of Howard Douglas Lake was too strong on the return and many dipped their feet while a couple of participants went for total immersion:

Most made it back for the 4:30 bus while 6 lingered for the 5:30. Nine felt the Drake Effect and stopped for a fine meal & rehydration in Canmore. Participants were Katie, Helen, guests Nick & Sandra, Petra, Joan, Dorothy, Peter & Barbara, Francisco, Maria, Barbara, Marietta, Marianne, Ginger, Darlene & Ron (scribe).