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:


anemones in seed

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:


Descending 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:


Citadel Pass, Citadel Peak behind

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


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:



Waterbelle Ginger in Howard Douglas Lake

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, guest Maria, Barbara, Marietta, Marianne, Ginger, Darlene & Ron (scribe).