On arrival at the planned trailhead, the weather was even more miserable than anticipated.

Given the forecast of worse to come, we reluctantly agreed to withdraw to Canmore for a coffee. Suitably reinforced and encouraged by only a slight "Scottish mist", we decided to head on up to the Grassi Lakes. Surprisingly several had never been there and for others it had been a long time ago, before the trail improvements. We took the steeper trail up beside the falls.


The gang below Grassi Lakes

We skirted the lower lake then went on to admire the colours at the second. There were a lot of yellow aspen but try as we could, no larches -- just too low.


Autumn colours, Grassi Lake. Note climbers above aspen centre left

We continued on up to the Smith-Dorrien highway for an elevation gain of just under 300m, not quite what had been planned!


Grassi Lakes

Despite the weather, everyone remained cheerful and I hope enjoyed the outing. Participants: Rosanne photo, Philip C & P, Ron, Dean, Nancy, Nardi, Cathy, Cheryl and Heather.