Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Day 3 Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is a small national park next to Banff and Kootney. Although Yoho is only 1313 kilometers squared , the park is filled with scenic wonders. One of the highlights in my Yoho trip was Takakkaw Falls. This natural waterfall has a freefall of 254 meters. That makes Takakkaw Falls the third highest waterfall in Canada.
The word Takakkaw comes from the stony native expression, "it is wonderful". The Falls is wonderful. Even more amazing is that visitors are allowed to walk to the bottom of the falls. You can feel the water splashing in your face. You can also feel the cold water from the falls.
Yoho National Park's other highlight is Emerald Lake. Emerald lake is the largest of Yoho's 61 lakes and ponds. This lake has a 5.2 kilometer hiking trail. This lake like many of its brothers and sisters was formed by the damming effect of a eleven thousand year old glacial moraine. This moraine is located where the Emerald Lake Lodge now sits. The trail goes around the lake's perimeter, therefore, there is no real need to hike the whole distance. The first European to discover this lake was Tom Wilson. Tom Wilson discovered another lake which he gave it the same name. However, that lake is now Lake Louise. From a nature observer's point of view , you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lake. You will really enjoy the rock-flour colored lake for it evokes a happy memory. The mountains surrounding Emerald Lake are the Presidential Mountains. It is also surrounded by Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain.
Another popular lake in Yoho is Lake O'Hara. This lake is located directly across the Continental Divide from Lake Louise. However, you will need a reservation in order to be taken up to the Lake. You could also hike up to the lake. It is just a fifteen kilometer hike. It would probably take you a few hours, but if you have a lot of time, then do it.
The word Takakkaw comes from the stony native expression, "it is wonderful". The Falls is wonderful. Even more amazing is that visitors are allowed to walk to the bottom of the falls. You can feel the water splashing in your face. You can also feel the cold water from the falls.
Yoho National Park's other highlight is Emerald Lake. Emerald lake is the largest of Yoho's 61 lakes and ponds. This lake has a 5.2 kilometer hiking trail. This lake like many of its brothers and sisters was formed by the damming effect of a eleven thousand year old glacial moraine. This moraine is located where the Emerald Lake Lodge now sits. The trail goes around the lake's perimeter, therefore, there is no real need to hike the whole distance. The first European to discover this lake was Tom Wilson. Tom Wilson discovered another lake which he gave it the same name. However, that lake is now Lake Louise. From a nature observer's point of view , you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lake. You will really enjoy the rock-flour colored lake for it evokes a happy memory. The mountains surrounding Emerald Lake are the Presidential Mountains. It is also surrounded by Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain.
Another popular lake in Yoho is Lake O'Hara. This lake is located directly across the Continental Divide from Lake Louise. However, you will need a reservation in order to be taken up to the Lake. You could also hike up to the lake. It is just a fifteen kilometer hike. It would probably take you a few hours, but if you have a lot of time, then do it.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Choose the Canadian Rockies over Colorado
The Canadian Rockies consist of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootney National Parks. Even though the Canadian Rocky mountains are not as tall as the ones in the states, the Canadian Rockies have a scenic beauty that is incomparable to anything on Earth. From Edith Cavell's Angel and Cavell glaciers to the majestic Lake Louise, you can feel the harmony with nature.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Ice field is the highlight of the whole road. It is the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. It is approximately 200 kilometers squared. The people who work with the national parks will take tourists up to the Columbia Ice field for a price. The price is worth it . You can stand on the ice , but it is slippery. Also, remember to bring your sunglasses. When the sun shines on the glaciers, the glacier will reflect a lot of UV rays into your eyes. Those UV rays are harmful to your eyes.
According to the tour guide, some of the trees in the alpine and sub-alpine regions are over three hundred years old. However, the trees are really small. The soil on the alpine region of the Columbia Ice field is not fertile. Therefore, the trees cannot grow to be as tall as the evergreens in New Jersey.
Over millions of years, snow has accumulated and melted. However, due to Global Warming, the past decade has been the fastest decline in glacier ice. When the glaciers melt, it leaves a moraine. By definition, a moraine is a deposit of boulders, gravel, sand, and clay left on the ground by the glacier.
According to the tour guide, some of the trees in the alpine and sub-alpine regions are over three hundred years old. However, the trees are really small. The soil on the alpine region of the Columbia Ice field is not fertile. Therefore, the trees cannot grow to be as tall as the evergreens in New Jersey.
Over millions of years, snow has accumulated and melted. However, due to Global Warming, the past decade has been the fastest decline in glacier ice. When the glaciers melt, it leaves a moraine. By definition, a moraine is a deposit of boulders, gravel, sand, and clay left on the ground by the glacier.
Jasper Acronym
If you have been to Maligne Lake, then you know that Jasper is Just another way to extract revenue.
That is from the tour guide, Guy. He is a French Canadian. He has a little accent, so you can always ask him to repeat his previous statements. He has a good sense of humor.
His best story is at the end of the tour. So you should listen carefully. It is a hilarious story.
That is from the tour guide, Guy. He is a French Canadian. He has a little accent, so you can always ask him to repeat his previous statements. He has a good sense of humor.
His best story is at the end of the tour. So you should listen carefully. It is a hilarious story.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Lake Louise Photos
Hey Guys,
I am going to post some photos of the beautiful and awe-inspiring Lake Louise.
I am going to post some photos of the beautiful and awe-inspiring Lake Louise.
Moraine Lake
Before heading out to Lake Louise, you should also stop by Morine Lake. Morine Lake has a deep dark blue color due to the refraction of light off the rock flour. The rock flour is continually deposited into the lake. You can hike up a little hill and get a good view of the entire lake and its surrounding mountains. You should be careful because there is a section where the trail gets very steep.
Take a look at the pictures I took while I was at Morine Lake.
Take a look at the pictures I took while I was at Morine Lake.
Day 2 at Banff National Park
Before heading out towards Lake Louise Village, you should visit the Bow River Falls. It was at the Bow River Falls that Marilyn Monroe filmed her movie. The film was called River of No Return.
Cute Chipmunk on Sulphur Mountain
At the summit of Sulphur Mountain, I took a picture of a Chipmunk eating a nut.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Jasper Tramway
The Jasper Tramway takes you up Whistler mountain. However, it only takes you half-way up. The rest of the way requires some hiking. The hike is both long and steep. Therefore, tourist who have bad legs might want to take more rests on the way. At the summit, you should take plenty of pictures because the view is terrific. You can see a beautiful mountain range with glaciers. The hike is about two hours to three hours. It might only take one hour if you are a track and field athlete.
Also , watch your step for the trail is not paved. There are lots of rocks and the trail is very steep. So watch your step, put away your camera, and look down at your feet. Whistler mountain is one of those mountains where people fall off of when they come down.
From the summit you can also see the town of Jasper. It is a small town located in the Valley. Every body know each other and Jasper's only industry is Tourism.
Also , watch your step for the trail is not paved. There are lots of rocks and the trail is very steep. So watch your step, put away your camera, and look down at your feet. Whistler mountain is one of those mountains where people fall off of when they come down.
From the summit you can also see the town of Jasper. It is a small town located in the Valley. Every body know each other and Jasper's only industry is Tourism.
Lake Maligne
Maligne in French means wicked. However, the view is certainly not wicked. It is a magnificent lake with glacier capped mountains surrounding it. It also has small islands. One of the islands is Spirit Island. You probably seen some of the photographs in Quebec and Ontario. Spirit Island is near the end of Maligne Lake. People who have visited Spirit Island call it the meeting place of the Gods.
Lake Maligne is pronounced as Mal-LEEN. This lake has a guided cruise from one end to the other end. The tour guide explains the history, culture, and geology of the lake. When the boat reaches Spirit Island, the tour guide gives everybody on the boat ten minutes to take pictures. You can either hike up and get a broader view of the end of the lake or you can make a left turn when you get off the boat. The narrow trail gives you a lower perspective of the nearby islands.
The tour guide shows his or her audience the old forest fire on the right hand side of the lake. He said that the mountain ecosystem on the right side is healthier than the mountain on the left because the sunlight can penetrate the forest floor. Since the mountain on the left hand side has not had a fire for 200 years, the trees are so dense that the sunlight cannot reach the forest floor. Therefore, many trees on that side of the lake are dying. Animals have to get to a higher altitude in order to survive.
Some of the animal sightings include grizzly bears and black bears. The difference of these two bears are simple. Grizzly Bears have a huge hump on their backs. That hump is pure muscle because they have to be able to swim from one side of the lake to the other side. Grizzly Bears also have claws while the Black Bear does not.
Lake Maligne is pronounced as Mal-LEEN. This lake has a guided cruise from one end to the other end. The tour guide explains the history, culture, and geology of the lake. When the boat reaches Spirit Island, the tour guide gives everybody on the boat ten minutes to take pictures. You can either hike up and get a broader view of the end of the lake or you can make a left turn when you get off the boat. The narrow trail gives you a lower perspective of the nearby islands.
The tour guide shows his or her audience the old forest fire on the right hand side of the lake. He said that the mountain ecosystem on the right side is healthier than the mountain on the left because the sunlight can penetrate the forest floor. Since the mountain on the left hand side has not had a fire for 200 years, the trees are so dense that the sunlight cannot reach the forest floor. Therefore, many trees on that side of the lake are dying. Animals have to get to a higher altitude in order to survive.
Some of the animal sightings include grizzly bears and black bears. The difference of these two bears are simple. Grizzly Bears have a huge hump on their backs. That hump is pure muscle because they have to be able to swim from one side of the lake to the other side. Grizzly Bears also have claws while the Black Bear does not.
Angel Glacier and Mount Edith Cavell
When you arrive in Jasper National Park from Banff on the Icefields parkway (Route 93 or 93A), you will have to hike up Cavell Meadows loop and the Glacier loop. Mount Edith Cavell was named after a British nurse during World War one. She is honored by the Canadians for saving soldiers from both sides of the war front. However, she was executed by the British for treason. She helped some 200 Allied Soldiers escape from German occupied Belgium.
Angel Glacier is one of the glaciers on Mount Edith Cavell. The Glacier is shaped like an angel and that is where it gets its name. Every summer, the melting glacier's water goes to the lake beneath. Walk down to the lake and have a picnic. Enjoy the great photographic moment with your family.
The ice sticking out of the water remind me of pictures of the Arctic Circle. You can also walk on the glacier to take a look at the cave that was formed from the ice and glacier.
The temperature will drop rapidly, so dress in layers. The temperature in the Rockies can change dramatically. It is like there are three different seasons. However, due to Global Warming, the climate has changed dramatically. Edith Cavell no longer has as much snow as 50 to 100 years ago. Hurry to the Canadian Rockies before all the glaciers melt.
The Cavell Meadows loop is a one to two hour hike up the mountain and down the mountain. From the top , you can see the Angel Glacier. You can also see some wildlife such as the Golden striped Squirrel and a huge rat like creature that eat berries all day long. Remember to bring mosquito repellent for the mosquitoes stick to humans like chewing gun. Mosquito are everywhere. I have about 10 mosquito bites after the trip.
If you have poles, then bring your poles for the hike down. The hike down from Cavell Meadows can be both long and treacherous. There are no paved trails at the Cavell Meadows. There is also no restaurants at Edith Cavell. There are only restrooms. Those rest rooms have no running water. Remember to bring sanitizing wipes to clean the toilet seats. You should also buy your lunch from Robinson's Grocery Store before heading to Edith Cavell. They have a excellent Delicatessen. You can buy salads and sandwiches to Edith Cavell.
The glacial lake gets its color from the rock flour that come in from the melting glaciers.
Angel Glacier is one of the glaciers on Mount Edith Cavell. The Glacier is shaped like an angel and that is where it gets its name. Every summer, the melting glacier's water goes to the lake beneath. Walk down to the lake and have a picnic. Enjoy the great photographic moment with your family.
The ice sticking out of the water remind me of pictures of the Arctic Circle. You can also walk on the glacier to take a look at the cave that was formed from the ice and glacier.
The temperature will drop rapidly, so dress in layers. The temperature in the Rockies can change dramatically. It is like there are three different seasons. However, due to Global Warming, the climate has changed dramatically. Edith Cavell no longer has as much snow as 50 to 100 years ago. Hurry to the Canadian Rockies before all the glaciers melt.
The Cavell Meadows loop is a one to two hour hike up the mountain and down the mountain. From the top , you can see the Angel Glacier. You can also see some wildlife such as the Golden striped Squirrel and a huge rat like creature that eat berries all day long. Remember to bring mosquito repellent for the mosquitoes stick to humans like chewing gun. Mosquito are everywhere. I have about 10 mosquito bites after the trip.
If you have poles, then bring your poles for the hike down. The hike down from Cavell Meadows can be both long and treacherous. There are no paved trails at the Cavell Meadows. There is also no restaurants at Edith Cavell. There are only restrooms. Those rest rooms have no running water. Remember to bring sanitizing wipes to clean the toilet seats. You should also buy your lunch from Robinson's Grocery Store before heading to Edith Cavell. They have a excellent Delicatessen. You can buy salads and sandwiches to Edith Cavell.
The glacial lake gets its color from the rock flour that come in from the melting glaciers.
Schedule for Tourist travelling to Canadian Rockies Page 1
From Newark International Airport, you take Air Canada to Calgary International Airport. Upon arriving at Calgary, rent a car without a GPS system. Bring your own portable GPS. Do not go with a Tour bus because the tour company only skims the basic places. By travelling your own rental car, you have more freedom and thus more time to explore and photograph. Drive to Banff's town. First, you should go to the gondola at Sulphur Mountain. Ride the Gondola by buying a package. The package includes the Columbian Icefield, the Gondola at Sulphur mountain, and the cruise at Lake Minnewaka. Give yourself plently of time to climb to the summit of Sulphur mountain. The view is beautiful compared with the other places. The climb can be arduous for older climbers in their 60s and 70s, but it is relatively easy compared with Whistler Mountain at Jasper.
At night, you can watch the stars while at the Hot Springs which are next to the Gondolas. The Hot Springs is a therapeutic method for curing different skin problems. It is a family friendly hot springs. Remember to bring your swim wear and your towels to the hot springs.
After the hot springs, you can stay at hotels on the main street. I reconomend the comfortable beds at the Inn of Banff. That is not the Banff Inn.
At night, you can watch the stars while at the Hot Springs which are next to the Gondolas. The Hot Springs is a therapeutic method for curing different skin problems. It is a family friendly hot springs. Remember to bring your swim wear and your towels to the hot springs.
After the hot springs, you can stay at hotels on the main street. I reconomend the comfortable beds at the Inn of Banff. That is not the Banff Inn.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Air Canada flight to Cargary
Cargary is one of the few international airports near Banff and Jasper national parks. Air Canada is one of the only airlines to fly to Cargary in Alberta, Canada. However, Air Canada is treated in Newark and JFK as a domestic airline, therefore, be prepared for long lines at Customs in Cargary. Also, bring your own pillows, blankets, and headsets for they cost money on the plane. Remember to eat before you get on the plane. With the exception of beverages, all food items are not covered by the plane ticket.
Whistler Mountain
I climbed Whistler's mountain's arduous trail to the summit. I first drove my rental car up to the parking lot. Then I rode the Tramway up to a midpoint level. From the Tramway station on the mountain, I began my climb up the long and steep trail. The view is wonder , but you need to bring your camera filters for the DSLR and SLR. Bring your warming, polerizer and color grad filters for the best results. Also remember to bring your hiking boots for the trail is unpaved and there are unexpected twists and objects.
Johnston's Canyon
In Banff National Park, there is a canyan that was formed in last 8000 years. This canyan is called Johnston's canyan. It is a one and a half mile hike up from the parking lot. There are seven waterfalls. Remember to use the TV mode on your DSLR camera to photograph the waterfalls. The hike is so easy that even a child can do it.
Iceroad Parkway or Highway 93 and 93A
The Ice road Parkway is a highway that connects Banff with Jasper. This parkway is one of the most beautiful parkways in the world. What makes this road so beautiful? The Glacier capped mountains and the glacial lakes define this parkway as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The clear lake and sky make the area look like heaven. However, the real beauty is two hundred miles away from Calgary. The lake is called Maligne Lake.
The Columbia Ice field is on the border of Jasper and Banff National Park. From the visitor center, you purchase tickets to go on the largest glacier south of the Arctic circle. The tour guide drives you by bus to a ice truck center on the mountain. Then he moves everybody to the big machine that will take you to the glacier. When you get to the glacier, you should be extra careful not to slip on black ice. Even worst than black ice are the hidden holes. These holes are hidden underneath the thinnest layer of ice and snow. The huge machine can travel safely because it has five foot high tires. These tires are also one meter wide. When you take photographs, remember to watch your step. It is human nature to take a step back to focus the camera. Before you take that step back, look at the ground before stepping. It is crucial that tourist watch their step. Sometimes people can get carried away with photography that they forget about common sense.
One more thing, the tour guide will mention the terminal moraines. The Terminal Moraines are piles of rocks. These rocks were left behind by glaciers that had melted away.
You can also hike to the ice field; however, the trail is long and treacherous. It typically takes an experienced hiker five to six hours to hike to the top. An inexperienced hiker could take as long as twelve hours to climb up. They could take as short as seven seconds to come down. Beware of avalanches.
The clear lake and sky make the area look like heaven. However, the real beauty is two hundred miles away from Calgary. The lake is called Maligne Lake.
The Columbia Ice field is on the border of Jasper and Banff National Park. From the visitor center, you purchase tickets to go on the largest glacier south of the Arctic circle. The tour guide drives you by bus to a ice truck center on the mountain. Then he moves everybody to the big machine that will take you to the glacier. When you get to the glacier, you should be extra careful not to slip on black ice. Even worst than black ice are the hidden holes. These holes are hidden underneath the thinnest layer of ice and snow. The huge machine can travel safely because it has five foot high tires. These tires are also one meter wide. When you take photographs, remember to watch your step. It is human nature to take a step back to focus the camera. Before you take that step back, look at the ground before stepping. It is crucial that tourist watch their step. Sometimes people can get carried away with photography that they forget about common sense.
One more thing, the tour guide will mention the terminal moraines. The Terminal Moraines are piles of rocks. These rocks were left behind by glaciers that had melted away.
You can also hike to the ice field; however, the trail is long and treacherous. It typically takes an experienced hiker five to six hours to hike to the top. An inexperienced hiker could take as long as twelve hours to climb up. They could take as short as seven seconds to come down. Beware of avalanches.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Lake Louise Village Travel Diary Day 4
Lake Louise is a one hour drive from the industrial town of Banff which is part of Banff National Park. I canoed through the lake. The lake is beautiful from upclose and from far away. It is beautiful because of the glacier covered mountain. I ate lunch at the Fairmount hotel which has a good view of Lake Lousie. The waiter gave me the window view of the lake. While eating, I can enjoy the glaciers and the rock-flour covered lake. Afterwards, I rented a canoe for one hour which proved to be not enough. If you plan to enjoy the lake and paddle from one side to the other side, then you need a two hour rental. After I finished canoeing, I hiked up to the Lake Louise viewpoint. From the view point I got a good picture of the lake and the hotel. The viewpoint is a thirty minute to an hour walk. The trail splits into two trails. The right is to the viewpoint. The left is to the tea house. The Tea house is farthur away, but you can get a better view. If you have lots of time like two weeks in the Canadian Rockies, then you can walk. However, if you only have one week like me, then you should focus on other details.
There are a good restaurant at the Lake Louise village that serves Chinese, American,and Canadian food. Behind the restaurant is a small stream, where you can take pictures of the rolling water. After dinner, you can relax in the picnic area.
From Lake Louise, you can head north to Jasper national park. Jasper National Park is the most beautiful place in the Rockies. Therefore you should arrive in Calgary to Baniff not from Edmonton to Jasper. Save the best for last. Jasper does not have many good hotels, so it would be nice to live in a Bed and Breakfast. The house I lived in has a very good host. He is a good cook for my breakfast. He gave some very nice suggestions about where to head off. For example, he told us about Mount Edith Cavell. He said that Mount Edith Cavell has a meadow at the summit and a huge glacier called the Angel Glacier. He said that you should walk up the meadow first then come down to the glacier lake.
There are a good restaurant at the Lake Louise village that serves Chinese, American,and Canadian food. Behind the restaurant is a small stream, where you can take pictures of the rolling water. After dinner, you can relax in the picnic area.
From Lake Louise, you can head north to Jasper national park. Jasper National Park is the most beautiful place in the Rockies. Therefore you should arrive in Calgary to Baniff not from Edmonton to Jasper. Save the best for last. Jasper does not have many good hotels, so it would be nice to live in a Bed and Breakfast. The house I lived in has a very good host. He is a good cook for my breakfast. He gave some very nice suggestions about where to head off. For example, he told us about Mount Edith Cavell. He said that Mount Edith Cavell has a meadow at the summit and a huge glacier called the Angel Glacier. He said that you should walk up the meadow first then come down to the glacier lake.
Banff National Park , Yoho National Park Day 3
Yoho National Park is the second park that I visited on monday August 8, 2011. Yoho has a large lake called Emerald Lake. The lake and the mountains make a great photographic moment. However, there are lots of mosequitos. Remember to bring Mosequito repellent to your trip. Also , remember to wear hiking boots. The next place on my agenda is Takakkaw Falls. The Takakkaw Falls is an enormous waterfall. I climbed up near the falls. I could have climbed higher; however, the rocks on the ground are unstable. It is unsafe to climb because I was afraid to fall. The water coming down from the falls is good enough to wash your hands. The Falls is the third largest in Canada. It has a free fall of 254 Meters. If you are looking to take good pictures of the water fall, then turn your DSLR Camera or SLR camera's mode to Time Priority aka TV. It might be useful to bring a tripod for you will be taking pictures at a low speed. You might also want to bring an umbrella and a lense cloth for the water will splash onto your lens.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Welcome to Banff National Park Day 1 and 2 post 2 out of 2
DAY 2 at Banff National Park: The First Canadian National Park
On my second day of exploration, I explored Lake Morine and Lake Louise. Lake Louise. On the bank of Lake Louise, I can see the snow capped mountains. On the left side of the lake has less trees than on the right side. On the bank of the Lake is the Fermont Hotel and Restaurant. The Restaurant has good prices and it has a good view of the mountains. After I ate lunch, I rented a canoe to go sightseeing on the lake. The Lake has a clear, greenish-blue color. It looks very refreshing and comforting. The best part of the lake is that I can canoe and hike. Canoeing gives me one perspective of the lake, while hiking gives me another. Even though the trail to the overlook tower is approxiamately two kilometers, it is worth the walk. There is a steep incline that may be challenging for some of the older folks. Remember if you want to canoe to the end of the lake, make sure to buy the two hour package. You cannot make the whole thing in one hour without going to overtime. The mountain and the hotel make a great photographic moment. Remember to bring your camera.
If you really love hiking, then you should hike to the tea house which is about 4 kilometers away from the bottom.
At night, there is a mall where they shave the best restaurant in town. After dinner, I took a walk behind the mall. There is a bridge where you can take photogrpahs of the mountain and the flowing water. The water flows from Lake Lousie.
Tomorrow I will wake up nice and early to get a good photograph of Lake Lousie at Dawn for that is one of the best times to take pictures.
Thanks for reading
On my second day of exploration, I explored Lake Morine and Lake Louise. Lake Louise. On the bank of Lake Louise, I can see the snow capped mountains. On the left side of the lake has less trees than on the right side. On the bank of the Lake is the Fermont Hotel and Restaurant. The Restaurant has good prices and it has a good view of the mountains. After I ate lunch, I rented a canoe to go sightseeing on the lake. The Lake has a clear, greenish-blue color. It looks very refreshing and comforting. The best part of the lake is that I can canoe and hike. Canoeing gives me one perspective of the lake, while hiking gives me another. Even though the trail to the overlook tower is approxiamately two kilometers, it is worth the walk. There is a steep incline that may be challenging for some of the older folks. Remember if you want to canoe to the end of the lake, make sure to buy the two hour package. You cannot make the whole thing in one hour without going to overtime. The mountain and the hotel make a great photographic moment. Remember to bring your camera.
If you really love hiking, then you should hike to the tea house which is about 4 kilometers away from the bottom.
At night, there is a mall where they shave the best restaurant in town. After dinner, I took a walk behind the mall. There is a bridge where you can take photogrpahs of the mountain and the flowing water. The water flows from Lake Lousie.
Tomorrow I will wake up nice and early to get a good photograph of Lake Lousie at Dawn for that is one of the best times to take pictures.
Thanks for reading
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Welcome to Banff National Park Day 1 and 2 Post 1 out of 2
I am currently at Banff National Park in Canada. It is the first National Park in Canada. It is part of the Rocky Mountain Range. It is one park out of four national parks on the Rocky Mountain range. On my first day at Banff National Park, I visited several sites including the Hot Springs and a long hike. The hike is to smaller summit compared to the rest of the Mountain Range. The Hot Springs is a must go location because the naturally occurring springs is known to have therapeutic effects. However, staying in the water for too long is bad for your heart. The difference in temperature between night and day is very big. In the early morning, it is 7 degrees celesius and the highest it can reach is around 75 degrees celesius. The hot springs is on the Sulphur mountain. The temperature of the hot springs is both relaxing and comfortable. It helps people keep warm from the harsh Rocky Mountains' temperature. Once I got out of the hot springs , I wanted to get right back in because of the cold wind that had hit me. I suggest that you guys go into the hot springs at night to relax from a day of hiking, canoeing, and photography.
Before I went into the hot springs, I did two things. I rode the Gandola up one of the mountains. I continued to hike to the top. The view is wonderful. It is like a dream. Some of the peaks have snow and ice which makes a good subject for cameras. The walk path is very bumpy and very rugged. Do not put too much focus on your photography for your life is more important.
Afterwards, I also took a lake cruise of Lake Minnewaka. The cruise is a guided cruise with a tour guide. He explains the history, the geography, and the ancient Native American stories. First he gave us a memorable story about the Lake monster. Native Americans once did not go on the lake for one hundred years because one family went out on a boat singing. Then the lake monster that is half human and half fish. It is like the Little Mermaid, except its less pretty. The monster grabbed every one in the boat except one person. The one person told the story to the tribe and every body stayed far away from the lake as possible. That is where the name Minnewaka come from. It means Lake of the Lake spirit or monster. On both sides of the lake, there are lots of trees. The right side of the Lake has more than the left side side of the lake. The Left side of the lake experienced a huge forest fire. The Canadians put out its first forest fire and its last forest fire by burning one kilometer of land to burn out the fire. A little bit past the end of the lake is the farthurest point and the end of the Rocky Mountains. The mountains surrounding the lake has Elk, Moose, Wolves, Black Bears, Grizzy Bears, Cougars, Deers, and Sheeps. Although Mooses and Cougars are rare, they have been spotted. The tour guides the whole boat a photgraph of a Cougar biting the neck of a Mountain Sheep. The Moose is a rare animal because the Elk has a bateria in its stomach that kill Mooses. Elks and Mooses stay as far away as possible in the Rocky Mountains.
By the end of the day, I am exhausted and I quickly fell asleep.
Before I went into the hot springs, I did two things. I rode the Gandola up one of the mountains. I continued to hike to the top. The view is wonderful. It is like a dream. Some of the peaks have snow and ice which makes a good subject for cameras. The walk path is very bumpy and very rugged. Do not put too much focus on your photography for your life is more important.
Afterwards, I also took a lake cruise of Lake Minnewaka. The cruise is a guided cruise with a tour guide. He explains the history, the geography, and the ancient Native American stories. First he gave us a memorable story about the Lake monster. Native Americans once did not go on the lake for one hundred years because one family went out on a boat singing. Then the lake monster that is half human and half fish. It is like the Little Mermaid, except its less pretty. The monster grabbed every one in the boat except one person. The one person told the story to the tribe and every body stayed far away from the lake as possible. That is where the name Minnewaka come from. It means Lake of the Lake spirit or monster. On both sides of the lake, there are lots of trees. The right side of the Lake has more than the left side side of the lake. The Left side of the lake experienced a huge forest fire. The Canadians put out its first forest fire and its last forest fire by burning one kilometer of land to burn out the fire. A little bit past the end of the lake is the farthurest point and the end of the Rocky Mountains. The mountains surrounding the lake has Elk, Moose, Wolves, Black Bears, Grizzy Bears, Cougars, Deers, and Sheeps. Although Mooses and Cougars are rare, they have been spotted. The tour guides the whole boat a photgraph of a Cougar biting the neck of a Mountain Sheep. The Moose is a rare animal because the Elk has a bateria in its stomach that kill Mooses. Elks and Mooses stay as far away as possible in the Rocky Mountains.
By the end of the day, I am exhausted and I quickly fell asleep.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Be Amazed at the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is a library and a museum for visitors to explore. The library is three buildings. The Madison building , the Adams building and the Jefferson building are all part of the Library of Congress. The most popular exhibit is the first world map drawn in the 16th Century. It was given to the LOC by the German Chancellor in 2007.This map was drawn by a skilled cartographer. It was the first time that North and South America was drawn on a map. The Library of Congress was built in 1800 by Congress and the library was housed in the Capitol for most of the 19th Century. After the War of 1812, Jefferson sold his entire collection to the library after the contents were destroyed.
The Jefferson building is the only building open to tourists. It is also the largest. When you set inside, you can feel the building uses Ancient Greek and Roman designs. There are carved statues in the building which are symbolic elements in US history.
There are three levels to the LOC and visitors can view everything except the reading room. There was a separate room for Jefferson's donated books. He had a wide arrangement of books from many different places. There was also a place for the Constitution exhibition.
The Jefferson building is the only building open to tourists. It is also the largest. When you set inside, you can feel the building uses Ancient Greek and Roman designs. There are carved statues in the building which are symbolic elements in US history.
There are three levels to the LOC and visitors can view everything except the reading room. There was a separate room for Jefferson's donated books. He had a wide arrangement of books from many different places. There was also a place for the Constitution exhibition.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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