This trip was less of a road trip and more along the lines of a good restful vacation. Last week we packed up the cars and headed down to our most favorite place: Waterton Lakes National Park. We were fortunate enough to get a whole nine days in a row at the Ranson family cabin. Rod and I were talking, and this would be the longest time spent down here together. We usually only make it out for short 3-4 day trips, so this nine-day span was amazing.
Monday, we got up to the cabin and unpacked and got ourselves settled. Avery and I took a walk down to Bertha Bay to take in the sun and that mountain fresh air.
Tuesday turned into one of the longest paddles Rod and I have done to date. We set out from Bertha Bay on calmer waters than normal, paddled our way up lower Waterton towards the main town site to the marina and then back to Bertha Bay. It took us just about 2 hours to make our way into the water, up and back. The weather itself was beautiful, highs of 30 all week with little to no wind. The rest of the day Rod prepared for a hike to follow the next day, reading on the deck and BBQ dinner.
Wednesday, we did the Crypt Lake Hike. With boat access only, the trail is a 3-hour long hike straight up. You hike through the trees, and then switchback your way across a mountain, until you climb up a ladder and through a cave to get to the other side. The lake is a beautiful body of water with a beautiful mountain backdrop. You can become an illegal border crosser if you make your way half way around the lake, this takes you into Trump Land. Looking at the forecast the days leading up, we thought we would be alright as there were a few clouds in the mix. Sadly a weather changed, cleared the clouds and increased the heat. We hiked in what felt like 30-32 degree weather, with little tree cover. Let’s just say I got to work on my tan without even trying. It was another 3-hour hike back down to meet the boat to take us back into town. The rest of the evening was attempting to reduce the leg soreness and cool down from being in the sun all day.
On Thursday, Rod’s sister made the trip down from Calgary to join us for the rest of the time here. As Rod and I were extremely sore, we spent most of the day reading and relaxing on the deck, bike rides into town for ice cream and well prepared BBQ dinner.
Friday included a day trip up to Cameron lake with friends visiting Waterton for the day. We took out the paddle boards, with the hopes that Jazz (our friends Brittany and Eric’s daughter) would get to experience the fun our being out on the water. After some calm building steps, Brittany and Jazz were out on the water having a blast. We all took turns throughout the afternoon, including getting Eric onto the board, a feat as he has been afraid of water and was not sure if he could feel okay out there. After a little instruction, we got him out there paddling around on his knees. If nothing else, I feel our paddle boards have paid for themselves in experience, getting people out who have never tried, giving kids their first steps into water sports is a great feeling. It has also become an experience that Rod and I are enjoying to just spend time together. Once back at the cabin, it was lunch and hangout/catch up time with the Fosters before they set off for back home to Lethbridge.
Still sore from Wednesday, the weekend was paddling trips, beach trips, bike rides for ice cream, a few wedding ceremony staging exercises, lots of reading on the deck and of course lots of squirrel/deer watch for Avery.
Monday, Rod and I headed up Bears Hump, a great 20 min hike up to a viewpoint that displays all of the town site and a beautiful view up the lake.
Following our hike, we biked around town to finish up some wedding details. We are both getting pretty excited that it will be just over a month until we are back in Waterton getting everything set to be married.
With Monday evening being our last night in town, Elizabeth and I decided to take the boards up to Cameron lake for one last paddle. The stillness of the mountain air and the setting sun was a perfect way to finish off the trip! My apologize for a few photos that seem the same the light was just on point out on the water.
Tuesday morning was sadly our last day, we packed up, cleaned up and made the short trip back home to Lethbridge.
We are always so grateful for the time we get to spend in Waterton with family and friends. It became so special last year when Rod proposed, and now that we are getting married there in a month, I know it will always be a very special place to us. I am so excited I get to share this amazing place with all of my closest family and friends.
The next couple of weeks are some busy ones, I head back home for a few days to enjoy some wedding shower fun. Rod and I both get to have our respective bachelor and bachelorette parties the following weekend. The rest of the month will be concerned with finishing up the wedding projects and tasks and packing up the house. I will do my best to share in these adventures, but with everything going on they may get pushed until we are a little settled in BC!
Until next time,
– Tracy