On Sunday we headed off early to try to beat the tourist crowds. It worked! When we arrived at Emerald lake, there were less than ten cars in the car park. Awesome! Last time we were there, the place was packed.
Being quite early, it was still quite cold and the morning sun reflecting of the lake with the mist rising, was an unexpected bonus.
This shot is the one on all the postcards of Emerald lake. Mine didn't quite turn out quite as well. I think the commercial shots are taken in the colder months when there's snow on the peaks and in the afternoon when the sun doesn't wash out the peaks. Also, the beautiful green colour of the lake is masked in this shot by the perfect reflection of the mountains.
You'll also notice that the reflection is actually clearer than the true landscape. Odd yes? I clearly have much to learn about photography. I guess that's why you pay the big bucks for the flash camera with the ability to deal with difficult lighting conditions.
The 5.8 km circuit of Emerald lake is fairly flat making the walk quite enjoyable and relaxing. We walked the circuit in the opposite direction to the guide books to avoid being caught behind other hikers. The first half took us through a forest that was very different to the stands of fir trees that cover most of the national parks we have been to so far. It was more jungle like, and a bit like the rain-forests back home.
Pictured behind me is a fallen tree. I am guessing the ground under it became too soft and the wind got the better of it. Many of the trees in the Rockies are hundreds of years old, and this one would be one of them. It's a bit sad when you think about it, but that's nature for you.
As we were walking through the forest we kept seeing and hearing animals and birds around us. The squirrels we the noisiest, but the chipmunks were the boldest. This little guy wasn't at all worried by our presence and actually ran up to us for a sticky beak. He bolted after he worked out that we weren't going to give him a snack and went about his business again.
This chipmunk is the same species that we saw near Drumhellar a few weeks ago. We found out why they're listed as common. They were everywhere!
The wander around the lake has many spots to stop, enjoy the scenery and ponder.
This is another shot from Emerald Lake. I was trying to capture the green colour of the lake, but it was very hard that early in the morning with the lack of light.
Emerald Lake has some very nice accommodation in the form of a series of 2 level villas right on the lake (below). I imagine it would be quite a sight to wake up to. The only snag is the price. They start at $379 per night. Ouch!!
Pictured below is a gap in the forest where frequent avalanches roll down the hill and knock down anything that even looks like a tree. The result is a meadow where animals such as moose and deer can graze on the grasses.
Emerald lake is one of those places in the mountains that you just want to keep coming back to. Unfortunately the tourist operators know it so getting there early is a must if you want to enjoy it at its beautiful best.
