Looking Back to Paradise Through the Larches

Life is a strange mix of chance and choice and while I don't often solo hike unfamiliar routes, sometimes a day is gifted to us and we just have to seize our opportunity and take advantage of that momment  On this day, Paradise Valley was not my intended destination - but a mix of cooler than expected and snowy weather and no other cars at my intended trailhead made me choose somewhere where I'd bump into a few more people - thus Lake Louise - and then an opportunity to hike Paradise Valley came up and I was certain that I wouldn't get another fall chance to hike this bucket list hike - so I went for it.

A stand out day of atmospheric, but not unpleasent weather - a few snowflakes and lots of clouds plus lots of larches and just enough people that I didn't feel absolutely alone.  A good day for introspection and photography and just breathing in pure beauty.

Hillsides and mountains dusted with fresh snow, highlighted by fall colours.

I had Lake Annette to myself for a good long lunch break - also the point where I switched back to my old hiking boots from my newer ones.

Sentinal Valley is near the top of my current bucket list - the rock formations are mysterious and intriguing - maybe next summer if I can book the shutttle for early starts and late finishes.

 

This as a place where I felt like I was on top of the world trekking along the upper edge of a deep and beautiful valley.  Windswept screefields and scrubby trees and all my tundra favourites made me miss the north.

I'm starting to plot next summers adventures and add to my bucket list places to challange my legs and fill my soul.  Here is to dreaming until next hiking season!!!