Hike to the Grassi Lake.
July 3, 2004.
This was the first hike of the season for Shirley, Michael, and Ray, and hopefully
not the last. This one was to Grassi Lake, just outside of Canmore. The hike
was about 3 kilometers one way with an elevation gain of about 400 meters. The
weather was cloudy, rainy and sunny. Mr. Lawrence (Lorenzo?) Grassi was an Italian
immigrant coal miner from Canmore who spent much of his spare time staking and
clearing out trails. He is quite famous in the Canmore area. He died in 1980
at the age of 80 but left a legacy of famous trails.
Susanne, Ray and Mike on the way up. Mr. Grassi himself was responsible for building and installing these little benches along the way.
About one third the way up, looking back at the town of Canmore.
Waterfalls from Grassi Lakes.
Grassi Lake is more of a large shallow pond than a lake.
The incredible colors are due to the various algae (greens) and clay sediment
(blues) on the lake bottom, combined with the clear alpine melt water in the
lake.
What more can one say about the colors...
Hmmm. You gotta see this for yourself.
Rock ledge covered by algae.
One of the best seats in the house.
Ripples on the water caused by a slight breeze.
Surreal colors at the opposite end of the lake.
It truly is this color!
Mike and Ray.
There is a narrow walking path right around the lake.
On the oppose side of the lake (behind from where Shirley stood to take these photos) is a high limestone cliff with a couple of small caves.
The cliff is a favorite for rock climbing (ropes, pitons, and all).
Susanne and Ray and cameras.
Outflow from Grassi Lake.
One last photo before heading down hill.
Hope you enjoyed the photos. Again, come and see this place for yourself.
Love,
Ray and Shirley.