We got more done today than we thought. We borrowed a stove top toaster from Allan and Jodi and made raisin bread toast with honey. Yumm! They were also kind enough to let us use their generator as we have not been able to get a plug in spot yet!!
After breakfast we drove to the big town of Field to see what services they have. Not too much there but it is a really neat railway town. After Field we went out to the Spiral Tunnels(sp?). The railway spiral tunnels were created in 1906 to reduce the grade the trains had to travel. The train enters the mountain and does a complete loop inside the tunnel and exits the other direction. There are two of these spiral tunnels effectively creating a switchback for the trains. It is said that trains which are long enough can be seen coming out in one direction while the tail end is still going in the other direction. Sadly, there was no train while we were there.
After the Spiral Tunnels we took the road out to Emerald Lake. Along the way we stopped at the Natural Land Bridge. It has been created in the past several years by water erosion which has worked it’s way under the limestone. Although not a traditional bridge shape, there is a zig zag of a path that an adventurous person could walk across.
After the land bridge we continued on to Emerald Lake. Although very scenic the water was not nearly as turquoise as Peyto Lake. We spent some time taking in the views and then we were off to the campsite for sandwiches.
After lunch we decided to take in Takakkaw Falls while the weather was still good. Jason had visited Takakkaw Falls when he was a child, however this time of the year was not nearly as much water as when he went. As with many of the attractions we have seen, the time of year vastly affects the look as there is a lot less water running over these falls in autumn.
We hiked the 10-15 minute walk to the base of the falls. They were very magnificent and Jason and I were discussing that they must be significantly higher than Bridal Veil Falls in Alaska. As a matter of fact, these are one of the highest falls in Canada.
We spent quite a lot of time taking in the falls, but the rain was coming so it was time to head back. We enjoyed another great roast and potatoes done in the Dutch oven. Unfortunately the rain has left us trailer bound tonight. We plan on heading to Golden tomorrow for hopefully reasonably priced supplies and WiFi.
I’m really enjoying looking at your pictures. I have been to Peyto, Emerald Lake and Takakaw Falls, all so beautiful. I always marveled at the amazing colour of Emerald Lake….I could spend hours I’m sure, just looking at it.