Land of smoke and wind and rain....

We have been at Waterton Lakes NP for 4 days.    When we arrived, the smoke was dense and acrid and views were non- existent.   We are in a large campground next to the commercial section of the park.   WIFI is Ok for email/phones but not for computers.   It is a lovely area and very popular.  The long lake is surrounded by peaks and glaciers and it is known for the strong winds that barrel down the lake and give the trees their obvious lean.   

The first day we stayed indoors or in the car due to the irritating smoke.    

The next day it was clearer but cloudy and windy.  We chose a modest hike.  There are warnings about bears everywhere.  Some CG's are closed to tents because of the bears.   When we arrived at the trailhead, there was only one other car.  I am not so brave and was hoping for more hikers making noise to warn the Bears of our presence.    But we ventured forth with our tinny bear bells jingling.   It got quieter and the woods more dense.   After climbing about 3/4 of a mile, I gave in to my vivid imagination and we turned around.   And then, 4 young hikers came noisily up the trail.   We chatted and I admitted my fears.  They generously invited us to join them.  We declined but said we would turn around and go further if they'd ward off the furry beasts ahead.  We caught up with them a few more times and took each other's pictures.  

Here they are at the falls.  The trail crosses from Alberta into British Columbia.  We were also close (as the crow flies) to the U.S.

We ambled on for awhile and turned back when the sky looked threatening.   The rain drops came as we reached the car.   It rained heavily all the next day as well.   The wind is fierce and there are warnings out for winds to 100km/hr !!

We will head to Banff tomorrow ( if we don't blow off the road). And hopefully be able to write the blog and post more pics on the computer.