Frosty, der Schneermann

Our little snowman, Frosty, was built when we reached Larch Valley, our hike destination above Lake Moraine.  Hilda and I discussed how we must make "der schneermann" on the way up and she recounted how Noah sang the song for them at Christmas, when the whole family gathered around the piano to sing carols.

Many say Lake Moraine is even more beautiful than Lake Louise.  We had a leisurely Sunday pancake breakfast, so we arrive at the overflowing parking lot after 11.

On the way we stop to admire the magnificent views.

At the lake, by some grace, two cars are pulling out just ahead of us and Ben's able to maneuver Adventurer 4 into the slot, with some deft parallel parking.

When we first arrive the lake has a gloomy mien.

Tour buses, school buses and every manner of conveyance are pouring visitors from around the globe onto the Lake Moraine shore.  A Norwegian boy draws a crowd by jumping into the icy lake and emerging without a shiver.

We head up for our hike, past the warning sign that, due to grizzly bears, hikers must go in groups of 4, or face a $5000 fine. 

The crowds melt away and we enter a forest of fresh snow, putting us in a Christmas frame of mind.  It's a steady climb up many switchbacks and an hour later we reach the first Larch trees.  They are a deciduous conifer, famous for golden Fall color.  Just some tips are turning yellow now.

It is slow going on our slushy path.

We reach Larch Valley and count 13 peaks guarding our valley.

Hilda has packed hot tea which is a welcome finish to our peanut butter sandwiches and apples.  

Our return is not too speedy as there are slick patches of ice keep us wary.  By our late afternoon return, most of the tour buses have departed and it starts to rain after we have taken more pictures of the amazing lake.  We see one couple drive in, park, run to the lake in the rain in their sandals, then drive off 5 minutes later.  Too bad.

Our trusty drivers want a picture.  They have mastered being the co-captains of our beast.  Please notice that Ben wears the bear spray canister, so he gets extra guardian points for being willing to face down the bears.  Our heros!