August 5, 2017 - Banff Long Weekend

Unsurprisingly, this post is quite late! Due to work obligations and working on PharmD applications, there hasn't been much time to write. Luckily, I did spend one weekend going out with my good friends Brandon and Monique to hike around Banff. Despite car trouble (read: almost got stranded because of a poorly-functioning alternator), we had a great trip with many nice photos. Check them out below!

A look at the Bowman's Peak

A steep trail that we didn't end up taking...

After many stops, we made it to a clearing with a small creek next to a glacier.

The other side of the meadow. The scale of the mountains never ceases to amaze me.

Peyto Lake in the distance

Monique wanted one of those "Basic Instagram Photos"

Bowman's Lake on the other side with beautiful teal water

We also somehow managed a group photo at the Peyto Lake lookout. Tourists galore, come very early or be prepared to fight for a spot!

Pretending to be contemplative as I look at the view. Thule backpack was a champ at lugging all my gear safely and securely. Highly recommend, even if it weighs 5 pounds empty...

Next destination was Bow Lake. Stunning views!

One Lonely Boy

Group Photo

Our day concluded with our drive back to Calgary, stuffing our faces full of Korean food and barely getting any sleep as we were going to catch the sunrise at 6:30am at Moraine Lake..

At an ungodly hour, we got up and drove through some zero-visibility fog and the pitch black to make it to Moraine for some of the greatest views I've seen.

A pristine Moraine sunrise.

We then found a little rocky outcrop perfect for the 'gram

Another view, this time with the floating logs that you walk over to make it to the rocky outcrop. NMDs were almost dunked in the frigid water

The Boys

Next stop: Lake Louise and the Agnes Trail/Big Beehive hike

A group photo to comemmorate not dying from lack of sleep

Agnes Lake & Tea House

We're sweaty and uncomfortable, but the view is great!

And finally, the view of Lake Louise and the Chateau from the top of Big Beehive!

After the descent, we showered, had dinner, and immediately KO'd due to exhaustion and sleep deprivation. The next day was a chill day of morning ramen and shopping, before returning home and crying about having to pay for a new alternator.

Driven 2017 coverage coming up quick!

Cheers,
Gary