Lake Louise (the town) 7-22-09

The idea of High Tea at the Chateau on Lake Louise sounded lovely. Therefore, I suggested to Dean that we hit the road early and try to make good time in order to get to Lake Louise early.


But alas, even though we tried our best, we did not arrive at camp till 4:15. And the night before, we had camped at the "primitive" Columbia Icefields, with pit toilets and just a faucet for water. Therefore, showers were the top priority for everyone.

Then, there was the tent fiasco. Barb and Dean had just erected their tents when Ranger Dude came over and insisted they be moved. What is it with Canadian campgrounds? The rule seems to be that tents must be pitched on the hardest, rockiest spot available. We were told that even though the soft dirt had nothing growing on it, we were not allowed to sleep on it because maybe someday plants might choose to grow there. Finally, I have found something in which the US is superior to Canada. At least back home, one is allowed to camp on the best spot available at any campsite.

So now, it is 5:15. We do not know what the time frame is for the "High Tea", but we have heard its 3K to get to the Chateau, and dinner here is served at 6:00. And Bud is making fettucini alfredo.

Instead, after dinner, we will head to the village and look around and have a beer.

I didn't really like rushing today. We had a goal in mind, so it seemed like a good idea, but it didn't work out, so now the rushing seems pointless.

I have noticed that this group has an atmosphere of nervous energy regarding the biking. It was evident the first day, but I thought it would pass. But no, every day, people are rushing to get out of camp, rushing to stay ahead of others. Probably each person has his or her own reasons: What if I am last? What if I get left behind? What if my riding buddies won't wait for me? What if I have bike trouble and there is nobody to help? What if? What if?

Two guys in the group seem quite self-confident, and are not influenced by the group atmosphere. Each definitely marches to his own tune.




Karl

















and Phil










are each very strong cyclists. If they wanted to, they could arrive with the first group every day. But they don't. They leave camp when they feel like it, go off the route whenever they want to, stop and relax when the mood hits them, and so forth. It is also obvious that each of them also truly loves to ride his bicycle.

After we arrive at camp (and on rest days) most people in this group do not touch their bicycle again till the next riding day. They will walk or take a taxi, even when they are traveling an easy distance by bike. But Karl and Phil are rarely far from their bikes, and both often add extra kilometers.

I have learned my lesson today....no more rushing! It's a vacation!