Update #13 - Tea House Climb

Our eyes opened with excitement before the sun was even up and before long our backpacks were stocked and we were dressed. We quietly kissed the kids good-bye while they slept knowing they were in the safe hands of their grandparents. As we drove towards the Rockies the sun rose behind us slowly revealing the rugged ranges before us. We chatted with anticipation at the day that lay ahead of us. The Tea House Climb had been one we had both wanted to do but were unable to as it was too difficult for the children... and here we were driving towards Lake Louise about to live a small dream. Looking out the window our eyes feasted on the many changing colours of the trees, the odd bit of snow melting and even an elk.
Our arrival was a stark difference to our previous visit to Lake Louise. Being early in the morning, only a few cars scattered the car park. As I stepped out the car, I was hit by the crisp cool air and quickly added another layer of clothes.

And so began our journey....
From the lake you could not see the tea house as it was tucked away up in the ranges only accessible by foot, horseback and in emergencies, helicopters. The journey, although only 3.4km to the top was a tiring one as it only seemed to go up in a steep sort of way. As you walked, you kept hoping that it might just for a moment change gradiant but this was not to be! Despite our puffing and panting (well actually I think that was just me - Howard's fitness is much better than mine since he's been riding to work and back) we continued to talk. Being the only ones on that path and being in bear territory we had to keep the conversation going. A great way to get couples to talk! We finally caught a glimpse of the teahouse (see photo 2 - Look very closely just to the right of the waterfall) as the trees began to clear. Along the way we stopped at "Mirror Lake"(photo 4) which is at the base of the "Beehive" (photo 3). Another kilometer or so and we ahhhed at the waterfall (but could only capture a tinee bit of it on film) and then climbed many a stair and finally the little house stood before us.
Discovering it was not open yet (nothing seems to open in Canada before 10am!) we happily sat on the lake's edge and caught our breath. 

Finally a chap in dreadlocks who looked like he hadn't bathed in days appeared on the balcony and asked if we'd like to order. He was a backpacker from Australia who had been there for the past four weeks. They stay in the cabin and literally earn their bread and butter. We had a good laugh with him and he was very excited to hear a bunch of Aussies. The tea was served in an enamel teapot with a cracked stained old coffee cup. The cake, a bit stale but it all added to the atmosphere. Although, I don't think the two Japanese tourists to the left of me quite had the same sentiments. The decent was a lot easier than the ascent although a bit rough on the legs. We often passed a couple or two and the question was always the same, "(puffing and panting) Is it far to go?" Except one guy had us in stitches with, "Is there (puff) a (pant) doctor (puff) up there? (pant)" He then smiled.
By the time we returned to Lake Louise, it was swarming with tour buses and people. We walked towards the car, our experience almost a dream - although my aching legs reminded me otherwise! It had been a wonderful day.
I've decided to keep our other happenings till next update as I really wanted to be able to share the joy of just that one precious day.
God bless you.
With love,
Howard and Shona Eban.