The Walk of Life
Day 7 - Banff walk
August 30, 1998
Banff: Cory pass walk, hot springs
Cory pass walk
Cory
pass walk was the second (and last) long hike. We started about at 9 am
and left the parking lot at 4 pm. Most of us started the easier way up
towards Edith pass to come back the steep way from Cory pass. It was a
beautiful walk. The first part was walking through light forests gaining
altitude slowly. Also the forest changed slowly till we left the bush area.
Higher up the path lead through gray and rocky terrain into large rock
fields. The large rock field between Mt Edith and Mt. Louis was the part
of the trail that really needed good footwear. We stopped at Cory pass
for lunch and enjoyed the view over bow valley on the one hand and into
the mountains behind us on the other. The way back stared quite easy too.
A small trail lead us back in the direction to Banff before we cam to a
point with the perfect view over bow valley. That was also the point where
the steep part started. Going down was quite hard (but going up might be
even harder). Parts of the way were sandy and other slippery. Finally we
made it back by 3 pm and had some more time to relax and look after new
blisters (now most likely everyone had at least one, Mimmi's even lasted
till the end of the tour).
Relaxing at the hot springs
The hot springs of Banff were the thing we all were looking forward to.
This was the place to relax. Entry fee was $7 ($6 for groups). Swim wear
is available for sale or for rent. There is only one (quite small) pool
of hot spring water. Swimming is not what people do. It's a relaxing pool.
The hour we spent there was worth it. We relaxed well and got tired for
the night.
Day 8 - Banff N.P.