Celebrating my birthday in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, July 23, 2013

Well, this is definitely a compendium of birthday firsts to be remembered.  Our first impression at the Chateau Lake Louise was a small bottle of champagne served in our room with birthday greetings from the hotel manager.

Stan, the avid hiker, wanted to enjoy a good hike on what was a beautiful and sunny day in Lake Louise.  Little did I realize the limits he would push me on this birthday jaunt.  We climbed up a 7,500 peak, scrambled over rocks and streams, hovered over large cliffs and narrow trails and all under the gise that "this will be an easy hike and should only take about 3 hours."

5 1/2 hours later, we returned to the Chateau exhausted, sweaty and sore.  I must say that the 45 minute break at the teahouse at Agnes Lake, at the base of the Beehive Mountain, which we later climbed (see view of the Beehive below), was a delightful respite on this once in our lifetime hike above and around Lake Louise.  Again, Stan has many conversations with strangers seeking their knowledge, offering to take their pictures, helping them read their maps and offering his words of wisdom whenever anyone looks friendly enough to listen.

Overlooking Lake Louise from the top of the Beehive with Lake Louise and the Chateau in the background.

In front of Mirror Lake with Beehive Mountain in the background (taking me up the trail to its top that Stan said we wouldn't have to climb). He cautiously led me up anyway (with much complaining from me).  However, I am proud of myself that I did it - it was worth the view.

Sipping freshly brewed tea at a Agnes Lake teahouse rest stop on our hike.

In front of Lake Agnes at the tea house break.

View of Chateau Lake Louise from the Beehive.

You can see why they call this Mirror Lake.

Stan stopped to give me his best rendition of "Happy Birthday" while on the trail.

Very exhausted, and very happy at this point back at the lake to see the Chateau within easy reach...

Stan finished the hike with a quick, cold dip in glacier fed Lake Louise with Mt. Victoria and its glacier in the background.  Burrr ....

After a swim in the hotel pool to relax, we had a most incredible dinner at the Fairmont Restaurant with an amazing view of the Victoria Glacier behind Lake Louise.

Finishing dinner.  All in all, a great day and wonderful birthday.  Thanks to family and friends for all your birthday greetings.