The hike actually begins in front of Lake Louise Hotel and leads past Lake Louise along a wide, level paved walkway. Where the melt water flows into the Lake, the trail suddenly pitches upward and the Plains of Six Glaciers trail begins in ernest. No longer level, wide or paved, hiking boots are recommended. Down here the trail is rocky but dry. Up to this point, the spruce and fir tree forests are thick and the shade welcomed. From here to the last set of switchbacks before the Teahouse, the trail is more open, with little shade. This is possibly the result of snow slides or avalanches. We are beginning to hear distant thunder but the sky is clear. What is going on?
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