Hiking the Bear’s Hump

 While we have been at Waterton, we have been told again and again that we must hike the Bear’s Hump mountain.  After all it is right across from our hotel and the views are said to be spectacular from the top.

The mornings seemed too cold and windy, so, we waited for a warmer and calmer day for our hike. This was a mistake as the entire trail is without shade and in full sunshine.  We were soaking with sweat in no time on our way.

Though Trish and I do a lot of walking, we had to agree that this trail nearly did us in. Though less than two miles to the top, every step is uphill and the higher you get the steeper the trail gets.  There are granite steps (how they got those steps up here we could not fathom!) that are supposed to be helpful, but, the sand and shale that is on them rolls under your shoes and makes them slippery, especially on the way down.

We did take advantage of many chances to rest on the way.

Finally at the top we immediately realize that the view is worth all the climbing.  The panorama from beyond our hotel to down the lake to all the village is more than your eyes can take in.  We looked and looked end enjoyed the breeze that now cooled us off.

Gratefully, the entire trip back down was under free gravity power.  This is a short hike in linear distance, but one that our bodies felt for a couple of days.  Our eyes, however, appreciated the effort.