Rocky Mountains
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Samson Peak
Beyond Spirit Island, heading towards the southeastern end of Maligne Lake, the water was glass. The tour boats go no further than Spirit Island and on this day there was very little wind. Snow from a few days earlier covers the mountain peaks. This view of Samson Peak (the higher peak) is one that is not often seen. Samson has a very different look than this pyramid shape when viewed from the northwest side of the lake or from the Bald Hills - it tends to have more a wedge look to it. It is quite an impressive sight from this angle. Now, I have to admit that the water on Spindly Creek Beach had a few ripples where the creek flowed into the river - this photo is shot with a long exposure to clear up the signs of the creek flow.
Following the western shore of Maligne in the lower part of the lake takes you around several large chunks of land so you either take a longer trip to stay near the shore or paddle in the middle third of the lake. On this day, paddling in the middle is a fair option with no wind in sight. The western shore also seemed to have a more bowl-like side with rock walls entering the lake. On the way back a few days later, we took the eastern shore which had no obstructions and many more options to come ashore if needed. But there were clouds on that day and none of the mountains, including the giant Samson Peak were visable.
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