What would be your choice if you had only one place to visit before you die? Some might pick a place they had always wanted to see but hadn't had the time or money. Others might pick a place that they have been before but found something magical when they were there. For me, it is the latter and I would pick Banff National Park. Those of you who have followed me for awhile know about my love for Banff, and I have often said that this lake or that lake was my favorite one in the park. They are all unique and beautiful and would qualify as someone's favorite. Pondering the question I posed in this post, I have come to the conclusion that Lake Moraine is my favorite and possibly the spot where I took this photo.
Other than its obvious beauty, this glacially fed lake is surrounded by the famed Canadian Rockies. I am not talking about a couple of mountains, but rather ten peaks (thus the name Valley of the Ten Peaks). These mountains magnify the beauty, serenity and majesty of the lake. The ruggedness of the mountains contrasts beautifully to the lake's color, which reaches its crest in June (when I shot this photo). To me, that is the best time to be at the lake, but be prepared for anything, such as snow, as it happened on this particular morning. That's why I love this place. The weather conditions change the look and feel of the place and I wish that I could spend an extended time there taking in all of the different looks and feels. Perhaps someday I will be able to do that.