Banff and Lake Louise

We arrived in Banff and found our accommodation without any difficulty. It was new and spacious and close to town. They had a great common room and a breakfast room that provided us with a delicious, nutritious breakfast the following day.  We had considered staying at Lake Louise at the Chateau but prices were quoted as being 600 to 1000 💰💰💰 a night. 

 The town of Banff was teeming with tourists from all over the world. Germany and Asia were well represented as was Eastern Europe.  Restaurants were full and people were walking around with bags of souveniers purchased  and taking lots of photographs. It is a beautiful setting, nestled in the mountains, but...........

...... I was not, however, impressed with the town itself. It seemed dated and it was full of tacky (to me) tourist shops, a plethora of candy shops and lacked charm.  Restaurants were unremarkable and the food we had was mediocre. It was, however, great being there and taking in the atmosphere of the town that is such a major tourist attraction. 

We awoke early the next morning and drove to the Cave and Basin but were about two hours too early to actually get to see the cave.  We did walk on the various trails, including boardwalk trails that explained the history of the area and the plants and animals that survive and flourish in the warm springs habitat.  The air was so fresh and sweet and the early hour meant that we were alone on our walk. 

Next stop was Lake Louise. I had been there once before, maybe twenty years ago, but i couldn't help but be awestruck by it's majestic beauty. We took a million photos and all you really need is one, but I found that none of them really did it justice and most of them were too cliche. This one was my favorite because of Dale's presence giving it a personal touch. 

After Lake Louise we began our return trip home. We still had a couple of days on the road and I had a plumbing problem awaiting my return.  We took a road I had never been on - Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park and we were looking forward to trippin' in a new area. 

"On the road again, like a band of gypsies we roll down the highway".......thanks for those words Willie.