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Banff 14.05.16

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Once again started the day with a coffee and a pastry in town (Evelyn’s – definitely the best pastries!). Then needed to start walking them off so walked along Lake Minnewanke and to the bridge over the gorge. Apparently this is the bridge that Marilyn Monroe shared a steamy kiss with her co-star in a 1954 film. Then a short drive to JohnsonLake where we walked all around it. Wonderful scenery set off well by the brilliant blue sky. After all that walking we decided we needed some r&r and headed for Banff Hot Springs via the Hoodoos (don’t ask). The pool was busy but it was bliss to just sit in 40 degree water surrounded by snow topped mountains. 

Just been for tea. I was very good and had a salad – mind you it was huge and had some lovely garlic prawns with it. To balance that out we tried the six tasters of beers. Very nice and we did manage to get two seats on the balcony overlooking Banff Ave – we did mow a few people over in our rush to get those two free seats though!

The Hoodoos overlooking the Bow River
Lake Johnson
L
Lake Johnson

The Marilyn Monroe bridge
An inquisitive chipmunk
Two “red chairs” overlooking Lake Minnewanke
Paul and our compact car

Banff 13.05.16

After a good night’s sleep felt much better and ready to face the world. Started the day with coffee and a pastry sitting outside a coffee shop on Banff Ave – bliss. Then went on a three and a half hour walk along the Bow River. Didn’t see a tremendous amount of wildlife but we hopefully had a taste of things to come. After a quick cup of tea in our cabin drove out to Lake Minnewanke (no, it’s pronounced Minnewonka!) and went for a cruise around the lake. We’ve been here three times and this is the first time it hasn’t been frozen over. The crew were really enthusiastic and we saw a plastic replica of a grizzly paw. Apparently there is a grizzly that is often seen between the upper hot springs and Lake Louise – after seeing the size of that paw we definitely won’t be going on that path!

Tea was two”app y’s” sitting outside at our local overlooking Banff Ave. We went because the Appys were half price but then spent more on the beers. Oh well, at least we managed to try 5 different ones!

Paul’s favourite !
Our teeny cabin
Bow River
Bow River
Bow River Falls
White tailed deer
our first glimpse of a bald eagle
Bow River
Cute squirrel
Bow River

Thursday 12th May. Arrival!

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Well we made it. Good flight, nice crew but dreadful food. A 9 hour flight and we had a sandwich (which I didn’t have as the only ones I liked had gone before they made it to us) as the main meal and a small slice of pizza just before we landed. Not good!  Oh yes, and the captain’s voice came over the tannoy uttering those immortal words “Is there a doctor on board?” Well, as most of you know I’ve watched my fair share of Casualty, Holby City and 24 hours in A and E, so I did feel that I ought to help but apparently there was a doctor on board so I wasn’t needed. Oh well – maybe next time!

We went to pick up our car and, guess what, they could offer us an upgrade and we would only have to give them an arm and leg! We were grateful for the offer of course but decided not to take them up on it. They then said our car wasn’t ready so we could have the upgrade anyway. Surprise, surprise. Unfortunately for Paul it’s a really big SUV so he’s a bit nervous but it’s lovely and comfortable.

We are now in our very small -or bijou- cabin. It’s lovely but there’s very little space and there’s a big jacuzzi tub in the bedroom leaving no space for anything else as you can see. 

It’s now 7pm here but my body clock is telling me it’s 3am so don’t think I’ll be awake much longer.

Next step

Made it to the airport hotel. Strange room – looks like a burglar has nicked most of the furniture! Everything fitted into the cases (once I’d changed my very posh purple case for an old (but more roomy) black one! Now off for cocktails with one of my beautiful daughters and her fiancée.