Boy is it cold today but having an easy day before our drive tomorrow.  Just about managed to wear in my new hiking boots – now hoping my body will wear in too but feeling that it may wear out first! Started off with my left ankle causing problems, then next day moved to my left  knee and then yesterday had moved to my right hip!
Spent the morning mooching round the shops before heading up to the hot springs. Bliss, especially as it started snowing. 104 degrees. Perfect.

Now back at the hotel and doing some packing ready for tomorrow.

The local airport!
Decided to walk up Johnston Canyon. Made it up to the Upper Falls in spite of the ice. Happy to get down again though.

Snow desperately clinging on

Great to see a red squirrel

Then off to Lake Louise

As you can see the weather got a little worse! Heavy snow but we still walked to the end of the lake and back. Not so many people around funnily enough. Surprised that they now charge for parking. Seems a bit steep at $C12.50 when we’ve already paid almost £150 for two park passes.

On the way back saw this little fella. So cute.

Finally found some Shock Top. Now we can really relax!!

First woodpecker and boy was he busylucky again with the weather. Supposed to rain but we didn’t get any. After breakfast off to  walk round Lake Minnewanka. Chilly and a lot of up and down but beautiful as always. Then after a cuppa off to walk around Johnson Lake. Love this walk and it was closed last time we were here in 2018 so lovely to be able to do it again.
Then back to hotel so I could take some painkillers as my knee was playing up. Yesterday my ankles were hurting from the newish walking boots but today it was my knee. Not going to stop me though. Off into town for a coffee at Evelyn’s. The staff recognised Paul, of course after he threw his full cup of coffee over the table and floor. Managed not to repeat that today. A walk to the Banff chutes and then back to the pub for a beer and plate of chips. Life can be such a bitch

This

train had 306 containers

So good not to have to get in the car today. Spent the first couple of hours trying to sort out the blog. The WordPress app seems to have thrown a wobbly so having to go on the website which isn’t as easy for me being a complete numbumpty in regards to technology!
Anyway hope I manage to get something on to remind me when I’m in my dotage and look back at these wonderful holidays.
Our first outing was for our usual coffee at Evelyns. Memorable as Paul managed to spill his entire cup all over the table and the floor. The staff were really nice and made out it wasn’t a problem and cleaned up and even made him another. They’re going to be so pleased we’re here all week!
Then went for a walk along the Bow River and around the marshes. Walked to Vermillion Lakes where we watched a couple of bald eagles playing high up in the sky. Nice to catch our first sight of our favourite birds. On the way back managed to take a pic of a chipmunk. They are so cute
By this time my ankles were really sore from the newish hiking boots (nite to self – wear plasters tomorrow) so popped into the pub for a beer. Don’t worry Steph, the thought of non-alcoholic never entered my mind!
Then back to the hotel via the supermarket for some refreshments. Can’t get my head around not being able to stock up on alcohol in them!

Thought we’d have a shorter day today but that didn’t prove to be the case. Started off with breakfast at Denny’s. The usual very slow service and lukewarm food. Far too much in spite of asking for the over 55 portions.
Then filled up with petrol at C$2.20 per litre. Everyone is complaining here too!
Nice drive as far as Golden withe the added bonus of seeing our first black bear this holiday. Never seen them on this road before and there was loads of traffic and roadworks nearby. Not shy these bears.
Once we got to Golden we found that Highway 1 was closed and there was a long detour. Added another couple of hours to our journey but worth it as we saw another 4 bears. A real treat.
Tired when we got to Banff though and ready to unpack properly and then go for a meal and drink at one of our favourite places – on the outside balcony at Banff BrewingCompany. Caesar salad and some local beer.
Now for bed.

These bears are really hungry after 6 months in hibernation

Forgot a couple of things last night.

Firstly didn’t manage to take any pics of wildlife but did see

1. Osprey nest with Mum sitting on branch having a bit of me time underneath presumably while littlun had a kip.

2.,Osprey nest with baby poking his head out and Mum obviously doing a shopping trip.

3. A gopher sitting waiting to cross the highway.

4. A Mummy duck crossing the road with what seemed like hundreds of baby ducklings following her. (A slight exaggeration) Hope they made it to the other side.

We have been given a very clever car. It knows when Paul is tired and does a fanfare and then tells him to go and have a coffee. Every time he yawns! How does it see him doing it! Answers on a postcard please.