Vacation--Banff

Our day began bright & oh so early!

Like 2:30 A.M.

Three plane rides, and a two hour car ride we arrived at our destination for the next two nights.

An historic cottage bungalow at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

 We unpacked, settled in, enjoyed a yummy dinner along the river, then took a short stroll along the canyon.

This tree has been around since our last trip up there.  Here's a shot from a different angle, seventeen years ago...  Kevin & I spent our honeymoon in Banff and Jasper and were excited to take the boys to some of the same places we enjoyed.

After a good nights sleep, we headed out for exploring.
First stop was the Sulfur Mountain Gondola for some amazing views of Lake Minnewanaka and the town of Banff.

Most of us enjoyed the scenic ride to the top of the mountain.

This was my face riding up the gondola seventeen years ago....

still not a fan now.

Lake Minnewanaka in the distance.  We headed there after a soak in the hot springs and some lunch.

Thumbs up from the boys.

 The marmots were out enjoying the sunny weather and snacking along the rocks.

 That little grey fella on top of the rocks is a pica.  Pretty cool to spot one.

 From the gondola at the top of the mountain, you can walk to the mountains true summit & look at the old weather station.  All the marmots, the pica, & ground squirrels were along that hike.

 We even got to watch some bighorn sheep as well.

 Then it was back down the mountain, eating lunch, and soaking in the hot springs before driving over to Lake Minnewanaka.

 It was a bit windy along the lake, so we opted to take a short hike instead of renting canoes and battling the wind.

 Our hike wasn't terribly long.  Hiked along an inlet hugging the shore, but had to turn around at a bridge.  The rest of the trail was closed after a bear followed a camping group off the same trail a week prior.

 And what did we see driving away from the lake?  The first bear sighting of the trip.

Then back to the bungalow to relax & unwind for the night.

 The lovely tub and bath salts were enjoyed by many.