Banff, Alberta

July 8, 2013

At Camp Banff National Park

We had a late departure from Calgary since we only had a 58 mi. drive and check in at the Park campground was 2PM. It was a rainy day and of course the pig tail between the MH and car we kerflooie again. So Stu and I spent about an hour getting just a bit wet trying to troubleshoot. We finally got some lights working and headed out to grocery shop.

 

A suggested stop on the way was Canmore, AB and especially the Grizzly Paw Brew Pub for lunch. Parking wasn’t too bad except the resident dummy driver tried to do a U-turn. OK let’s block the street while we disconnect and of course be observed by our tail gunner Stu. The Elk burger, fries, and Red Elk Lager were great. We got parked and just relaxed that evening.

 

July 9, 2013

This was a free day to sleep in and tour. We decided to stay near Banff.  Banff has developed considerably since 2001, our last visit. As we were leaving the Campground we saw a nice Bull Elk peacefully grazing and got our pictures. While driving up Bow Valley Parkway we saw another brown bear along with the great scenery, towering mountains and lots of trees. We also stopped and hiked up Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls (about ½ mi.) Donna suggested we go on to the Upper Falls, but when I pointed out it was another 1.1 mi. we decided NO!  Yes Mary Lou we finally got through the “plains.” We took the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. There were spectacular views on the way up and while up there. Not a cheap ride either, $35 per person.

Campground Visitor

 

Black Bear

Johnston Canyon, Banff NP



Lower Falls of Johnston Canyon

From Gondola at Banff

Banff Springs Hotel and Banff

Bow River Falls below Banff Springs Hotel

We drove by the Banff Hotel Springs Hotel and of course stopped by the Bow River Falls just below it. Then we went home for the day and some more work on fixing the tail, turn, brake and running lights on the car. Stu again to the rescue, as we finally concluded the connection between the pig tail and MH was the culprit. Both parts were fried inside!

 

Pictures to come