The Rockies --July 9-10

We left Moose Jaw and the comforts of the Temple Gardens determined to be in Banff by nightfall.  We had brought camping gear all the way across the US and back across Canada, but by the time we got close to Calgary, we realized we were too tired and burnt out to camp.  We got sticker shock when we started calling hotels in Banff, but settled on a not too expensive place with a swimming pool and were so relieved to check in and get settled.

The Rockies looked more like the Smokies due to forest fires in British Columbia

Mountains looming over Banff

After a nice rest, we walked down the main drag in search of dinner.  It was soon very obvious that the simple, small town that Jeff remembered from his hitch-hiking trip in 1971 was gone.  Banff is now a big noisy tourist trap and seemed to be full of two types of people.  Either drunken college students or busloads of Asians.  Both types were taking up more than their share of sidewalk space.  We were glad when we found a pizza place for dinner and went back to the hotel for a swim and dip in the hot tub before bed.

The next day we took the winding road into the mountains with the ultimate goal of getting to Lake Louise. It was a lovely day with mild temps and everywhere we looked, huge mountains filled the skyline above us. 

The Rocky Mountains

We stopped often for photos

Groves of birches

The river's blue color was because of minerals leached from the glaciers

Finally we got to Lake Louise.  It was so beautiful......everything I had heard about it was true!  Unfortunately, the busloads got there before us, but we still enjoyed the scenery, and the people watching (selfie-sticks anyone???)

Panorama of Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a stunning color of blue

Close up of the glacier

Local Jay

Fun eating lunch and people watching

After we had our sandwiches on a bench while watching various combinations of families take pictures, we explored the area a little bit.  Jeff remembered the exact spot where he had his picture taken with his brother Dennis and friend David.  He recreated the moment.

Jeff at the scene of the previous photo--only a few years later.

It started clouding up and we went inside the lodge.  We decided to try and get a space at the formal afternoon tea.  After waiting a pleasant half hour, we were seated and served delicious tea, sandwiches and desserts. Meanwhile it started to pour down rain and our enjoyment was enhanced by the sight of some very wet tourons trying to stay dry.

The lobby of the lodge at Lake Louise

View from the window

Luxurious surroundings

Finger sandwiches

Dessert Tray

Pouring Earl Grey

We decided that the rain ended our camping hopes (and lots of bugs too) and headed across the Rockies as the sun set.  We stopped in Golden at a Howard Johnson's.  A distinct step down from our previous lodgings.