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We are moving to Kelowna B.C. tomorrow, its a 6 hr drive, so no driving today. We took a stroll along the Bow river which runs through Banff. Canada day tomorrow - parades, fireworks etc. Still some incredible scenery just on the edge of town. How about my roast beef roll?

290612 Banff

Off early (0900) today to Lake Louise. Called to deli for our picnic, it was packed. we decided to drive to Lake Moraine, a stunning lake featured in many of the usual photos of Banff. We walked to Larch valley - quite a climb, but worth it. Catherine is doing very well & had no problem. There was still quite a bit of snow in the valley. A fellow walker asked Catherine if she was from Iceland, as she was in shorts & t-shirt as usual.

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Sunny & warm today, mid 20ies. Lots of variety today, museum in morning, two walks in afternoon. Everything from deer in first picture (can you spot it?) to gobstoppers as big as my foot

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In case you didn't see the bears on Facebook 'surround yourself with people who run slower than you'

270612 Banff

What can I say about today? The highlight has to be a double bear spotting (pictures on Facebook) and to top it, they were two different types, a grizzley & a brown bear. Exciting & scare at the same time. We drove the Icefield Parkway, which is the road from Banff & Jasper. Its supposed to be one of the top 10 drives in the world, I couldn't argue with that! Sights 'round every corner, mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers & even bears. We drove as far as one of the large glaciers, it was possible to hike up the glacier, however we decided on an easier hike at a place called Nigel Pass, it was brilliant - we crossed creeks and avalanche paths, lots of wild flowers, no wildlife, however it felt like we were being watched all the time. Back to the hotel for a steam & a swim. We ate in Ed's burgers again, couldn't resist & it was just as good as last night

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I have to start with a correction, yesterday we didn't see a moose, it was an elk (or a caribou), I can never tell the difference?? Today the wildlife consisted mostly of chipmunks (& thankfully they don't sing) although we did see a track which was closed due to bear activities! Its almost time for the buffaloberry to ripen, apparently a feeding bear will eat u to 250,000 per day!! What a day today, we ran out of wow's before 11 this morning. Up Sulphur Mountain by gondola first thing (see Facebook for photos). Then a swim in the outdoor spa, where it was 40 degrees. Several coffees & buns. We took a picnic with us to Lake Winniwanka, I'm suffering from camera thumb. It rained this afternoon, but the forecaster is v good for the week. Off to Eddy's Burgers tonight, Catherine fancies the elk & avocado burger, I might try the rattle snake ( I hear it taste like chicken)

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Our first day in Banff & we are 'wowed-out' already. Stunning scenery, everywhere you look. Some rain today, but we still managed a lot. Left Calgary about 09.00 & managed to check in early to Cedar Court. A quick wander 'round town + coffee. We got lunch-to-go and then set out on the Bow Valley Parkway up to Lake Louise. After 5mins on the road we spotted ot first moose! Lake Louise stunning & Johnston Canyon was beyond stunning. Dinner in the Keg Steakhouse (yum).  Tried uploadung photos to dropbox, but it was way too slow, I'll have to find some other way.