Cyclones Westward Part 2

The whole gang (Moraine Lake) - we survived 2 weeks and are still pals! 

I can't believe it's been several weeks since we returned from our trip with Behrs and Wilts to Glacier, Banff, Canada, and points in between. Social media and news feed algorithms have kept me supplied with news about National Parks and that area of Canada since we returned. Wildlife, lodging, and other news from those areas have become more interesting since we visited there. Travel opens up my eyes and ears to the world. 

Last we spoke (I blogged, you read) Ruby the Jeep was transporting us north across the border to Canada. We crossed into British Columbia and headed back a bit north and east into Alberta to our destination of Canmore, a handsome town just south of the more famous and historical town of Banff and the national park of the same name. 

View from our Canmore Condo

-We arrived in Canmore on a Monday. Our lodging there was a townhome VRBO with parking underneath. The place, like many in that town, was fairly new. Cable TV, a gas fireplace, and plenty of seating for our party of six. The trip to Safeway for groceries was a cluster - we weren't the only ones stocking up that night. The only ground beef left for our spaghetti was grass-fed, organic $10 a pound. 👀

-Worried about crowds, we took a bus from the town of Banff to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. From there we took a shuttle to Moraine Lake. Despite the chilly weather (I wore all of my layers - was still cold) this day was one of my favorites. The best view of the lake meant climbing a rocky hill in altitude, but we all made it! The view was like a vivid painting come to life. The gorgeous aqua-blue water is courtesy of glacier runoff. I appreciated the informational signage throughout all parks. -  

We (and lots of other people from around the world) loved Moraine. Staff was pulling canoes out for the end of the season. We got a short hike in. 

Back at Lake Louise, we chowed our sandwich lunches in the covered bus stop area. Then we hiked in cold mist a couple of miles on the lake trail. Louise is bigger than Moraine, but not quite as dramatic. The beautiful and famous Fairmount Chateau sits on the banks of the lake. It was out of our price range $$$, but fun to see. I was glad to sit by the fire at our condo that night!

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The next day was forecast to be rainy and cold. We decided to stay closer to home and check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site on the outskirts of the town of Banff. I'd not expected this type of experience on this trip - history, a HOT thermal spring, and marshy terrain. This site was used as an Internment during the First World War. We had a nice hike on a boardwalk with lovely views and more springs along the way. 

View from Bow Falls viewpoint in Banff of the Fairmont Springs Banff Hotel 

We decided to head into the town of Banff that afternoon, which had turned out to be a bit sunny and warmer. People shopped the many gift, clothing, and jewelry stores on the main drag. We all scored tee shirts. With several brewery options to choose from for lunch, we went with Three Bears for a lovely lunch. As we headed back to our condo the promised rain began to fall. 

On Day 3 Canada we drove north past Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. It's a nice divided highway with fab views of waterfalls and glaciers. The area is so very vast it's overwhelming! 

A stop at Bow Lake - we walked around a bit to see the falls at one end

I was happy to have a nice hot cocoa in the sun with Moose

Delish cocoa and Red Chair - a Canadian tradition in parks

Hiked a steep but paved trail for this Peyto Lake Overlook - with glacier

Moose is a good picnic location spotter. He pulled into a campground (Columbia Falls Tent Campground) where we found a table out of the wind. Same 'ol sandwiches, chips, and apples though! 😆 

Tourists can pay to ride a special vehicle up onto the glacier - we decided we drive on ice enough 

From there we drove into Jasper National Park and Columbia Icefield (6 glaciers). We stopped at Athabasca Glacier and walked a steep rocky path to get a closer look at the receding icy chunk. Signs along the way made it clear how fast it's melting.  We drove a bit farther into the park before turning around. We also chose not to stand in line to scare the crap out of ourselves by going on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and turned Ruby the Jeep back towards our temp home.

Fred in Photographer mode

On the trip back we stopped at Mistaya Canyon for a short hike down an old roadbed to see the deeply cut canyon with a bridge overlook. No matter how many stops we made, we continued to be awed by this beautiful land. There was one more surprise on the trip home. We saw a big black bear feeding in the road ditch. Lots of morons stopped and got out to get closer pics - Kay snapped this out of Ruby's window. 

Our Canmore condo had this cool map - Kay pokes a pin into their home. People across the world have stayed here! 

The next day we were headed home via North Dakota (one more state checked off my visited list). First, we had more Canadian territories to see - a stop in Calgary for breakfast, and another at a rest area for a picnic! We thrifty midwesterners do not like to waste food! That night we stayed at a hotel in Moose Jaw - thus this mandatory group photo. The town was cute and had several meal options. 

They fenced it so we wouldn't try to ride it

There are lots of oil rigs in this area. We crossed the border at Port of Fortuna, ND. We pulled into the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park mid-afternoon. Again I was surprised by a place I hadn't expected to be wowed by - after Glacier and Banff. The park ranger at the park entrance had to chew out people for approaching the grazing bison nearby. 😒

Check out those cannonball formations - ain't Earth amazing! 

Bison everywhere - if you go to the South route there are wild horses

Our trusty driver and steed

The vistas are breathtaking! Oxbow Overlook.

We stayed in Bismark that night - arriving in pouring rain and dark. Nice driving by Freddie B! We arrived in Northfield, MN, our starting place at 3:30 p.m. the next day. Ready for our own bed, Paul and I headed home after our required group hug at the end of the trip. Love these friends and our travels! 💖

Kay, now retired, is also a blogger. As I've said before - she's a great trip planner and note-taker. Her trip notes helped piece this together. Kay's blog: https://retiredinminnesota.blogspot.com/

So - last thoughts: I'm glad we took the "off the beaten path" trip. Meeting people everywhere is fun. And coming home to my own little corner of the world is nice too. 

I must give extra kudos to Canada Parks for having the cleanest, nicest public toilets (including port-a-potties) anywhere. Never out of toilet paper, always filled with hand sanitizer. 

Sorry about font changes. I'm retired and too lazy to figure out what happened! 😏