2013-24 Banff National Park, Canada
Hello All,
After spending the night in Banff Village we awoke to unfavorable weather. The sky was overcast and what we could see of the mountains it was obvious they had received a light dusting of snow. A check of the weather forecast revealed that the overcast was to burn off later in the day. We would have to put our plans for the day on hold till the weather improved.
But, rather than sit in our room we decided to drive to Two Jack Lake. Sometimes a change in weather will start animals moving around and you can get some photo opportunities. Well, no one told the animals along our route--they must have all been sleeping in!
When we arrive at Two Jack Lake there wasn’t a breath of air blowing. The lake was flat and calm so we snapped a few reflective photos. It was still overcast and there was a lot of scud along the mountains.
After spending the night in Banff Village we awoke to unfavorable weather. The sky was overcast and what we could see of the mountains it was obvious they had received a light dusting of snow. A check of the weather forecast revealed that the overcast was to burn off later in the day. We would have to put our plans for the day on hold till the weather improved.
But, rather than sit in our room we decided to drive to Two Jack Lake. Sometimes a change in weather will start animals moving around and you can get some photo opportunities. Well, no one told the animals along our route--they must have all been sleeping in!
When we arrive at Two Jack Lake there wasn’t a breath of air blowing. The lake was flat and calm so we snapped a few reflective photos. It was still overcast and there was a lot of scud along the mountains.
While at the lake our 15% oil
life light lit up on the dash of our car. During the rest of our roadtrip we
knew we would be traveling many more miles than what was left in the life of
our oil. And, the next town of any size where we could get service on our planned
roadtrip was Kamloops, British Columbia. So we decided to drive to Canmore,
Alberta, to see if we could find a place for service. If we could get it done
that morning maybe the weather would improve by the afternoon and we wouldn’t
lose the entire day--kind of kill two birds with one stone.
As we drove to Canmore Miss Barb snapped a few photos enroute. You can see how if you drove this route on a cloudy day just how much of the scenic beauty would be missed.
As we drove to Canmore Miss Barb snapped a few photos enroute. You can see how if you drove this route on a cloudy day just how much of the scenic beauty would be missed.
Arriving in Canmore we started
our search for a place to get the oil changed. Finally we found a Dodge
dealership that agreed to work us in. However, the price they quoted for the
oil change was $57! Wow, we thought that was highway robbery, as we pay $25 at
our Honda dealership in Boise. But, “when in Rome,” or Canada….and you know how
the rest of the saying goes. So we agreed and left the car with them to be
serviced.
We walked to a nearby restaurant and ordered breakfast. You could see the mountain tops peeking out of the clouds. They were quite striking.
We walked to a nearby restaurant and ordered breakfast. You could see the mountain tops peeking out of the clouds. They were quite striking.
As the morning progressed
there was some hope that the clouds would burn off as the sun started getting
brighter in the sky.
After breakfast we walked back
to the dealership to see if our car was done. It was and we took the paperwork
to the cashier to pay. When she said “…that will be $121” we were in a state of
shock! We asked “…how could that be when we were quoted a price of $57.” She
said “Your vehicle uses synthetic oil and that costs more.” Still in shock, we
paid the bill and walked outside. As soon as we got out the door our brains finally
kicked in—that just wasn’t right! We turned around and went back in the
dealership and asked to speak to the service manager (the guy that gave us the
original quote). To make a long story short, our money was refunded and we only
paid the $57—still a rip off, but at least we felt better.
By the time we got through all this debauchery the weather was starting to improve quite rapidly—we were thrilled. We headed back to Banff National Park and decided to take the drive to Lake Minnewanka. Shortly after turning off on the road to the lake we spotted a huge bull elk. This guy was an awesome specimen with a massive rack.
By the time we got through all this debauchery the weather was starting to improve quite rapidly—we were thrilled. We headed back to Banff National Park and decided to take the drive to Lake Minnewanka. Shortly after turning off on the road to the lake we spotted a huge bull elk. This guy was an awesome specimen with a massive rack.
Isn’t he spectacular!
A little further down the road
we pulled off at a wayside to check it out. There was another couple there
also. Miss Barb struck up a conversation with them and told them about the
magnificent bull elk she had just photographed. The guy said they had also
watched it. Then he went on to say, there were three bulls there and they were fighting.
What we saw was the victor after he drove the other two off. He said it was
absolutely awesome to witness--locking their antlers and battling. Kind of
burst Miss Barb’s bubble! Wow, would we have loved to capture that on film!
By the time we arrived at Lake Minnewanka the clouds were starting to break up and we had hopes of it turning into a beautiful day. This is a shot of the marina at the lake. The blue and white boats in the foreground are tour boats.
By the time we arrived at Lake Minnewanka the clouds were starting to break up and we had hopes of it turning into a beautiful day. This is a shot of the marina at the lake. The blue and white boats in the foreground are tour boats.
We hiked around and explored
different areas in the vicinity of the lake. By the time we decided it was time
to move on down the road the sun had dissipated most of the cloud cover and
melted the trace of snow on the mountains. It was turning into a beautiful day.
Here is a parting shot of Lake Minnewanka.
Our next target destination
would be Lake Louise. Rather than stay on the Trans-Canada Highway we decided
to take the two-lane Bow River Parkway that parallels it. This would give us
different views of the park with more pull offs for exploring. We like to slow
down and get off the beaten path. Never know what you will find. Here is a shot
of the Bow River. It is such a lovely milky green color.
Some of the deciduous trees
along the way were starting to show some fall color.
Scenic Lake Louise is always a
wonderful place to visit and a popular destination for park visitors. We were
somewhat disappointed as the cold from the hanging glacier at the far end of
the lake wasn’t allowing the clouds to break up over it. It still made for a
nice photo, just not a spectacular one.
Lots of folks were taking
advantage of the calm water by taking canoe tours around the lake. It would be
a fun adventure.
However, we chose to move
about 12 miles down the road to one of our favorite spots in Banff National
Park—Moraine Lake. It is an awesome high mountain lake surrounded by some
spectacular mountains. Here is a shot of Miss Barb at the lake.
Without a doubt it is
spectacular scenery.
Here is a shot of one of the
hanging glaciers in the mountains above the lake.
Looking the other direction
paints a completely different picture of the lake.
Miss Barb is constantly after
me to pose for photos. So as our parting shot, here is the ole guy at one of
his favorite spots in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
We highly recommend Banff
National Park as a place to visit. Established in 1885, it was Canada’s first
national park. You won’t be disappointed—it is a scenic wonderland. Our next
adventure will take us to Yoho National Park. Hope you will consider riding
along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns