Yesterday.....we left Edmonton around 8AM......and driving south towards Calgary, we drove across the rolling plains of Alberta. We bypassed the city of Calgary, but could see the "skyscrapers" in the east as we made the diversion to miss the traffic there. Heading west from Calgary we were soon in the foothills....and just as quickly we found ourselves in the Rocky Mts driving upwards to Banff National Park. It was here that the winter Olympics were held several years ago........and as we arrived in the Park ($20 per carload).....we began to recognize certain areas as the 1st Lady and I had been through Banff NP many, many years ago on our way up to Alaska.
Arriving in the city of Banff, we stopped for lunch, as well as a walk-around the city centre, which was full of shops and mt. clothing boutiques and stores. We drove past the old stone Hotel there which has quite a history of it's own, due to the railroad owning the hotel and servicing it with many patrons. Lunch was in a local pub......which was quite good. I opted for only the cheese sandwich with sweet potato fries......both excellent!!!! I was afraid to eat very much, certainly not anything spicy, as my stomach still seemed a bit "weak" and shakey. And....as I said, it was the right choice.......soooooo wonderful with three kinds of cheeses on this very thick and well toasted bread.....ummmm. Wish I had another right now!!!!
After our walk-around.......we loaded up in the van again and sat out for British Columbia, slicing through the mountains which were covered by snow....and, FRESH snow, from the past few days. Gorgeous views, albeit covered with many thick, moisture-laden clouds. We did make a stop at a small "chute"...the French term for a small waterfall. All signs in Canada are printed in both English and French, due to the Province of Quebec speaking only French. I personally think it is a cool idea........love the French language and it gives me a chance to review my limited knowledge of French as we drive along. Many, many countries have more than one language.....even the very modern country of Switzerland has three languages within it's borders.
Along the way, we saw several deer beside the road.....and then the prize viewing: a large black bear not 15 feet from the highway, chomping away on some vegetation, which was not high.....sooo, we could see him/her very plainly!!!! Later on, as we moved into B.C. and saw a small herd of mountain sheep right beside the highway....hahahaa.....my pictures all came from behind them showing not quite the parts I would have liked to pictured!!!
By late afternoon, we had arrived in the valley where the Columbia River has it's headwaters......a very placid and small river heading southward towards the border and into the USA. We drove through Radium Hot Springs and then south through Invermere Beside the Lake, and finally we arrived Fairmont Hot Springs with all of it's many, many golf courses and condos!!
We checked in at the Rec Center of the Fairmont Vacation Villas......Canada's largest time share complexes. Before long, we had arrived at the section where Diane and Doug have their condo and we began moving into it with our bags and other items for use during this coming week. It is two separate sections......a living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and large bath for them and within the same suite, the very same for the 1st Lady and myself, albeit just a wee bit smaller. Both have fireplaces, huge flat screen tv's and both of our units look out upon the beautifully landscaped golf course which is part of this complex. We are on the ground floor with each of us having a door onto our own huge patio, complete with gas BBQ grill, patio furniture, etc., etc.....and wonderful views of the mts. surrounding this valley. WHAT a LOVELY place this is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since we had been on the road and over the mts. all day, we decided to get a couple of pizzas and just kick back for the evening........which we did! The night took forever to arrive, even with the heavy, thick clouds above.....but the light just remained. At 10pm, I could still read a book from the light entering the windows of our bedroom and living room!!!!
It was a wonderful day of traveling......such grandiose beauty, some great wild animals in front of our eyes, and just the fun of we two couples laughing and joking and thoroughly enjoying each other's company!!!!! Tomorrow.......?????? We shall see...........weather permitting........
LIFE IS JUST ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!!.......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!!
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