Sulphur Mountain - Aug 2

Our final day in Banff was spent at Sulphur Mountain, which is just 5 minutes from the town site. We were planning on walking around a bit and seeing a few things from the van windows before heading to Calgary but the fresh morning weather lured us into staying a couple hours longer and doing one more hike.  From the parking lot we had the option of taking the Gondola up to to the summit where there were viewing decks overlooking 6 mountain peaks, or to get there by doing the 6 km strenuous hike.  Obviously we took the Gondola;)   We luckily had arrived before the crowds so after grabbing a Starbucks coffee to go, we boarded with some very excited children.  Which of course, makes up for the cost:) 

 From the summit we did the 1 km walk on the pathway to the Sulpher Mountain historical weather station/observatory.  It was a bit cloudy but still the views were beautiful. 

We stopped for a snack (Pringles anyone?) and Rowan fed one to a chipmunk, (which I found out was illegal) and it caused quite a stir with everyone watching and snapping photos of the cute little creature.  At that point we walked away so as not attract more attention.  :))

There was an interesting viewing deck over the gondola platform showing which direction and how far away various cities in the world were. 

Lake Louise, Banff - Aug 1 (afternoon)

 Lake Louise, Canada's "diamond in the wilderness", or so they say.... one of the most hiked places in Canada. Royals tour there, foreigners snap pictures like its going to disappear... another gorgeous glacier lake, known around the world.
Which would also make it a place we wanted to see.
A fantastic place to stroll on the boardwalk, eat chips on the benches, dip toes in cold water and people watch:)

Rundlestone Mtn

Moraine Lake Banff - Aug 1 (morning)

 "For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth, 

and the mountains peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down and worship, 

let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

Psalm 95:3-6

As the kids were saying... "No rain at Moraine!"  It was a good way to get the name to stick.
The forecast called for rain and thunderstorms, but we were blessed with another comfortable and gorgeous day.  We soaked up the sun as well as the views, marveling in God's artwork.

This was Rowans first time being surrounded by such huge mountains and he scrunched up in his car seat with his hands over his eyes saying "Scary, scary. Fall down!"  I think he thought the mountains were going to fall on him.  

This lake was one of those prestine places Andy had found on his quest for adventure.  We just did the smaller hike around the lake as the one Andy wanted to do originally was closed unless you were in a group of four - due to bears.  Not something we wanted to take a chance on!

This first picture has a bit of a trivia question attached to it. Does anyone think they may have seen these mountains before? Printed?  They are 'famous' due to this piece of information... actually, you get to know if you make it thru all these pictures. Answer at the bottom.   We thought it was interesting, and I even had a copy stored away which I scanned in for proof...

Seth is a good big brother.  "I need to be taller Seth!"

The water looked so inviting but no one could swim in it as it was too cold, fresh from melting glaciers.

 At the beginning of the trail, by the parking lot was the moraine deposit that could also be climbed for a view overlooking the lake. We did that too, and it was worth it, although the kids were tired and hungry at that point.

On top of the deposit - the only thing holding in the lake.

 Here you go:
The old twenty dollar bill!  Lake Moraine in Banff National Park.   How's that for trivia?  ;)

Banff - Johnston Canyon

July 31st we packed up and drove away for a three day - two night mini vacation to Banff, and we were all so excited.  Rowan too, he got his shoes on and climbed into the van shouting "Run run run! Let's go!" (sounds more like "wun, wun, wun, wet's go!")  If you've never had the opportunity to be around a two year old... I would suggest you get right on it, they have such a zest for life it's contagious.
After a few wrong jaunts on the highways we made it to Canmore for an early coffee break in the afternoon.  Tim Hortons was even beautiful, with a patio and umbrellas to enjoy your Canadian coffee and donuts under.  Mountains were all around.... it was pure relaxation and we felt alot more then a few hours away from the responsibilities of the farm and prairie landscape.

For the first afternoon we planned to do the hike to the Upper and Lower Falls at the Johnston Canyon.

And it was: Simply stunning. 

Seth and Tristan did it all on their own (approx 6 km) and Rowan got a free ride, although a few times he was trying to climb out and we did let him down a bit to let him feel like a big boy.

Someone found a cool tree and wanted a picture...

...and of course the next one wanted a picture too. 

So. Much. Handsome.  :)

Most of the path was like this, in the shade, gently climbing up, along the side of the mountain.

Good thing there were railings.

The water was crystal clear and you could feel the coolness of it bouncing off the surface.

Lower Falls! Made it this far!

We couldn't get enough of it! 

Upper Falls

Everyone needs a break! And some time to soak in the scenery.

There was a tiny cave, perfect for three adventurers.

Rowan wanted to stand here for a picture...

And the other two (I know, my kids are so bashful eh?) wanted in on it too... Rowan was not impressed!

We wanted to see a bear so badly.  Finally...we found one!!!

And last, a selfie of me and my hubby.  Still in love:) 

 We ended the day by finding our hotel (The Rundlestone, in front of Mount Rundle, downtown Banff) and going to MacDonalds for Happy Meals.  Bedtime was late as there was no way we could miss the pool!  Tristan giggled happily as he was getting ready for bed and told me that this was the vacation of his dreams.
Andy and I are so thankful for these little people God has entrusted to our care, and the joy and enthusiasm they bring on a daily basis. Family holidays are the best.  What a good life we have, and we are thankful to God for every day together.