I uploaded photos at Shutterfly Click here to view Shutterfly albums
and videos at YouTube Click here for YouTube videos
For trip tales, see entries in the blog below.
Blogs show last entry first. To read in chronological order, click on the earliest date, read the bottom entry, then hop up the page, entry by entry. I tried to reverse the order, but can't be done :(
Would love to read about your trips too, so send links and stories, interested in where you go and what you do!
Marilyn
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
HOME
August 29, 2010
We are home. Yesterday we didn't get as far as Davenport, stopped in Coralville, which is by Iowa City, about 60 miles before Davenport. Internet was down at the motel, they said it was down all over the city. Drove straight on home from there, across the rest of Iowa, across Illinois and across Indiana and got home about 7. Was about 95 degrees most of the afternoon.
Quite tired. Unpacked about half our stuff, left the rest for tomorrow. Was a great trip and we had lots of fun. We don't push as hard as we used to, this is "leisure travel" as we've now dubbed it, and we make side trips or stops whenever we want.
We've seen miles and miles of sunflowers, but more miles and miles of corn. For the last 3 days it seems all we've seen is one cornfield after another! We had clear blue skies all over the west through Mitchell SD, but then as we drove east from there, we noticed the haze get thicker and thicker. Once we crossed into Indiana, we knew we were almost home just by looking at the haze across the horizon.
Will upload pics and videos first chance I get, but not for several days as I need to unwind a bit. Driving/riding for 3 straight days is tiring, much more fun to stop and see what's there. Thanks for putting up with us, and will send info soon about pics.
We are home. Yesterday we didn't get as far as Davenport, stopped in Coralville, which is by Iowa City, about 60 miles before Davenport. Internet was down at the motel, they said it was down all over the city. Drove straight on home from there, across the rest of Iowa, across Illinois and across Indiana and got home about 7. Was about 95 degrees most of the afternoon.
Quite tired. Unpacked about half our stuff, left the rest for tomorrow. Was a great trip and we had lots of fun. We don't push as hard as we used to, this is "leisure travel" as we've now dubbed it, and we make side trips or stops whenever we want.
We've seen miles and miles of sunflowers, but more miles and miles of corn. For the last 3 days it seems all we've seen is one cornfield after another! We had clear blue skies all over the west through Mitchell SD, but then as we drove east from there, we noticed the haze get thicker and thicker. Once we crossed into Indiana, we knew we were almost home just by looking at the haze across the horizon.
Will upload pics and videos first chance I get, but not for several days as I need to unwind a bit. Driving/riding for 3 straight days is tiring, much more fun to stop and see what's there. Thanks for putting up with us, and will send info soon about pics.
in Mitchell SD
August 27, 2010
When we left Canmore we camped in Jasper and Banff Parks for 8 days, in several different campgrounds, went on several hikes.. THEN we drove from Jasper to Golden, and then through the Okanagan Valley, etc.
We spent 2 nights in Deadwood SD, toured the Mining Museum and toured a simulated mine tour of the Homestake Gold Mine, which was the largest gold mine in the world until 2001 when they closed the mine, not because the gold is gone, but because it was costing more to remove it than they were getting. Now they are using the deep mine as a special science lab.
This morning we left Deadwood driving east on I-90. Stopped at Wall Drug (in Wall, SD), the hokey tourist stop, then drove along a non-main highway to Pierre to see the capitol building, Saw miles and miles of sunflowers, hundreds of acres of them, also a lot of milo and hay. Just rolling hills covered with short grasses and very very few trees. Rode miles with very few houses or towns.
Got very hot and was extremely windy. Our van has a temp gauge for the outside temperature and it hit 109 for awhile in the early afternoon, was over 100 for most of the day. AC worked hard and we stayed comfortable, but when we stepped out it was a blast of oven air that almost blew you over... but as they say it was a dry heat, so not muggy at all.
Hoped to get to Sioux Falls, but didn't make it. We're in Mitchell SD about 60 miles before Sioux Falls. Crossed the time line so lost an hour, we are now in Central Time. We had hoped to get to Davenport (Quad Cities) tomorrow night, then Louisville and home by Sunday night, but not sure we can make tracks that fast. We might find something to stop and see and take an extra day.
No time to upload photos or videos now, but will upload them when I get home.
When we left Canmore we camped in Jasper and Banff Parks for 8 days, in several different campgrounds, went on several hikes.. THEN we drove from Jasper to Golden, and then through the Okanagan Valley, etc.
We spent 2 nights in Deadwood SD, toured the Mining Museum and toured a simulated mine tour of the Homestake Gold Mine, which was the largest gold mine in the world until 2001 when they closed the mine, not because the gold is gone, but because it was costing more to remove it than they were getting. Now they are using the deep mine as a special science lab.
This morning we left Deadwood driving east on I-90. Stopped at Wall Drug (in Wall, SD), the hokey tourist stop, then drove along a non-main highway to Pierre to see the capitol building, Saw miles and miles of sunflowers, hundreds of acres of them, also a lot of milo and hay. Just rolling hills covered with short grasses and very very few trees. Rode miles with very few houses or towns.
Got very hot and was extremely windy. Our van has a temp gauge for the outside temperature and it hit 109 for awhile in the early afternoon, was over 100 for most of the day. AC worked hard and we stayed comfortable, but when we stepped out it was a blast of oven air that almost blew you over... but as they say it was a dry heat, so not muggy at all.
Hoped to get to Sioux Falls, but didn't make it. We're in Mitchell SD about 60 miles before Sioux Falls. Crossed the time line so lost an hour, we are now in Central Time. We had hoped to get to Davenport (Quad Cities) tomorrow night, then Louisville and home by Sunday night, but not sure we can make tracks that fast. We might find something to stop and see and take an extra day.
No time to upload photos or videos now, but will upload them when I get home.
in Deadwood SD
August 25, 2010
After leaving Jasper, then Golden, we spent a couple of nights in motels as we traveled through the Okanagan Valley in southern BC, and then stopped to view Dry Falls in Washington and stayed in Kinnewick WA and then on to Boise ID. Visited our friends Jim and Judy there and also visited the capitol.
Then we spent the next night in Idaho Falls and then to the Tetons and Yellowstone for 7 nights of camping, not even a phone signal in most areas. Met Cathy and Larry there and spent 3 days with them, went on a couple of hikes and out to the Lamar Valley to view the herds of buffalo.
Yesterday we left the Fishing Bridge area (in Yellowstone) and drove out the east entrance to Cody, a spectacular scenic drive, then continued east through the Bighorn Mountains to Sheridan WY where we spent last night. the road from Greybull to Sheridan was about a 30mph road, twisting and winding up and up and through the mountains, one of the most awesome scenic drives anywhere. Stopped at the viewpoint at Shell Creek to view the waterfalls. Surprised to see a couple of hummingbird feeders and about a dozen hummingbirds there, watched those for about 20 minutes.
This morning we left Sheridan on I-90 driving east to Gillette where we spent about 3 hours, wanted to go on a coal mine tour but they stopped tours Aug 20, so we went to an overlook and watched the big, I mean big, trucks hauling dirt out, I suppose for the beginning of a new strip mine. Tires on the trucks are 16 ft diameter. Then went to the Rockpile Museum, so named because it's next to a huge rockpile. Had all sorts of memorabilia, rifles, pistols, coal mine history etc, old wagons from wagon trains, a caboose we could go in and look around, fossils, and much more. Had some natural "cannonballs" formed by water, were about 20 inch diameter. Ate lunch and continued on to Deadwood where we are tonight. We are in a Hampton Inn and 4 Aces Casino. Walked up and down the old western town. An old car show is coming in to start tomorrow and many of the old cars are already in town and were interesting to see. Tomorrow we plan to tour a few things in the area, maybe go on a gold mine tour.
Tomorrow... don't know where or how far we'll get.... but we are back to travels and motels, don't plan to do any more camping.
After leaving Jasper, then Golden, we spent a couple of nights in motels as we traveled through the Okanagan Valley in southern BC, and then stopped to view Dry Falls in Washington and stayed in Kinnewick WA and then on to Boise ID. Visited our friends Jim and Judy there and also visited the capitol.
Then we spent the next night in Idaho Falls and then to the Tetons and Yellowstone for 7 nights of camping, not even a phone signal in most areas. Met Cathy and Larry there and spent 3 days with them, went on a couple of hikes and out to the Lamar Valley to view the herds of buffalo.
Yesterday we left the Fishing Bridge area (in Yellowstone) and drove out the east entrance to Cody, a spectacular scenic drive, then continued east through the Bighorn Mountains to Sheridan WY where we spent last night. the road from Greybull to Sheridan was about a 30mph road, twisting and winding up and up and through the mountains, one of the most awesome scenic drives anywhere. Stopped at the viewpoint at Shell Creek to view the waterfalls. Surprised to see a couple of hummingbird feeders and about a dozen hummingbirds there, watched those for about 20 minutes.
This morning we left Sheridan on I-90 driving east to Gillette where we spent about 3 hours, wanted to go on a coal mine tour but they stopped tours Aug 20, so we went to an overlook and watched the big, I mean big, trucks hauling dirt out, I suppose for the beginning of a new strip mine. Tires on the trucks are 16 ft diameter. Then went to the Rockpile Museum, so named because it's next to a huge rockpile. Had all sorts of memorabilia, rifles, pistols, coal mine history etc, old wagons from wagon trains, a caboose we could go in and look around, fossils, and much more. Had some natural "cannonballs" formed by water, were about 20 inch diameter. Ate lunch and continued on to Deadwood where we are tonight. We are in a Hampton Inn and 4 Aces Casino. Walked up and down the old western town. An old car show is coming in to start tomorrow and many of the old cars are already in town and were interesting to see. Tomorrow we plan to tour a few things in the area, maybe go on a gold mine tour.
Tomorrow... don't know where or how far we'll get.... but we are back to travels and motels, don't plan to do any more camping.
back in the good ole US of A
August 13, 2010
left Vernon BC this morning, drove south through the Okanagan Valley... found out this is the "Florida" of Canada, or rather, is the warmest area of Canada, has a very Mediterranean climate, many apples, cherries, peaches, wineries...crossed the border about noon today, drove all the way across Washington, stopped to see Dry Falls near Coulee..., staying tonight in Kennewick WA near the Oregon state line. not sure, but we think we'll be going to Boise tomorrow.
just wanted to let you know we're back in the states. will send more details later. still have lots to go see before heading home. we're doing fine and enjoying the route, but do get tired on the long drives.
left Vernon BC this morning, drove south through the Okanagan Valley... found out this is the "Florida" of Canada, or rather, is the warmest area of Canada, has a very Mediterranean climate, many apples, cherries, peaches, wineries...crossed the border about noon today, drove all the way across Washington, stopped to see Dry Falls near Coulee..., staying tonight in Kennewick WA near the Oregon state line. not sure, but we think we'll be going to Boise tomorrow.
just wanted to let you know we're back in the states. will send more details later. still have lots to go see before heading home. we're doing fine and enjoying the route, but do get tired on the long drives.
in Vernon BC
August 12, 2010
we're still in Canada... made a couple of stops for short trails and views in Mt Revelstoke NP, the trail through the old cedar trees was awesome, and then we toured the Revelstoke Train Museum.
We're in Vernon BC...about 2 and a half hours north of the US border. Planning to go to Coulee Dam, Washington tomorrow and see several things there, and then will decide where we'll stop for the night.
We plan to tour around some in Washington state, then visit some friends in Boise Idaho who moved there a few months ago from Louisville, a couple we met at bridge. Then we plan to go to either the Tetons NP or to Yellowstone, or both... they are not far apart.
We know the weather is still awful in Louisville, so will stay gone until it gets better, so probably won't be back until a few days or week or whatever, after Labor day. No real plans, just decide as we go.
we're still in Canada... made a couple of stops for short trails and views in Mt Revelstoke NP, the trail through the old cedar trees was awesome, and then we toured the Revelstoke Train Museum.
We're in Vernon BC...about 2 and a half hours north of the US border. Planning to go to Coulee Dam, Washington tomorrow and see several things there, and then will decide where we'll stop for the night.
We plan to tour around some in Washington state, then visit some friends in Boise Idaho who moved there a few months ago from Louisville, a couple we met at bridge. Then we plan to go to either the Tetons NP or to Yellowstone, or both... they are not far apart.
We know the weather is still awful in Louisville, so will stay gone until it gets better, so probably won't be back until a few days or week or whatever, after Labor day. No real plans, just decide as we go.
Monday, August 2, 2010
leaving Canmore tomorrow
Today was Heritage Day holiday in Alberta. The Canmore Folk Music Festival has been here in town Sat night, Sunday afternoon and night, and today afternoon and night. We don't go, but we can hear the music from our house which is only a block from the park where it is being held.
This morning we went to the annual Pancake Breakfast, free breakfast sponsored by Sobey's grocery. Ronnie and the Bag Boys band plays during breakfast, mostly rock and roll. Ronnie Marra owned the local grocery here for years, and sponsored the breakfast then, but sold the grocery in 2005, and Sobey's took over. Great music, not spectacular, but a lot of fun.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VxUG5_0RCA
I don't know if the link will work. I just uploaded it and YouTube doesn't seem to recognize my tagline :)
The last couple of weeks we've gone on a few hikes, nothing special, but have gotten out and enjoyed the sunshine. Since we're going to be hiking while camping, we've just been enjoying being around the house and walks around town. Went to Banff township several times.
We're leaving Canmore in the morning, so won't be online for a couple of weeks. We're going to be camping in Banff, Yoho and Jasper parks. We plan to go to Kicking Horse campground (near Field, BC in Yoho) for tomorrow night, but if we can't get our favorite site, or one of the others we like, we'll go back to Louise and stay there a few nights and then back again to Kicking Horse. They are only about 20 miles apart. Then we'll head up the Icefields Parkway to the Waterfowl Lakes campground, then on up to Jasper to Wapiti campground. From there, not sure where we're going to go, depends on how we feel and on the weather. Either we'll leave via Radium Springs and down thru Idaho, or we'll leave via Golden and down thru Kelowna and to Washington just east of the Cascades.
If you need to contact us, call our home phone number and leave a message. It will forward to my cellphone and I'll be checking messages every few days. or if you call my cell number, that's ok too.
This morning we went to the annual Pancake Breakfast, free breakfast sponsored by Sobey's grocery. Ronnie and the Bag Boys band plays during breakfast, mostly rock and roll. Ronnie Marra owned the local grocery here for years, and sponsored the breakfast then, but sold the grocery in 2005, and Sobey's took over. Great music, not spectacular, but a lot of fun.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VxUG5_0RCA
I don't know if the link will work. I just uploaded it and YouTube doesn't seem to recognize my tagline :)
The last couple of weeks we've gone on a few hikes, nothing special, but have gotten out and enjoyed the sunshine. Since we're going to be hiking while camping, we've just been enjoying being around the house and walks around town. Went to Banff township several times.
We're leaving Canmore in the morning, so won't be online for a couple of weeks. We're going to be camping in Banff, Yoho and Jasper parks. We plan to go to Kicking Horse campground (near Field, BC in Yoho) for tomorrow night, but if we can't get our favorite site, or one of the others we like, we'll go back to Louise and stay there a few nights and then back again to Kicking Horse. They are only about 20 miles apart. Then we'll head up the Icefields Parkway to the Waterfowl Lakes campground, then on up to Jasper to Wapiti campground. From there, not sure where we're going to go, depends on how we feel and on the weather. Either we'll leave via Radium Springs and down thru Idaho, or we'll leave via Golden and down thru Kelowna and to Washington just east of the Cascades.
If you need to contact us, call our home phone number and leave a message. It will forward to my cellphone and I'll be checking messages every few days. or if you call my cell number, that's ok too.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Boom Lake
Saturday was a beautiful perfect day with very blue skies, temp about 60, clean fresh mountain air. We drove about 40 miles, up to Castle Mtn junction, left on Hwy 93 and up almost to the continental divide, which is the boundary between Alberta and BC, to take the Boom Lake trail.
Since it was a weekend, parking lot was crowded, lots of people hiking the trail. Many locals, from Canmore, Banff, and Calgary, get out and hike on weekends.. Trail is about 3 miles long (6 miles roundtrip), elevation gain about 500 ft, so not as grueling as the Castle Mtn lookout trail. Trail is nice hiking the whole trail, not like many that are nice at the end, but boring along the route. When we got to the lake, we walked our way across some boulders, picked one out that was big and flat and lunched on the rock. We found only one bird, a lone loon fishing, he would duck his head to look under the water for a few seconds, then he'd dive and stay under about 3 minutes, was hard to keep track of where he was. I took a short nap, took the videos and some photos, and then we hiked out.
There were about a dozen people at the lake when we got there. Several people carried fishing rods. One guy had hauled a rubber blowup boat, packed onto his backpack, so he could go out in the lake to fish. Unique little boat, he half reclined on his back, with his feet in the water and wore swim fins, and this is how he powered the boat. The lake is snow melt, so temp is about 40 at most, brrrrr. You can see him in the video.
On the way back to Canmore, we stopped in Banff for an early dinner, ate at The Balkan, a Greek restaurant. I had a superb meal, baked chicken, Greek potatoes, rice, and mixed red peppers and zucchini. Bill had moussaka, was mixed ground beef and eggplant. I thought it was superbly delicious, but he didn't care much for it. He's really not a beef eater and had too much beef for his taste.
video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw321uU72vU
Since it was a weekend, parking lot was crowded, lots of people hiking the trail. Many locals, from Canmore, Banff, and Calgary, get out and hike on weekends.. Trail is about 3 miles long (6 miles roundtrip), elevation gain about 500 ft, so not as grueling as the Castle Mtn lookout trail. Trail is nice hiking the whole trail, not like many that are nice at the end, but boring along the route. When we got to the lake, we walked our way across some boulders, picked one out that was big and flat and lunched on the rock. We found only one bird, a lone loon fishing, he would duck his head to look under the water for a few seconds, then he'd dive and stay under about 3 minutes, was hard to keep track of where he was. I took a short nap, took the videos and some photos, and then we hiked out.
There were about a dozen people at the lake when we got there. Several people carried fishing rods. One guy had hauled a rubber blowup boat, packed onto his backpack, so he could go out in the lake to fish. Unique little boat, he half reclined on his back, with his feet in the water and wore swim fins, and this is how he powered the boat. The lake is snow melt, so temp is about 40 at most, brrrrr. You can see him in the video.
On the way back to Canmore, we stopped in Banff for an early dinner, ate at The Balkan, a Greek restaurant. I had a superb meal, baked chicken, Greek potatoes, rice, and mixed red peppers and zucchini. Bill had moussaka, was mixed ground beef and eggplant. I thought it was superbly delicious, but he didn't care much for it. He's really not a beef eater and had too much beef for his taste.
video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw321uU72vU
Friday, July 16, 2010
Castle Mountain
Tuesday was the cold day, high about 47. Wednesday we drove up to Castle Mountain, about 36 miles from here, and hiked the Castle Mountain lookout trail. Took a little more than 2 hours up, and a little less going down, about 4 and a half hours roundtrip. Was 2.3 miles one way and about a 1600 ft elevation gain.
Was about 55-60 as we climbed up the trail, and we got pretty hot going up. Got to the lookout and it was about 52 and the wind was whipping across through the valley. My shirt under my pack was soaked and the wind was cold on my back. We about froze up there with the strong winds. I changed to my dry long sleeved shirt, and set my wet one out to dry. We ate a quick lunch, took the videos, and were ready to go. I added my wet shirt on top of my other one, and headed back down.
We've hiked this trail before, didn't remember any after-effects, but this time, both of us have had sore muscles, mainly our calves. After sitting, can barely move. Rested all day Thursday, took one short walk down to the river and to the open market in town. Bought fresh corn and green beans. Today we took a little longer walk, across the river and around Mountain Shadows housing area, back along the river, and home again. Has been threatening rain, we could see it raining up near Banff, so Bill opted not to play golf, has been watching the tournament at St Andrews where the winds have played havoc with the tour.
videos taken at Castle Mountain lookout http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=banffwego+castlemountain&aq=f
viewpoint is near the top of the tree line
Was about 55-60 as we climbed up the trail, and we got pretty hot going up. Got to the lookout and it was about 52 and the wind was whipping across through the valley. My shirt under my pack was soaked and the wind was cold on my back. We about froze up there with the strong winds. I changed to my dry long sleeved shirt, and set my wet one out to dry. We ate a quick lunch, took the videos, and were ready to go. I added my wet shirt on top of my other one, and headed back down.
We've hiked this trail before, didn't remember any after-effects, but this time, both of us have had sore muscles, mainly our calves. After sitting, can barely move. Rested all day Thursday, took one short walk down to the river and to the open market in town. Bought fresh corn and green beans. Today we took a little longer walk, across the river and around Mountain Shadows housing area, back along the river, and home again. Has been threatening rain, we could see it raining up near Banff, so Bill opted not to play golf, has been watching the tournament at St Andrews where the winds have played havoc with the tour.
videos taken at Castle Mountain lookout http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=banffwego+castlemountain&aq=f
viewpoint is near the top of the tree line
looking towards mountains that surround Lake Moraine, Lake Louise, and Paradise Valley
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Snow on the Mountain in Canmore July 13
Haven't done anything spectacular these last few days, just lazying around the house, and taking short walks on the trails around town. Went downtown noon on Saturday and watched the Miners Day Parade, lasted about 10 minutes Canmore was a mining town until about 30 years ago and the town still honors them and their families every year. Any resident related to a miner can be in the parade and many are.
We went to Quarry Lake on Sunday, walked some trails around there and up through Grassi Peaks subdivision, many duplexes and a few single homes, all very close together, looks quite crowded.
See photos of Miners Day Parade and Quarry Lake at the photo site
http://billandmarilyncanada2010.shutterfly.com/
Yesterday, Monday, we drove out to Ghost Lake which is towards Calgary and where Ghost River and the Bow River come together and there is a dam there that makes the lake. Several years ago we saw osprey here, but not this time. They are building a new subdivision called "cottages" which is pretty cheap small houses. Even cheap is not cheap in this area, housing is quite expensive, I'd guess 2 and a half to 3 times higher than the same house would be in Louisville.
Today the temp dropped quite a bit and has been socked in and drizzly rain all day,,, but snow on the mountain! It's been fun watching the white patch grow. High today is about 49, low last night was about 35. Tomorrow it's supposed to warm back up with a high around 72.
what it looks like out our front window, click on the photo and click again to get a close up view:
We went to Quarry Lake on Sunday, walked some trails around there and up through Grassi Peaks subdivision, many duplexes and a few single homes, all very close together, looks quite crowded.
See photos of Miners Day Parade and Quarry Lake at the photo site
http://billandmarilyncanada2010.shutterfly.com/
Yesterday, Monday, we drove out to Ghost Lake which is towards Calgary and where Ghost River and the Bow River come together and there is a dam there that makes the lake. Several years ago we saw osprey here, but not this time. They are building a new subdivision called "cottages" which is pretty cheap small houses. Even cheap is not cheap in this area, housing is quite expensive, I'd guess 2 and a half to 3 times higher than the same house would be in Louisville.
Today the temp dropped quite a bit and has been socked in and drizzly rain all day,,, but snow on the mountain! It's been fun watching the white patch grow. High today is about 49, low last night was about 35. Tomorrow it's supposed to warm back up with a high around 72.
what it looks like out our front window, click on the photo and click again to get a close up view:
Friday, July 9, 2010
Hike up Tunnel Mountain
Wednesday we went to Banff and hiked up Tunnel Mountain. Trailhead is almost downtown, just on the edge of the main district. Somehow we'd missed this trail in previous years, Bill says probably because it's a short hike and he looks for half day ones. This was about 2 hours roundtrip and was about a 1000 ft elevation gain. Has great views all around, and well worth the climb. Weather was perfect, clear skies and about a high of 78.
Photos in next section, taken with my video camera, so are not high resolution, but will enlarge once, but not to extra large. Videos are here: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=banffwego+tunnelmountain&aq=f
I tried and tried to take a photo of Bill without the nocs in his face, but he persisted. After about 12 takes, I did have 3 that they weren't there, but since he wanted the nocs looking at YOU, that's what I uploaded. He had me laughing so hard I was afraid I'd fall off the rocks!
Today it's also a high of about 79 and blue blue blue skies. We took a walk around town and along the river. Many many walkers, joggers, bicyclists, everybody gets out and enjoys the fantastic views and weather. Had my small digital camera, but batteries were half dead and wouldn't take a pic :(
Tuesday and Thursday Bill played 9 holes at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club, said it was the best he's ever played and when he gets back home, he's gonna turn pro! I stayed home and did some computer work etc.
Loving it! Even sitting here at "home" is great, with the beautiful views out the front window. Bill's on the front deck reading the local paper. We're on a dead end street, but the foot bridge crosses the creek here, and we see lots of people walking to and from town.
Photos in next section, taken with my video camera, so are not high resolution, but will enlarge once, but not to extra large. Videos are here: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=banffwego+tunnelmountain&aq=f
I tried and tried to take a photo of Bill without the nocs in his face, but he persisted. After about 12 takes, I did have 3 that they weren't there, but since he wanted the nocs looking at YOU, that's what I uploaded. He had me laughing so hard I was afraid I'd fall off the rocks!
Today it's also a high of about 79 and blue blue blue skies. We took a walk around town and along the river. Many many walkers, joggers, bicyclists, everybody gets out and enjoys the fantastic views and weather. Had my small digital camera, but batteries were half dead and wouldn't take a pic :(
Tuesday and Thursday Bill played 9 holes at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club, said it was the best he's ever played and when he gets back home, he's gonna turn pro! I stayed home and did some computer work etc.
Loving it! Even sitting here at "home" is great, with the beautiful views out the front window. Bill's on the front deck reading the local paper. We're on a dead end street, but the foot bridge crosses the creek here, and we see lots of people walking to and from town.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
What a view!!
views from top of Tunnel Mountain in Banff township ... looking down at the town
Banff Springs Hotel golf course
hoodoos
Banff Springs Hotel
Banff Springs Hotel golf courseBow River
hoodoos
Banff Springs HotelTuesday, July 6, 2010
view out our front window in Canmore
There is a creek just across the street where you see the lowest strip of green, and then there's the board fence and on the other side used to be an RV campground. What you see now are construction supplies. They closed about half the campground and built 3 huge, I mean huge condo complexes to the right of the photo. We used to enjoy watching the RV's come and go. We still see some, half the campground is still there, but they built a new entrance. The old entrance, to the left, is still there, and I guess many of the oldtimers still come in that way. The plan is to eventually fill all the campground area with condos and shops, but since the economy fell, construction has slowed way down. Eventually our good views will be looking at 3 or 4 story condos and we'll only be able to see the mountain over the buildings. All houses and buildings in the main area of town are restricted to a max of 3 stories, but the condos are on the other side of the creek so I guess that's why they were allowed to be 4.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Johnson Lake
We finally got into the park today and went on 2 short easy hikes, both in the Banff township area. First we hiked around Johnson Lake. Usually we see birds here but only one today we couldn't identify. Uploaded a video of it, so if you know what it is, let us know.
Then we went out to Vermillion Lakes, saw one osprey here and one duck that was flying low all the way across the lake. Then went up by the Cave and Basin area where the hot springs are and hiked the Marsh Trail, saw one red winged blackbird. also saw 2 deer with antlers eating grass on the parking lot islands... of this whole vast park and forest, they choose the parking lot???
In years past we both remember seeing lots of birds in all these areas, but in the last few years, not many. We wonder if their population is down, or if it's just that we're not seeing them.
Temperature today was a high of 57, overcast and some drizzling rain. We wore our raincoats but never got rained on, except a mist.
Uploaded 2 videos today taken at Johnson Lake.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=canada2010+banffwego+johnsonlake&aq=f
Was a nice day.
Then we went out to Vermillion Lakes, saw one osprey here and one duck that was flying low all the way across the lake. Then went up by the Cave and Basin area where the hot springs are and hiked the Marsh Trail, saw one red winged blackbird. also saw 2 deer with antlers eating grass on the parking lot islands... of this whole vast park and forest, they choose the parking lot???
In years past we both remember seeing lots of birds in all these areas, but in the last few years, not many. We wonder if their population is down, or if it's just that we're not seeing them.
Temperature today was a high of 57, overcast and some drizzling rain. We wore our raincoats but never got rained on, except a mist.
Uploaded 2 videos today taken at Johnson Lake.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=canada2010+banffwego+johnsonlake&aq=f
Was a nice day.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
resting in Canmore for the weekend
July and August are the most popular times to visit this area, and with Thursday July 1 having been a holiday and this being the first weekend of July, we haven't tried to go into Banff yet. Yesterday and today we've just been been resting and recuperating from the drive. I've done some catchup with computer stuff, uploaded photos and videos. Bill has been watching tennis and golf. We did go out and do a walk around town yesterday and today. Took some photos, but not the best. It's pretty solid overcast and some drizzly rain. There are trails throughout town, and along both sides of the river, so there are miles of trails we can walk without ever driving anywhere.
To view photos and videos, go to http://billandmarilyncanada2010.shutterfly.com/
To view photos and videos, go to http://billandmarilyncanada2010.shutterfly.com/
Friday, July 2, 2010
arrived in Canmore
left Shelby this morning about 7 AM local time (Mountain Time), border is only about 35 miles away and crossed with ease, no waiting line, first time I remember that happening, we drove right up to the window, handed the person our passports, answered a few questions and were on our way. Stopped in Lethbridge at McD's for Bill to get coffee (and charged it, had no Canadian cash yet), drove straight on. Found the exit onto 2A then 22X (to circle around southwest of Calgary) without a hitch.... twice before we've missed the exit... previously the area was under construction and now it's finished, so guess the signage is better! We came via Bragg Creek , a small tourist community with lots of little shops and cafes. We made a quick stop and grabbed a quick bite of food we had in the car and then continued on. Arrived Canmore about 1:30, got the keys to the house and moved in. We still haven't seen Ray, the rental agent, but he'll show up next week to get a rent check we can be sure.
We moved in most of our stuff, still have other stuff to get out later, but we're tired and only got out the basics. Later on we'll take out the camping stuff and store it for later.
Went to ATM, got Canadian cash, then went to grocery store. Since we had a light lunch, we were starving so I cooked supper about 4:30, grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, and rice. Boy, it was yummy.! After eating out for 6 days, it was good to have a home cooked meal.
We sat around for awhile then took a walk down to the river, the Bow River, which is about 5 blocks from our house. Town is laid out in square blocks, but short ones. We enjoy looking at the houses, the old ones still here from when this was a mining town, and the new massive ones that are replacing them as the town transitions to a tourist town.
Temperature is about 50 degrees. Will drop into the upper 30's tonight. High's for the next few days are in the mid 60's, low's around 40, until Tuesday when it's expected to get up to 70. It's perfect for hiking and so refreshing. Sunset is 10 PM, sunrise is at 5:30 AM. We love the long days.
Will upload more photos when I get a chance.
Installed router, got both our laptops going. Got magicJack and phone hooked up and working, so can make and receive calls same as if we were in Louisville. I'm amazed at how great this little gadget works and all for $19.95 for a whole year, unlimited calls within and to/from US and Canada. If you call our home phone it will ring here in Canmore. (I have our home phone forwarded to the magicJack number). Cell phones are turned off while we are in Canada. I changed both our outgoing messages to say to call our home number.
We are on Mountain Time, 2 hours earlier than Louisville.
want to see Canmore? view the webcams anytime... we're about 5 blocks from the Main Street cam http://www.canmorealberta.com/news/webcam/
Tired from 6 days of traveling, glad to settle in and stay put for awhile!
We moved in most of our stuff, still have other stuff to get out later, but we're tired and only got out the basics. Later on we'll take out the camping stuff and store it for later.
Went to ATM, got Canadian cash, then went to grocery store. Since we had a light lunch, we were starving so I cooked supper about 4:30, grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, and rice. Boy, it was yummy.! After eating out for 6 days, it was good to have a home cooked meal.
We sat around for awhile then took a walk down to the river, the Bow River, which is about 5 blocks from our house. Town is laid out in square blocks, but short ones. We enjoy looking at the houses, the old ones still here from when this was a mining town, and the new massive ones that are replacing them as the town transitions to a tourist town.
Temperature is about 50 degrees. Will drop into the upper 30's tonight. High's for the next few days are in the mid 60's, low's around 40, until Tuesday when it's expected to get up to 70. It's perfect for hiking and so refreshing. Sunset is 10 PM, sunrise is at 5:30 AM. We love the long days.
Will upload more photos when I get a chance.
Installed router, got both our laptops going. Got magicJack and phone hooked up and working, so can make and receive calls same as if we were in Louisville. I'm amazed at how great this little gadget works and all for $19.95 for a whole year, unlimited calls within and to/from US and Canada. If you call our home phone it will ring here in Canmore. (I have our home phone forwarded to the magicJack number). Cell phones are turned off while we are in Canada. I changed both our outgoing messages to say to call our home number.
We are on Mountain Time, 2 hours earlier than Louisville.
want to see Canmore? view the webcams anytime... we're about 5 blocks from the Main Street cam http://www.canmorealberta.com/news/webcam/
Tired from 6 days of traveling, glad to settle in and stay put for awhile!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
If we're in Shelby this must be Thursday
loooong drive. We left Eau Claire Tuesday morning, drove across Minneapolis quick and easy. In previous years it's been congested slow going and seemed to take forever. This year we averaged about 60 mph and made it across in about 40 minutes. Was about 11 on a Tuesday morning. We usually get to Minneapolis about 1 or 2 in the afternoon, so wouldn't have thought it would be much different. Anyway, was glad it was so easy! Made it to Bismarck ND Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning we toured the capitol building, we like to tour the capitols when we pass through one. Several miles later on we stopped and did a quick visit at the visitor center and a short drive in T Roosevelt NP, not much there but enjoyed seeing what we did, mostly the bad lands that are in this area. With these 2 stops we didn't make many miles and stopped in Glendive MT. This was a good place to stop because we leave the expressway here.
This morning we left Glendive and drove north thru Circle to Wolf Point and joined US 2, then straight west from there. This is a 2 lane road but almost no traffic, averaged 70 mph. A few very small towns, a few a bit larger, but mostly continuous wheat fields, cows, and just wide open spaces with only an occasional tree. Very green. Arrived Shelby about 3 local time.
After leaving Eau Claire where it was coolish, as we drove across North Dakota and Montana it was much hotter, but not as hot as years past. Has been in low 70s most of this afternoon. We expect it to be cool in Canmore.
Wednesday morning we toured the capitol building, we like to tour the capitols when we pass through one. Several miles later on we stopped and did a quick visit at the visitor center and a short drive in T Roosevelt NP, not much there but enjoyed seeing what we did, mostly the bad lands that are in this area. With these 2 stops we didn't make many miles and stopped in Glendive MT. This was a good place to stop because we leave the expressway here.
This morning we left Glendive and drove north thru Circle to Wolf Point and joined US 2, then straight west from there. This is a 2 lane road but almost no traffic, averaged 70 mph. A few very small towns, a few a bit larger, but mostly continuous wheat fields, cows, and just wide open spaces with only an occasional tree. Very green. Arrived Shelby about 3 local time.
After leaving Eau Claire where it was coolish, as we drove across North Dakota and Montana it was much hotter, but not as hot as years past. Has been in low 70s most of this afternoon. We expect it to be cool in Canmore.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
House on the Rock at Spring Green WI
We arrived about 9 AM at the House on the Rock, stayed about 3 hours. 3 tours, all self guided. Only the first one tours the house. Other 2 are viewing all the huge collections of penny arcade type music contraptions, if you saw them you'd understand why I dubbed them that. Monstrous size for the most part. One room was the organ room, many many huge organs, but not playing, and a huge, I mean huge red glass chandelier. We found out the "house" was not ever lived in, was basically a picnic place, that's how it began, and then was expanded to many rooms. It houses lots of tiffany hanging lights, Oriental art objects, and many eclectic items. We found no bedrooms, did find a kitchen and dining table with benches. Many ceilings were low, and it was dark, made me feel like I was in a cave. To be situated on a rock with fantastic views, it was a shame he covered almost all the windows with blue plexiglass and blocked out most of the light and all the views.
The infinity room itself was worth the whole trip. It's a walkway sticking out in space, roofed, sloped glass walls on both sides. At the end it tapers off so it visually looks like it goes on forever. This was high over the tree tops and has great views all around
The infinity room itself was worth the whole trip. It's a walkway sticking out in space, roofed, sloped glass walls on both sides. At the end it tapers off so it visually looks like it goes on forever. This was high over the tree tops and has great views all around
Monday, June 28, 2010
House on the Rock photos
You can click on any photo for a larger version.
Then click a 2nd time for a larger one.
carousel with 20,000 lights. enormous. no horses. all rides are other animals or creative blends of animals and/or people.
Then click a 2nd time for a larger one.carousel with 20,000 lights. enormous. no horses. all rides are other animals or creative blends of animals and/or people.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Leaving Tomorrow
It's June. It's hot. It's time to go to Banff. Once again we are going to our favorite getaway, leaving in the morning, Sunday June 27, 2010. Right now it's 95 degrees here in Louisville. Hopefully we'll drive out of the heat by the end of tomorrow, or maybe not. Predictions are hot for all along the route, but it's nice in Canmore! High today there is 69!
Our plans are to stay in our rental house in Canmore July 2 through August 3. Then we'll camp in Banff and Jasper NPs for a couple of weeks, then Robson, down through Kelowna, cross the border just east of the Cascades in Washington, drive across the Cascades westbound, pick up the expressway, head south to Mt St Helens, then Crater Lake, back thru Boise, then to Yellowstone, then home. We often make quick changes and reroutes, but that's the plan.
On our drive out, we plan to stop on the west side of Madison WI Sunday night, and then go to the House on the Rock in Spring Green on Monday. Not sure where we'll stay that night, but hope to get to Eau Claire. Then will drive out via Fargo ND, Bismarck ND, Circle MT, and Shelby MT for Thursday night. Will cross the border on Friday and check into our rental house in Canmore on Friday.
That's it for now. Please do let us hear from you too and places you've been going, and any updates. Keep in touch!
Our plans are to stay in our rental house in Canmore July 2 through August 3. Then we'll camp in Banff and Jasper NPs for a couple of weeks, then Robson, down through Kelowna, cross the border just east of the Cascades in Washington, drive across the Cascades westbound, pick up the expressway, head south to Mt St Helens, then Crater Lake, back thru Boise, then to Yellowstone, then home. We often make quick changes and reroutes, but that's the plan.
On our drive out, we plan to stop on the west side of Madison WI Sunday night, and then go to the House on the Rock in Spring Green on Monday. Not sure where we'll stay that night, but hope to get to Eau Claire. Then will drive out via Fargo ND, Bismarck ND, Circle MT, and Shelby MT for Thursday night. Will cross the border on Friday and check into our rental house in Canmore on Friday.
That's it for now. Please do let us hear from you too and places you've been going, and any updates. Keep in touch!
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