Banff. There are not enough superlatives to describe it.
I am awed and I am humbled by what I saw today. Instead of trying to describe the magnificence that lay before my eyes, I will let my photographs speak for themselves. Remember, I am a novice shutterbug at best!
In the morning, Dave made a campfire and we enjoyed coffee as we took in our surroundings. It was very relaxed and, even though it was cold (only 2 degrees when we first got up), I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The chill made me appreciate the warmth of my coffee and the glowing embers of the fire. Oh, by the way, the facilities here at Tunnel Mountain Campsite were excellent. Immaculate bathrooms and showers!
We hopped on the free shuttle and enjoyed a jaw-dropping drive into Banff. "Oh my gosh!" was my most commonly used phrase today, according to Dave. We arrived "downtown" and enjoyed walking down the charming streets, stopping in at a few shops along the way - and with each stop, the employees could not have been friendlier. I loved hearing all the different accents and languages - I swear I heard more Australian accents that even Canadian ones! There is something about Aussies that I just adore - they just seem to have such "joie de vivre"! And they love a good laugh too!
We ate at a little spot called "Coyotes" and had their soup and sandwich - delicious! Dave had the Mexican lentil soup and Southwestern club, while I had the sweet potato and corn chowder soup and half a smoked salmon bagel. Why don't I ever make soup? (I know my sisters right now are responding, "Why don't you ever make anything, CC?" Point taken.)
Alright, time for adventure. We decided to take the chairlift up Mount Norquay, as spectacular views were promised - and they delivered! Up we went to almost 7000 feet in altitude. I could not stop taking photos! We also stopped in at the Cliffhouse Bistro which sits right above the top of the chairlift platform. While sharing a pot of blueberry rooibos tea, Dave and I wrote out a few postcards and relaxed. The chairlift ride down also provided stunning visuals.
I am simply in awe of God's creation.
You can imagine there were a few times when my eyes welled up.
But the tears don't stop there!
Earlier in the day, when Dave and I were strolling down Banff's Main Street, we walked by this store called "Banff Trail Riders" - which, in itself is no big deal, until I took a second look at the poster in their storefront. It is this beautiful shot of three smiling horseback riders, all dressed in quintessential western gear. And guess who was one of the three smiling models? None other than our niece, Ingrid! She has been working in Banff for a number of years and is the greatest lover of horses I have ever known!
Later in the day, we decided we would see if Ingrid was working - she waitresses at one of the restaurants in Banff. Her dad, Dave's brother, Paul, texted me the details yesterday. We walked into the place, asked the hostess if Ingrid was working, and we were told she was - which thrilled us to pieces as she had NO idea that we were even in Banff! We sat close to where she was working and in about twenty seconds, she saw us. Needless to say, there were some big hugs and our eyes welled up! We hadn't seen Ingrid in a long time - she doesn't get home very often - so it was a pretty darn awesome feeling to see her! We hope to see her tomorrow before her shift begins.
After returning to the campsite, Dave barbecued steak, potatoes, and mushrooms to perfection - I didn't know campers could eat so well! We talked about our glorious day, and how we feel that everyone needs to see Banff at least once in their lives. I in particular wish that my parents could come here. Mom has been once, but my farmer dad isn't too quick to leave his land. Maybe some of these photographs will convince him!
I am definitely counting my blessings tonight. Love to you all. xoxo
