Banff and Canmore Day 2

   We were up early to beat the crowds, grabbing a bagel on the way out of town to Johnston Canyon. A nice drive just past Banff to start another hike.

  This trail was rated moderate, out and back, ~3.5 miles. Maybe we are getting used to the altitude or were better fueled, but this hike seemed much easier. The weather was overcast and there was light rain off and on, but we were hiking regardless. 

  All the way to the lower falls and onward to the upper falls, the trail followed a beautiful mountain stream with many waterfalls.

  I'm glad we actually started early because by the time we were heading down, the trail was getting pretty crowded. We leave there to head back to Banff to relax in a much needed hot spring. We drive through town, up Sulphur Mountain only to be turned around as all the parking was full. Hmm, ok... going to have to take a raincheck on the hot springs. We drive back down into town to get food, walk around, and get souvenirs.  Lunch was Indian. There's a large asian population, southern asian and otherwise. 

  I found a painting, but didn't convince myself to buy it until after finding a magnet and getting ice cream. Back to the gallery, then back to the rental to rest. 

  After a bit of rest, we walk to downtown Canmore... no more than 200 yards... just walking and window shopping before stopping for dinner.

Calgary, Banff, and Canmore Day 1

   We got up... not as late as I would have guessed... but the time change helped an hour. We made our way to a cool little breakfast spot before walking back, packing, and making our way to Banff.

  Before Canmore, the Canadian Rockies just explode upward. Yes, we all kept taking the same picture, but nothing captures the view in person. Our AirBnB is in Canmore, but we couldn't check in until later, so we passed Canmore and went straight to Banff. Neat little town, already crowded with summer tourists... which we just added to. Very walkable downtown with lots of ski chalet vibes. 

  We decided to do our first hike. Was rated moderate, but short. Seemed like a good place to start. So to Tunnel Mountain Trail we walk... and walk... and walk. Finally an actual local notices our confusion and helps us  get there (after more walking). So now, trail :) . It was a beautiful trail that switchbacked from the town all the way up the mountain. I'm not so sure about the moderate-ness of the trail, but the pay off were some spectacular views. We did finally make it to the top, and eventually back down. Whew, time for food. After some good pizza (and beer), we drove back to Canmore to settle into the rental.

  Pretty quickly everyone was down for the count. Abigail and I ran to the grocery store for waters, fruit, and power bars for the upcoming hikes. After that we just relaxed before calling it an early night.

Calgary Travel Day

   Bailley and I flew to Nashville to catch the same flight from Nashville to Calgary. We arrived early enough that we got to try a new brunch spot and then run by and see Abigail's new apartment. So far so good. The only pending issue was a strike that might affect out flight to Calgary.

  We all get to the airport and get board just fine. After a nice flight, we get there a little after 9pm. Sun is still out. After customs/immigration and getting our bags, we hike to the rental car center. 10pm, still not dark. Yeah, we are way north. Only hiccup was the car rental line, but even then, we were punch drunk from the long travel day. 

  We found a close place to eat and grabbed our first poutine amongst other things. From there we drove into Calgary and checked into the hotel and finally collapsed.